World Trade Organization is looking for a Legal Expert (Roster)

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 welcomes 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 are particularly encouraged for all positions.

Context

Pursuant to Article 27.2 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (DSU), the WTO Secretariat must make available a qualified legal expert from the WTO technical cooperation services to any developing Member which requests additional legal advice and assistance in respect of dispute settlement.

Against this background, the WTO Secretariat seeks to create a roster of qualified legal experts (hereinafter, experts). All experts included in the roster will be eligible to provide additional legal advice and assistance to developing Members under Article 27.2 of the DSU.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and assistance in respect of dispute settlement to developing Members that so request on the terms and conditions set out below.
• All duties and responsibilities will be carried out in strict adherence to WTO policies and guidelines, including those related to confidentiality and data protection.

Required qualifications, experience and skills

Education

• The candidate must have an advanced degree in Law, including studies in international trade law.

Work experience

• Minimum 15 years of relevant professional experience in the field of international trade law, including experience in WTO dispute settlement.

Technical knowledge and skills

• Excellent knowledge of the WTO Agreements.
• Excellent legal drafting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate accurately, concisely, and clearly, both orally and in writing.

Language

• Excellent knowledge of at least one of the WTO working languages (English, French, or Spanish). Good working knowledge of a second WTO language will be an added advantage.

Behavioural skills

• Tact and diplomacy to interact with a diverse range of individuals.
• Discretion and respect for confidentiality.
• Independence and impartiality to avoid direct or indirect conflicts of interest.

Other

• Candidates must be nationals from a WTO Member.
• The candidate shall not be affiliated with any government.
• The candidate should be available to provide the legal advice and assistance required in person or remotely, in coordination with the requesting Member.
• No travel expenses or any other costs will be covered.

Only applicants who meet the requirements listed above and pass all screening procedures will be included in the Roster for a period of two years.

Fees, terms and conditions

• The fee for the service offered is CHF 600 per day of work. A maximum of 2 days of work per request from a Member will be paid to the Expert. No compensation will be offered for the work performed beyond this workday limit.
• The Roster will be valid for two years.
• The Experts included in the Roster who provide legal advice and assistance to developing Members pursuant to Article 27.2 of the DSU shall be subject to the General Conditions of Agreements for the Services of Consultants.

The Secretariat will evaluate all applications and will retain those which meet the required qualifications, experience and skills set out above.

About Us

The WTO Secretariat employs over 600 staff from around 80 WTO member countries. Staff roles include dispute settlement lawyers, legal officers, trade policy analysts and specialists, research economists and statisticians, who help to ensure that trade negotiations progress smoothly and that the rules of international trade are correctly implemented. Other roles include press officers, translators and interpreters, professionals in finance, IT, HR, etc. who support the mission of the WTO.

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