The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill the position of Director of the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation.

This vacancy notice is re-posted to solicit a wider pool of candidates. Candidates who applied previously need not reapply.

Context

The Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC) coordinates the WTO's technical assistance (TA) and training. ITTC's main objectives are to support TA beneficiary countries in strengthening their trade capacity, addressing trade policy issues, integrating more fully into the multilateral trading system, exercising their rights as WTO members, and actively participating in multilateral trade discussions and negotiations.

These objectives are addressed through a Technical Assistance and Training Plan (TA Plan), which identifies the strategy that the WTO Secretariat expects to follow in providing technical assistance. The TA Plan is also a policy framework that focuses on meeting beneficiary-identified needs, guided by a results-based management approach and the Secretariat’s Strategy 2030, with the aim of enhancing decision-making, transparency and accountability.

General Functions

The incumbent will lead the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC), comprised of over 40 staff, which is responsible for all matters relating to technical assistance provided by WTO to developing and least-developed countries. Specific responsibilities will include:

1. Planning, setting priorities and overseeing the WTO's training and technical cooperation activities with regard to all matters under the Institute's purview; identifying, attracting, and coordinating financial resources to support technical assistance goals.

2. Ensuring the effective implementation of the training and technical cooperation activities which are delivered by the Institute; coordinating the Institute's work with that of other Divisions, including substantive contributions to the work of other Divisions.

3. Leading and supervising the work of ITTC, providing guidance to staff in carrying out their duties, setting objectives required, reviewing output and performance of the staff, supporting the development of the knowledge and skills of staff, and ensuring appropriate staff training plans are in place and executed.

4. Developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks for the training and technical co-operation activities under the Institute's purview; improving these frameworks to ensure a more robust monitoring and measuring of results, as well as mid to long- term impact of such activities.

5. Building relationships with Members and external partners in order to ensure optimal delivery of training and technical cooperation activities as appropriate. Liaison with WTO Members, relevant international organizations, academic institutions, NGOs, parliaments and private sector entities.

6. Taking a forward-leaning approach in exploring how AI and other frontier technologies can contribute to the efficacy and effectiveness of Technical Assistance and Capacity Building delivery in the organisation