Communications Officer, Geneva

Closing date: Tuesday, 10 March 2015

The recruitment policy of the WTO is to seek to attract and retain staff members offering the highest standards of competence, efficiency and integrity.

As an Equal Opportunities Employer, the WTO gives full regard to merit and diversity.

Vacancy Notice No.: EXT/F/15-3

Title: Communications Officer

Grade: 6

Contract Type: Fixed-term

Starting Salary: CHF 84,399 net per annum (approximate)

Issued On: 10 February 2015

Application Deadline (CET): 10 March 2015

Division: Information & External Relations (50)

Duration: Two years with the possibility of extension

Other Conditions: In accordance with WTO Staff Regulations and Staff Rules and WTO Pension Plan Regulations.

The World Trade Organization offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), dependency benefits, pension plan, health insurance scheme, separation grant and 30 days annual leave. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, installation grant, education grant, rental subsidy and home leave.

Additional information on the compensation package is provided on the WTO website: http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/vacan_e/comp_package_e.pdf

The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of Communications Officer in the Information and External Relations Division.

General Functions

Under the supervision of a senior professional, the incumbent will undertake the following responsibilities:

1. Assist in preparing written communications, including speeches and articles, for the Director-General (DG) and senior management.
2. Provide research and drafting support for all such communications.
3. Assist in communications planning, including providing recommendations for events, as directed.
4. Keep abreast of latest developments at the WTO, including strategic priorities.
5. Participate in and provide support to other activities of the Division, as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Advanced university degree in a relevant topic.

Knowledge and skills:

Highly developed drafting skills, including the ability to vary writing style according to requirements.

Good knowledge of trade, economics, and international affairs; an understanding of and sensitivity to the varying interests and negotiating positions of Members.

Strong research and analytical skills.

Time management skills; ability to multi-task - while maintaining excellent attention to detail.

Tact and diplomacy.

Willingness to learn and adapt.

The following interpersonal skills are required: relate to and build relationships with colleagues; communicate complex abstract ideas to an audience of informed people and understand ideas when communicated by others; persuade others to a point of view using facts; present technical facts to knowledgeable specialised audiences; face and cope with conflict situations with colleagues; work as a member of a team, relating to others, while working independently to achieve his/her objectives.

Work Experience:

Minimum two years' relevant experience in international trade, or similar issues, at the national and/or international level.

Experience writing speeches and/or articles for senior figures.

Languages:

Excellent speaking and writing skills in English are essential. Working level of French and/or Spanish would be an asset.

Additional Information:

[IMPORTANT] As part of the process, a writing sample of no more than 1,000 words illustrating your drafting skills is required (e.g. article, essay, working paper, etc. - an extract of a longer document would be acceptable). After submitting your application through the E-Recruitment system, you must copy and paste your writing sample into an e-mail and address it without delay to: HumanResources@wto.org with the subject heading [EXT/F/15-03 - Writing Sample - First Name Last Name]. Applications without a writing sample will not be considered.

Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted.

OFFICE(15)/7

APPLICANTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO SIT A WRITTEN EXAMINATION

APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY IF SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW.

Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WTO to store your profile in a permanent database.

Please visit WTO's E-Recruitment website at: www.wto.org. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.

All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the closing date - Central European Time (CET) - stated in the vacancy announcement.

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

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