Research Economist

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.

.

The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of Research Economist, Grade 8, in the Economic Research and Statistics Division to work in the Applied Economic Research Section.

The Applied Economic Research Section of the Economic Research and Statistics Division at the World Trade Organization conducts economic research on trade, trade policy and trade costs. Its work aims to improve understanding of how trade-related developments affect economies, sectors and people, and how the multilateral trading system can support economic development, growth, employment. The Section contributes to major WTO publications, including the World Trade Report, and provides economic analysis and policy support to the Director-General and senior management, as well as support for dispute settlement panels and technical cooperation activities.

General Functions

Under the supervision of the Chief of Section and the overall guidance of the Director and Chief Economist, the incumbent will have primary responsibility for providing expertise in trade-related economic research and analysis to the WTO. Key accountabilities will include:

1.         Produce and/or coordinate economic and policy related research and analysis projects in the substantive areas of the Division's work, including, as required, contributions to the preparation of the World Trade Report and other expert analytical reports.

2.         Provide economic expertise, upon request, to other parts of the Secretariat, including in the context of dispute settlement.

3.         Contribute to the Division's expertise in specific trade areas related to current economic developments, particularly through empirical analysis as well as the interpretation of theoretical models of trade in general and of trade agreements in particular. Experience with quantitative trade and trade policy modelling (such as structural gravity models) would be an advantage.

4.         Maintain technical knowledge and skills, including drafting skills, and develop his/her policy skills and knowledge of WTO Agreements. Stay abreast of relevant research in the field.

5.         Undertake technical assistance activities and training on substantive areas of the Division's work. Contribute to the design of training activities and the development of training material.

6.         Coach and mentor more junior staff.

7.         Contribute to keeping the Division, other parts of the Secretariat or the broader trade policy community abreast of relevant developments in research, including through participating in the organization of seminars, workshops or conferences.

8.         Represent the WTO in external fora, including the media, and collaborate with other institutions.

9.         Participate in and contribute to other activities of the Division.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

A PhD degree in Economics is required, a specialization in international trade would be an advantage.

Knowledge and Skills:

Technical knowledge and skills:

Excellent knowledge and understanding of international trade theory and empirical research methodologies as well as knowledge of relevant WTO Agreements and the WTO system would be desirable.

Excellent policy-oriented research record and experience in contributing to and coordinating economic reports.

Highly developed technical and analytical skills, notably up-to-date knowledge in the field of econometrics, as applied in recent research on international trade and trade policy.

Demonstrated ability to contribute relevant quantitative outputs to support trade policy analyses.

Excellent drafting skills (e.g. economic/analytical reports, background papers, working papers, papers to be published in academic journals).

Excellent presentation skills, including in the context of expert panel and media appearances.

Understanding of potential political sensitivities when advising senior management.

Ability to work under pressure.

Proven publications record in peer-reviewed economic journals.

Proficiency in econometric softwares, such as STATA as well as some experience with using AI tools.

Behavioural skills:

The following interpersonal capabilities are required: relate to and build relationships with colleagues;   understand and communicate information in a clear way; persuade others using facts; present technical information to knowledgeable specialised audiences; face and cope with conflict situations; and work as member of a team, relating to others, while working independently to achieve his/her objectives.

Organisational Competencies:

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

Work Experience:

Minimum five years of relevant experience, which may include experience gained in an academic institution.

Languages:

Excellent command of English, both oral and written, is required. A good working knowledge of French or Spanish would be 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.