DIRECTOR, LEGAL AFFAIRS DIVISION

The World Trade Organization, based in Geneva, Switzerland, is seeking to fill the position of Director in the Legal Affairs Division.

Reporting to a Deputy Director-General, the successful candidate will lead the Legal Affairs Division, which is primarily responsible for assisting dispute settlement panels and arbitrators in resolving trade disputes between WTO Members. The Division is also responsible for providing legal advice on WTO agreements and other issues of international law and the law of international institutions as they may arise to the Director-General (DG) and the WTO Secretariat, to the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) and other WTO bodies and, as appropriate, to WTO Members. The Division also serves as Secretary to the DSB in Special Session, prepares reference material on WTO law, and carries out technical assistance and outreach activities.

The successful candidate must demonstrate an expert level of knowledge in international trade law, public international law, and international dispute settlement mechanisms and have an excellent knowledge of economic and legal issues relating to the WTO.

Extensive management experience with broad supervisory responsibilities in a legal environment is required, as is extensive practical experience with dispute settlement mechanisms. The successful candidate must have the skills to guide, empower and motivate a team of approximately 40 staff members to excel in their jobs and to build a team culture that consistently delivers high-quality results. Significant management and organizational skills are essential as is the ability to interact and work with others in a diverse international setting in a harmonious and effective way. 

Candidates are required to have an advanced university degree in law, including studies in public international law and international trade law and should be licensed or be eligible to be licensed to practice law in at least one municipal jurisdiction. At least fifteen years as a legal practitioner in either the public or private sectors, including considerable practical experience in trade law and trade litigation, is required.

For more details regarding this position and to apply, please visit the WTO's e-recruitment website at www.wto.org. The application deadline for the position is 8 June 2016.