The Secretariat of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is seeking to fill the Executive Director (ED) position in the Executive Secretariat for the Enhanced Integrated Framework (ES), administratively housed in the WTO.

The Executive Director (ED) of the Executive Secretariat for the EIF (ES) is responsible for translating the vision of inclusive trade and investment for resilient, sustainable and transformative development into tangible results. As the head of the ES, the ED provides strategic direction, operational oversight and financial safeguarding to ensure the effective implementation of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Results Framework. The ED is expected to champion the integration of trade and investment into national development agendas; foster high-level partnerships; supervise programme implementation, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), and communication of results; and mobilize resources to support the priorities of the least developed countries (LDCs).

In this capacity, the ED serves as the primary liaison between the EIF governance bodies, partner agencies, funding partners and the LDCs, ensuring coherence, transparency and accountability across all EIF operations. The ED also leads institutional reforms, drives innovation in programme delivery and promotes a culture of performance, learning and value for money (VfM). Through visionary leadership and diplomatic engagement, the ED elevates the voice of the LDCs in global trade discourse and strengthens the EIF’s role as a trusted platform for inclusive and sustainable development.

The ED is appointed for an initial three-year term, in the form of annual extensions of a one-year contract, up to a total of three years. The ED term may be renewed once for an additional three years, subject to a performance review by the EIF Executive Operational Board (EOB). In the event that a further extension is required, it shall be reviewed by the EOB.

Key functions and responsibilities


Strategic leadership and programme management

Lead and manage the ES to implement the Terms of Reference of the ES and decisions of the EOB.

Serve as the ex-officio Secretary to the EOB, overseeing preparation of agendas, tion and follow-up.

Provide overall leadership for the delivery of the EIF Phase Three Results Framework and ensure alignment with LDC priorities.

Guide the operationalization of the EIF Phase Three reforms, including improvements to the administrative arrangement with the Secretariat of the WTO and streamlined MEL systems.

Promote a culture of results-based management, learning and value for money across all EIF activities.

Institutional representation and advocacy

Serve as the primary public representative and advocate of the EIF at global, regional and national fora.

Engage with international development institutions, the private sector and civil society to raise awareness of EIF goals, achievements and lessons.

Promote the specific needs of the LDCs in international trade and investment within global development discourse.

Partnership development and resource mobilization

Lead the development and execution of a global strategy for resource mobilization in coordination with the Head of Partnerships, Outreach and Resource Mobilization.

Sustain and deepen collaboration with EIF Core Partner Agencies and donor governments.

Initiate and formalize strategic partnerships with international organizations, philanthropic foundations and the private sector to support LDC priorities.

Oversight of projects and funding decisions

Endorse projects for EOB approval or, alternatively, approve them as delegated by the EOB.

Communicate project approvals and related decisions to the EIF Trust Fund Manager (TFM) and ensure timely action.

Oversee and ensure the alignment of country project pipelines with EIF strategic priorities and resource availability.

ES and staff management

Supervise all ES staff and ensure high standards of performance, accountability and teamwork.

Approve job deions, recruitment processes and performance reviews in line with WTO rules.

Align staff roles with evolving programme needs and maintain institutional memory and operational continuity.

Ensure ES operations reflect best practices in international public management and VfM.

Governance and financial oversight

Present ES annual work plans, budgets and performance reports to the EOB for approval.

Ensure ES budget execution and operations adhere to WTO administrative and financial regulations, with emphasis on transparency and accountability.

Oversee coordination with the TFM, including conducting review of the TFM's annual performance, joint monitoring missions and reporting.