Trade Policy Analyst

Position description

The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of Trade Policy Analyst in the Regional Trade Agreements (RTA) Section of the Trade Policies Review Division (TPRD).

The RTA Section is responsible for implementing the WTO Transparency Mechanism for RTAs and providing analysis and guidance on the systemic implications of RTAs for the multilateral trading system. It services the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements (CRTA) and provides support for the Committee on Trade and Development meeting in Dedicated Session on RTAs. It is responsible for the update and maintenance of the WTO RTA database established under the Transparency Mechanism. The Section also supports RTA negotiations in the Negotiating Group on Rules as needed. The Section takes part in WTO technical assistance activities, including regional trade policy courses (RTPCs), Advanced Trade Policy Courses (ATPCs) and courses for least developed countries. In addition, it organizes and holds regional or national seminars on RTAs as requested by Members.

General Functions

Under the supervision of the Chief of Section and the overall guidance by the Director of the Division, the incumbent is expected to make substantial contributions to all the functions of the Section. These include:

Draft factual presentations of RTAs notified to the WTO; Assist in preparing documentation for the CRTA, including Chair notes, reports on meetings, and background notes; Provide technical assistance (in Geneva and elsewhere) and contribute to the design of training activities and the development of training material, including eLearning courses on issues covered by the RTA Section; Carry out research and analysis, in particular on the impact of RTAs on international trade and their relationship with the multilateral trading system; this includes interpreting statistics, producing relevant quantitative and empirical outputs, as well as independently drafting related reports, and reviewing preliminary drafts prepared by colleagues; Carry out other relevant work of the Division, including the preparation of briefing notes for Senior Management, as requested by the Director of the Division; Develop relevant expertise in specific geographic areas, trade policies, economic issues and/or relevant techniques and processes and stay abreast of developments in the field; Contribute to outreach activities related to the Division’s work, including through participating in the organization of seminars, workshops or conferences.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• A PhD in Economics or closely related field is required, with excellent knowledge of the economics of trade and trade policy and of empirical trade analysis.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent knowledge of the economics of international trade and trade policy including the design of RTAs regarding goods and services, their economic impact and interaction with the multilateral trading system. Excellent understanding of relevant WTO Agreements and the WTO system, rules and procedures as they relate to RTAs and their relationship with other WTO rules. Excellent knowledge of RTAs in force, including their key elements, as well as other important recent and ongoing developments and negotiations;
• Excellent economic and policy-related research and drafting skills, as demonstrated by at least one publication in a well-known peer-reviewed economic journal, and contributions to published economic/analytical reports and working papers;
• Highly developed skills in the field of applied econometrics as demonstrated in past research projects, particularly relating to international trade;
• Knowledge of statistical software and programming languages such as R, Python or Stata and experience in the processing of large datasets. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, PowerPoint, or Excel. Familiarity with data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent platforms will be a strong advantage;
• Excellent presentation skills with the proven ability to tailor presentations to the needs of both technical and non-technical stakeholders and to communicate complex insights in a clear, concise, and policy-relevant manner. Experience in technical assistance and/or training delivery will be an asset.

Behavioural Skills:

• Strong ability to work independently, with good judgement to determine the sensitive of issues; the reliability of available data and information; and the analytical methodology employed;
• Excellent teamwork skills; ability to problem-solve;
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment, demonstrating excellent organizational skills including when working under pressure, and meeting strict deadlines;
• Highly developed tact and discretion including political sensitivity; good diplomatic and communication skills; and ability to build constructive relationships with people both inside and outside the Organization.

Organisational Competencies:

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

Work Experience:

• A minimum of three years of professional experience in a relevant position undertaking substantive and empirical trade policy analysis, which may include experience gained in an academic institution.

Languages:

• Excellent knowledge of English, including a demonstrated ability to communicate accurately, concisely and clearly, both orally and in writing. Good knowledge of French and/or Spanish, both orally and in writing.

Application instructions

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