Counsellor

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.

The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of Counsellor in the Economic Research and Statistics Division to work in the Economic Modelling and Quantitative Analysis Section.

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.

General Functions

Under the supervision of the Chief of the Economic Modelling and Quantitative Analysis Section and the Chief Economist and Director of the Division, the selected candidate is expected to make substantial contributions to the work of the Economic Research and Statistics Division (ERSD). The Section contributes to ERSD's work through innovative development and application of advanced international trade models and indicators; new and deeper analytical insights from existing data; and identification of future trends and emerging trade issues. The incumbent is expected to engage with experts from other IOs and the academic community to ensure the WTO has an active voice in the international research community on trade related, policy relevant topics. The Section works closely with other units in ERSD and with other Divisions at the WTO. Key functions include:

Serve as lead expert on large scale economic simulation modelling. This consists in coordinating the development of or in developing applied general equilibrium economic models for trade and trade policy analysis.

Serve as lead expert on the WTO Global Trade Model (GTM), an applied general equilibrium model. This consists in coordinating the maintenance and development of the GTM, in running simulations of policy scenarios, and in planning further extensions relevant for research at the WTO.

Develop and maintain collaborations with economic modellers in other IOs, think tanks, government research centers and academia.  The incumbent, working with the Chief of Section and Chief Economist, is expected to carry significant influence in the broader research community in order to leverage non-WTO resources to help address research issues of great importance to WTO members and the future of the multilateral trading system.

Write reports and research papers and more generally conduct research on WTO relevant topics, often but not only based on GTM simulations, in cooperation with colleagues, intern, short-terms and consultants.

Lead research projects on WTO relevant topics, coordinating and supervising the work of a team of research economists.

Carry out other relevant work of the Division, including the preparation of briefing notes and speeches for the Director-General and Senior Management, the coordination of reports including in collaboration with other organizations or divisions, as well as the work on disputes.

Coordinate or participate in technical assistance and training activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

An advanced university degree in Economics is required. A PhD in Economics is an advantage.

Knowledge and Skills:

Technical knowledge and skills:

Excellent knowledge of international trade theory and empirical methods. Knowledge of relevant WTO Agreements and the WTO system.

Highly developed technical and analytical skills, notably in the field of economic modelling and econometrics.

Experience in building, maintaining, extending and using Computable General Equilibrium models for trade and trade related policy analysis.

Demonstrated ability to provide economic expertise, to critically assess economic research and analysis and to contribute relevant quantitative outputs to support trade policy analyses, e.g. in the context of WTO dispute settlement.

Proficiency in econometric software, such as STATA.

Familiarity with the operation and work of the WTO Secretariat highly desirable.

Excellent policy-oriented research and drafting skills (e.g. speeches and briefing notes, economic/analytical reports, background papers, working papers, papers to be published in academic journals). Experience in contributing to and coordinating economic reports of international renown would be an asset.

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

Significant knowledge and practice in the design, curriculum development and delivery of training activities, as well as of distance learning approaches and methodologies.

Proven publications record in peer-reviewed economic journals.

Behavioural skills:

Demonstrated organizational ability as well as substantial experience in planning and coordinating work, implementing change, setting objectives and guiding and motivating teams of several persons.

Highly developed political awareness and sensitivity, diplomatic skills, and the ability to build constructive relationships with people both inside and outside the Organization.

Ability to adapt and demonstrate a problem solving and results oriented attitude.

The following interpersonal capabilities are required: ability to initiate and build relationships with a variety of people; to persuade others to a point of view using facts; to understand and clearly communicate factual information; to present technical information to knowledgeable specialised audiences; to cope with and resolve conflicts in conformity with the relevant policies; and to work in a team where supporting and gaining the support of others is important to achieve objectives.

Work Experience:

Minimum 8 years' 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.

The language skills of shortlisted candidates will be assessed as part of the selection process.

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.

For non-entry level positions, the position may be offered at a lower grade if the selected candidate does not fully meet all the required qualifications. 

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. 

Please note that the WTO employment offer is conditional on new employees confirming that they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination (as certified by the WTO medical service). If you do not have access to vaccination in your place of origin, you may be vaccinated in Geneva during the onboarding process. The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence relating to this condition.

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.