Trade Policy Analyst

VN Category (INT / EXT / EOI):

Job Category:

This is an external vacancy notice open to external candidates and WTO staff. It is posted on the WTO internal as well as external career site. Eligible WTO staff on short-term, fixed-term or regular contracts and interns must apply through the Workday internal career site.

This is a Fixed-term contract funded through the regular budget. The duration will be two years with the possibility of extension, unless specified in the vacancy notice.

The WTO seeks to attract and retain staff members offering the highest standards of competence, efficiency and integrity and to build an organization that is representative of the Members and People it serves. As an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, the WTO gives full regard to competence and welcome applications from qualified candidates irrespective of age, disability status, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, social origin or any other characteristic. Applications from non-represented Members (link) are particularly encouraged for all positions.

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The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of Trade Policy Analyst in the Council and Trade Negotiations Committee Division.

The Council and TNC Division is responsible for ensuring the efficient management of the Ministerial Conference, the General Council, the Dispute Settlement Body and the Trade Negotiations Committee. The Council and TNC Division also has responsibility for electronic commerce.

General Functions

Under the supervision of a senior officer and the general supervision of the Director, the incumbent will provide support to areas covered by the Division, including Ministerial Conferences, the General Council, Dispute Settlement, E-Commerce and the Trade Negotiations Committee. More specifically, s/he will be:

Assisting in the preparation, execution of and follow-up to meetings of the General Council and the Dispute Settlement Body, including through eAgenda management, memos and minutes of meetings.

Contribute to the preparation of Secretariat documents for discussion in meetings and consultations under the responsibility of the Council and TNC Division.

Prepare briefing notes for senior management on matters under the responsibility of the Council and TNC Division - and provide technical expertise as necessary on issues being discussed in the areas under the responsibility of the Division.

Undertake research and analysis in areas related to substantive areas of the Division's work.

Follow work on issues relevant to the work of the Council and TNC Division - taking place across the WTO, as well as in other intergovernmental organizations and multilateral fora.

Assist in delivering technical assistance, training and outreach on areas of the Division's work, and serve as back-up Divisional TA focal point.

Participate in and contribute to all other work and activities of the Division, as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

An advanced university degree in international trade, international law, international economics, international relations, or a related discipline. 

Knowledge and Skills:

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

Excellent drafting skills.

Good knowledge of relevant WTO Agreements and of the underlying economic, legal and/or political theory and principles.

Good analytical and research skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Behavioural Skills:

Tact, diplomacy and political sensitivity.

Ability to: work in a team; plan and organize own work, and capable of prioritizing and multitasking; relate to and build relationships with colleagues; communicate clear factual information; and present technical facts.

Work Experience:

Minimum two years of relevant professional experience is required.

Languages:

Excellent knowledge of English including ability to draft clearly, accurately and concisely and to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.

Knowledge of either French or Spanish would be considered an asset.

Additional Information:
 
Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted. 

The recruitment process will be undertaken as per Administrative Memorandum No. 976 (OFFICE(16)/15) on Staff Promotions and external recruitment through Vacancy Notices.

The initial fixed-term contract for positions up to grade 10 shall normally be two years, which shall be probationary, as per Administrative Memorandum No. 997 (OFFICE(23)/4) on Probation Policy. For Director positions, the Policy on evaluation of directors apply as per Administrative Memorandum No. 978 (OFFICE(17)/29).

The WTO may use various communication technologies such as video or teleconference for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. The recruitment process may also involve the use of various forms of testing, assessment centres, interviews and reference checks. 

Applicants may be required to sit a written examination. 

Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview. 

Candidates not selected whose performance in the selection process nevertheless shows them to be suitable for a similar position may be kept on a roster for up to 24 months, and may subsequently be called upon as and when the need arises for additional resources.

All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the closing date – Geneva (Switzerland) time – stated in the vacancy announcement. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 

The WTO is a non-smoking environment.