Reference: EAD/BCWG/0451
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Duration: 2 years
Closing Date: 6 Jul 2011
Background
Many of the smallest Commonwealth developing countries lack the capacity needed to manage and effectively participate in the WTO system. In order to properly monitor, understand and evaluate developments and proposals for rule changes that can affect the national interest and to have a real and ongoing voice in the WTO deliberations, an adequate physical presence in Geneva is essential. Given their budgetary constraints however, the smallest countries are obliged to severely restrict the number and size of their diplomatic missions. Despite recognition of the importance of institutions in Geneva including the WTO, some small states are unable even to afford to establish and maintain a resident diplomatic presence there. Small states therefore face a major challenge that on their own they cannot resolve but for which no other agency is providing support.
In this regard, the Secretariat is in the process of establishing a facility in Geneva that will specifically target and assist Commonwealth small state members. As part of this support, experts are urgently required to help Commonwealth small states strengthen their ability to achieve development-friendly outcomes from the Doha Round; to address and strengthen their technical needs and knowledge; and to strengthen their capacity to negotiate, individually and collectively. In particular, a Trade Adviser is urgently required as part of the support.
Purpose of the Initiative
As part of this process, the Trade Adviser to be based in the Small States Office (SSO) in Geneva is to be recruited to provide support, guidance and backup for the Small State Missions on WTO and other multilateral trade matters. He/She will also coordinate Commonwealth-provided trade-related technical assistance to Small States Missions in Geneva, including training originated from all relevant Commonwealth Secretariat divisions; and may over time serve as a facilitator of capacity building support for other initiatives including the Hub and Spokes project.
Duties
The scope of work for the Trade Adviser will range from identifying issues of interest and concern to small states for research and analysis, prepare terms of reference, share and disseminate the analytical output, preparing reports and news-briefs and work with Small States to enhance the presentation of their concerns and interests in the multilateral trade negotiations. This will promote fuller and more effective participation of small states in the WTO processes and negotiations. Specifically, the Trade Adviser will perform the following tasks:
- Facilitate the collaboration of Commonwealth small states with other WTO members on matters of critical importance to them in multilateral trade negotiations;
- Provide technical support to strengthen small states group coalition with other country groupings for developing common negotiating issues and positions;
- Prepare regular and targeted updates and news-briefs for small states to keep them abreast of the key and relevant developments in the WTO and other multilateral trade fora;
- Identify upcoming key trade issues and concerns for small states in the negotiations and prepare terms of reference for their analysis to ensure that their interests and concerns are adequately and effectively addressed in the negotiating sessions at the WTO;
- Upon request either by the representatives or the Commonwealth Secretariat assist the Small State in timely preparation of responses to specific demands by other WTO Members;
- Participate in meetings, workshops and briefings in Geneva on issues of relevance to small states and appropriately prepare brief reports to their benefit;
- Collaborate with other international organizations like UNCTAD, ITC, etc. in information sharing, strengthening negotiating positions and facilitating support to small states;
- Regularly report to and liaise with the Commonwealth Secretariat including Hub and Spokes in sharing and dissemination of research output to inform and strengthen the negotiating positions of the small states at WTO and other multilateral trade institutions; and
- Work on requests by the Commonwealth Secretariat on other activities as deemed appropriate.
Qualifications and Experience
- Post graduate in relevant fields (e.g. economics, trade law, etc.);
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience; part of which must have been worked with multilateral institutions and/or on small states would be an added advantage;
- Understanding and extensive knowledge of the international trade issues processes and structures;
- Strong presentation, communication and reporting skills; and
- Computer skills particularly word-processing and presentations are essential.
Reporting Arrangements
The Trade Adviser will report to the Director, Economic Affairs Division (EAD) of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Submission of Application
Applicants who are nationals of Commonwealth member countries and who meet the post criteria are invited to apply with a detailed CV including names and contact details of three referees and the Personal History Form* to:
Mrs Puja D Sharma
HR (CFTC)
Commonwealth Secretariat
Pall Mall, London UK
SW1Y 5HX
p.sharma@commonwealth.int
Phone: + 44 207 747 6531
Fax: + 44 20 7747 6520
*The Personal History Form (PHF) may be downloaded from the Secretariat Website on the Employment / Vacancies / Long term Assignment (Overseas) page, along with the Skill Codes booklet required to complete the PHF. The form is only available in PDF format.
The application should be forwarded to the contact officer as an attachment to an email / by post / fax.
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