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 Trade Policies Review Division.

The Trade Policies Review Division is responsible for servicing the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB), which includes the functioning of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM), among other things. TPR-related work is organized in four geographic Sections (Africa, Americas, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe and Middle East). The work covers all aspects related to the preparation of the reports (liaising with officials in Geneva and in capitals, research, trade policy analysis, writing the reports, and information memos to the DG), undertaking missions to capitals, discussions with Members, servicing the respective TPRB meetings, and ensuring the final issuance of TPR reports and related documents. It also includes technical assistance activities, such as the conduct of TPR Follow-Up Seminars (at the request of reviewed Members), and assistance to LDCs and Members subject to their first Review by the TPRB.

General Functions

Under the supervision of the Chief of Section of one of the geographical regions and the overall guidance by the Director, the incumbent is expected to make substantial contributions to the WTO Trade Policy Review (TPR) work of the Division and will be involved in all the steps required for the preparation of TPRs as well as related assignments. Key functions include:

Carry out research and analysis of economic and trade-related policies and practices of WTO Members; Prepare and participate in official missions; Draft reports, analyse and interpret statistics, produce relevant quantitative and empirical outputs to support economic and trade policy analyses, and review outputs by colleagues; Contribute to the servicing of meetings of the Trade Policy Review Body and the finalization of TPR documents; Carry out other relevant work of the Division, including economic and policy-related research and analysis and the preparation of briefing notes for the Director-General and Senior Management; Develop relevant expertise in specific geographic areas, trade policies, economic issues and/or relevant techniques and processes and stay abreast of developments in the field; Undertake technical assistance activities on substantive areas of the Division's work. Contribute to the design of training activities and the development of training material. Contribute to outreach activities related to the Division's work, including through participating in the organization of seminars, workshops or conferences.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

An advanced degree in Economics or related field is required, with excellent knowledge of the economics of trade and trade policy. A PhD in Economics or related field with a relevant specialization will be an asset.

Knowledge and Skills:

Technical knowledge and skills:

Excellent knowledge of international trade (economics and policy) as well as understanding of relevant WTO Agreements and the WTO system, in particular the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) and its economic foundations.

Excellent policy-oriented research and drafting skills, as demonstrated e.g. by contributions to economic/analytical reports, background analyses, working papers, articles in academic journals.

Highly developed technical and analytical skills; up-to-date knowledge in the field of applied econometrics, statistics and/or data science and related programming skills will be an advantage.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. Knowledge of econometric softwares and programming languages, such as STATA, EViews, Python, or R; experience in the processing of large datasets. 

Excellent presentation and organizational skills.

Behavioural skills:

Strong ability to work independently, with good judgement to determine the sensitivity of issues, the reliability of data and information, and the analytical methodology employed.

Ability to work in a dynamic environment, demonstrating excellent organizational skills including through working under pressure, and meeting strict deadlines.

Highly developed tact and discretion including political sensitivity; good diplomatic and communication skills; and ability to build constructive relationships with people both inside and outside the Organization.

Organisational Competencies:

• Communication for Results
• Effective Collaboration
• Cultivating Progressive Growth
• Professional Accountability
• Relevant Digital Proficiency
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Work Experience:

A minimum of three years of professional experience in a relevant position related to trade policy analysis, which may include experience gained in an academic institution.

Languages:

Excellent knowledge of English, including a demonstrated ability to communicate accurately, concisely, and clearly, both orally and in writing. Good knowledge of French and/or Spanish will be a strong advantage.

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.