I did a recent post about a job opening at the Advisory Centre on WTO Law, in which I said that these opportunities don't come along very often, so anyone who might possibly be interested should apply. Well, here's another job just like that:
The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill the position of Director in the Legal Affairs Division. Serving staff members interested in the position are also invited to apply.
General Functions
The incumbent will head the Legal Affairs Division, which is responsible for providing legal advice and related services to the Office of the Director-General and the WTO Secretariat as a whole; to the Dispute Settlement Body and, upon request, to other WTO bodies; to dispute settlement panels and arbitral bodies; to delegations to the WTO; and, as appropriate, to the general public. Specific responsibilities will include the following duties:
1. Managing the overall operation of the division, including assigning and reviewing the work of the approximately one dozen other permanent lawyers in the division and ensuring that the Division's administrative practices conform with WTO rules and regulations.
2. Providing advice on WTO law and practice to the Director-General and other divisions of the WTO Secretariat; to the Dispute Settlement Body and, as requested, to WTO committees and working groups; to dispute settlement panels and arbitral bodies; to delegations to the WTO; and, as appropriate, to the public. Also responsible for reviewing, as the need arises, the advice given by others in the organization on the law of the international civil service and on privileges and immunities of the WTO Secretariat.
3. Overseeing participation of the division in the organization's extensive teaching and training programmes, with a particular focus on WTO dispute settlement; such oversight also extends to the preparation of teaching and training materials to this end, including for e-training.
4. Overseeing the preparation and updating of reference materials on WTO law and practice, including the WTO Analytical Index - WTO Law and Practice; WTO Status of Legal Instruments; WTO Dispute Settlement: One-Page Case Summaries; as well as the preparation of inputs on WTO legal developments for other WTO publications.
5. Assisting the WTO Membership in giving legal effect to any agreements they may negotiate and conclude within the legal framework of the WTO.
6. Supervising the operation of the Dispute Settlement Registry.
7. Supervising the operation of the WTO Depository.
8. Overseeing the operation of the Division's extensive legal internship programme.
9. Representing the DG and the WTO Secretariat in various public and academic functions in Geneva and abroad that address WTO dispute settlement matters and legal issues of relevance to the WTO.
10. Undertaking any other tasks that may be assigned by the Director General.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:In addition to a basic university degree, proven theoretical knowledge and/or professional expertise equivalent to an advanced university degree in law, with extensive knowledge of international trade law and solid knowledge of public international law. Should be licensed or be eligible to be licensed to practice law in at least one municipal jurisdiction.
Knowledge:Excellent knowledge of economic and legal issues relating to the WTO. Knowledge of and practical experience with other dispute resolution mechanisms, at national or international level, would also be an asset.
Work Experience:At least fifteen years as a legal practitioner in either the public or private sectors, including considerable practical experience in trade law. Extensive management experience with broad supervisory responsibilities over a dozen or more people is highly desirable, and a proven ability to interact and work with other highly qualified legal professionals is a must. Ability to work harmoniously with senior management and to cooperate effectively with one's peers in a diverse international setting is important.
Languages:Fluent knowledge of English (including legal English) is essential, including a demonstrated ability to write accurately, concisely and quickly, and to review and edit effectively the work of other lawyers. A good knowledge of French and/or Spanish would also be an important asset.
Additional Information:This position will be vacant as of 1 September 2010 further to the retirement of the incumbent.
