Secretary
The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a temporary position (maternity cover) of Secretary in the Accessions Division. The work of the division is to facilitate the negotiations between WTO members and states and entities requesting accession to the WTO by encouraging their integration into the multilateral trading system through the effective liberalization of their trade regimes in goods and services; and to act as a focal point in widening the scope and geographical coverage of the WTO. There are at present 22 accession working parties.
General Functions
Under the supervision of the Divisional Coordinator and Director, the incumbent will perform the following specific duties:
1. Process high volumes of documentation, which includes formatting tables, graphs and charts, proof-reading. Where necessary, identify the need for editorial changes to reports and liaise with the Language and Documentation Services Division, in accordance with standard Accession documentation practices.
2. Ensure the timely preparation and smooth running of Accession Working Party (WP) meetings and other Accession-related meetings such as the Informal Group of Acceding Governments (IGAG), by compiling documentation, sending out convening notices or official airgrams, providing technical and logistical support to the WP Secretaries, and servicing the meeting rooms. Liaise with supporting Divisions such as the Languages and Documentation Services Division, Administration and General Services Division, as well as outside providers, to ensure the smooth technical functioning of the meetings, including where virtual technology is used.
3. Draft correspondence and send official communications to WTO Members and Acceding Governments as required; respond to generic requests for information from other Divisions within the WTO as well as delegations on matters covered by the Division, or direct these requests to the appropriate staff for reply; keep the Accessions contact list up-to-date.
4. Provide administrative and logistical support for technical assistance and outreach activities undertaken by the Division, including Trade for Peace through WTO Accessions Initiative; liaise with external partners and institutions, Missions and other stakeholders as needed; schedule meetings, send out invitation letters for events and update the list of contacts.
5. Assist and replace the Divisional Coordinator when absent, including managing the Director's agenda and travel arrangements.
6. Assist in the general work of the Division and other assignments, as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Completion of secondary school; training in the secretarial field or proven experience in secretarial processes and practices.
Knowledge and Skills:
Technical knowledge and skills:
Good knowledge of administrative and secretarial processes, and good skills in these areas.
General knowledge of the working procedures and understanding of the substantive work of the division.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams etc.) and other software such as hosting virtual meeting platforms. Knowledge of social media tools, including the use of video and audio material, would be an asset.
Experience in formatting and editing lengthy Word documents and text according to strict guidelines. Familiarity with documents related to the WTO is an asset.
Behavioural skills:
Ability to handle large volumes of work accurately, under pressure and within short deadlines.
Excellent multi-tasking skills.
Proven ability to pay attention to detail.
Highly developed tact and discretion.
Ability to take initiative and cooperate with other colleagues in a diverse international setting.
The following interpersonal capabilities are required: relate to and build relationships with colleagues; communicate and understand clear factual information; persuade others to a point of view using facts; face and cope with conflict situations with colleagues; and work as a member of a team, relating to others, while working independently to achieve his/her objectives.
Work Experience:
Three to four years' relevant work experience, including substantial work as a secretary, preferably in an international environment.
Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English (equivalent of level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)) and a good working level of French (B2 level according to CEFR) are required.
The language skills of shortlisted candidates will be assessed as part of the selection process.
Additional Information:
This is a maternity cover temporary post.
*ALL CANDIDATES MUST APPLY ON THE WTO CAREER WEBSITE USING THE FOLLOWING LINK:
Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted.
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.
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.
19 August to 20 December 2024 (4 months).
Contact
Thierry Kim
Genève