Chief of Section (Quantitative and Economic Research)

VN Category (INT / EXT / EOI):

External

Application Deadline:

30-08-2026

Grade:

Grade 10

Job Category:

Professional

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Annual Salary:

CHF171,002.00

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.

This is a Fixed-term contract funded through the regular budget. The duration will be two years with the possibility of extension, unless specified in the vacancy notice.

The WTO seeks to attract and retain staff members offering the highest standards of competence, efficiency and integrity and to build an organization that is representative of the Members and People it serves. As an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, the WTO gives full regard to competence and welcome applications from qualified candidates irrespective of age, disability status, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, social origin or any other characteristic. Applications from non-represented Members (link) are particularly encouraged for all positions.

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The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill the position of Chief of the Quantitative Economic Research Section in the Economic Research and Statistics Division.

General Functions

Reporting to the Director of Economic Research and Statistics Division (ERSD), the incumbent will be expected to lead the Quantitative Economic Research Section. More specifically, functions include the following:

1. Establish a forward-looking and strategic roadmap for the section, underlining how the unique skill sets and expertise within the team can significantly contribute to the division's goals and to the overall success of the Secretariat.

2. Lead a proficient team of economists ensuring well-defined objectives and equitable workloads are maintained, fostering a conducive working environment. Ensure continuous coaching and training for the team.

3. Jointly with the Director and the other section chiefs, establish a publication strategy to increase visibility and relevance of ERSD research and oversee the production and dissemination of research outputs, currently including: The World Trade Report Ad hoc reports for DGO and WTO committees Staff Working Papers.

4. Lead the CGE modelling and simulation work which involves updating and extending the WTO's global trade model, producing insightful analyses and identifying new trends to inform the policy debate on key trade issues.

5. In collaboration with other sections chiefs, support the Director of the Division by: contributing to tasks related to HR, the implementation of the Strategy 2030 and other managerial tasks as well as overseeing the coordination and preparation of DG and DDG briefings and speeches.

6. Coordinate and contribute to critical divisional projects, including in collaboration with other international organizations.

7. Conduct research and write reports and papers on topics relevant for ERSD, in cooperation with colleagues inside and outside the Division and the Secretariat.

8. Foster collaboration with other international organizations and with academic and research institutions on modelling and research more generally.

9. Represent the WTO in relevant fora, showcasing leadership and fostering partnerships to advance shared objectives.

10. Contribute to technical assistance and capacity building.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

A PhD in Economics with excellent knowledge of the economics of trade and trade policy is required.

Knowledge and Skills:

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Extensive knowledge, strong technical expertise and hands-on experience in trade policy modelling and quantitative economic research.
• Proficient understanding of trade and trade policy matters as well as good knowledge of the WTO agreements, concepts, and associated issues.
• Experience in devising innovative strategies for applied economic analysis, economic research and dissemination of analysis and research products.
• Knowledge of software such as STATA, R, Python, or similar ones.
• Digital Proficiency: ability to navigate digital tools and AI and to embrace new technologies.
• Effective drafting skills in English, with the ability to convey information accurately and concisely.

Behavioural Skills:

• Experience in managing a diverse team, including motivating team members, setting clear objectives, and overseeing performance.
• Strong leadership skills emphasizing collective decision making and the well-being, development and empowerment of all those in the team.
• Collaborative mindset, valuing support from and providing support to team members in achieving individual and collective objectives; strong capacity to cooperate with other sections to achieve divisional objectives.
• Ability to initiate and nurture professional relationships with a diverse range of individuals both within and outside the organization.
• Demonstrated aptitude to manage political sensitivities.
• Aptitude for resolving conflicts in a constructive manner.
• Capacity to articulate complex, abstract ideas to informed audiences, and comprehend ideas communicated by others.
• Proficiency in delivering presentations on a variety of topics to a broad spectrum of audiences, ensuring key messages and concepts are clearly understood.

Work Experience:

A minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience with a progressively higher degree of responsibility, including experience in supervisory roles or leading large-scale projects is required, preferably within a multicultural setting.

Languages:

Proficiency in both oral and written English is mandatory. A good working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered advantageous.

Organizational Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Communicating for Results

• Effective Collaboration

• Cultivating Progressive Growth

• Professional Accountability

• Relevant Digital Proficiency

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Managerial Competencies:

• Talent Centred Leadership

• Coordinated Cross Functional Leadership

• Self Aware Leadership

• Strategic Leadership

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.

The initial fixed-term contract for positions up to grade 10 shall normally be two years, which shall be probationary, as per Administrative Memorandum No. 997 (OFFICE(23)/4) on Probation Policy. For Director positions, the Policy on evaluation of directors apply as per Administrative Memorandum No. 978 (OFFICE(17)/29).

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.

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.