99-2891 ./.WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION
OFFICE(99)90
13 July 1999
WTO
Geneva
Vacancy Notice No. 392
The Secretariat of WTO is seeking to fill a post of Counsellor in the Intellectual Property Division.
Applications from men and women are equally welcome.  Serving staff members interested in this position
are also invited to apply.
TITLE AND LEVEL: Counsellor – Grade 101
STARTING SALARY: Approximately Swiss francs 131,000 net p.a.
OTHER CONDITIONS: In accordance with WTO Staff and Pension Plan Regulations.
A package of expatriate benefits is available to staff recruited non-locally.
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Fixed-term for two years, with possibility of extension.
GENERAL FUNCTIONS: The functions of this post are related to the responsibilities of the WTO in
the area of intellectual property, in particular those flowing from theAgreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
(TRIPS).  While the incumbent will be expected to contribute to the work
of the Secretariat in all areas of the TRIPS Agreement, he/she will have a
particular focus on the provisions of the TRIPS Agreement relating to
patents and related matters, including biotechnology, plant varietyprotection and trade secrets.  Under the general supervision of the Director
of the Division, the incumbent will be required to:
a) assist in the preparation, conduct and follow-up of meetings of the
Council for TRIPS and of any subsidiary bodies that may beestablished by it, particularly by planning, organizing and coordinating
the preparation of background analytical papers;
b) act as secretary to, or otherwise assist dispute settlement panels;
c) provide advice and assistance to Member governments, including
contributing to the Secretariat's activities in the field of technicalcooperation;
d) assist in other work of the Secretariat relating to intellectual property
matters;
e) maintain contacts with other international organizations, governmental
and non-governmental, the intellectual property community, the
academic world and other interested parties;
f) carry out other tasks as assigned.
                                                          
1This post may be offered at a lower grade if the selected candidate does not fully meet the required qualifications.OFFICE(99)90
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DESIRABLE A university degree, preferably in law, and appropriate post-graduate
QUALIFICATIONS: qualifications or equivalent  experience.  Subs tantial professional
knowledge which will enable the incumbent to carry out effectively the
tasks described above.  While applicants should have a wide-ranginginterest in trade and intellectual property matters, knowledge and
experience (10 years
2) is being sought in particular of national and
international patent law, as well as of issues in the fields of biotechnology,
biodiversity and plant variety protection.
Ability to write clearly, concisely and rapidly;  to establish and maintain
good working relations with colleagues and government officials of
different nationalities.
LANGUAGES: Excellent know ledge of English or French, with a good knowledge of the
other language.  A good working knowledge of additional languages,
especially Spanish, would be an advantage.
APPLICATIONS:3An application form may be downloaded from the WTO website -
www.wto.org - or requested from:
Personnel Division
WTO
Centre William Rappard
154, rue de Lausanne1211 Geneva 21
Switzerland
Fax:+ 41-22-739.57.72Completed forms should be returned to the above-mentioned address.
CLOSING DATE OF THIS
VACANCY NOTICE: 24 August 1999
                                                          
2Consideration will also be given to exceptionnally strong applicants with fewer years of experience.
3Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted.