Chief of Section in the Records and Archives Management Section (RAMS)
World Trade Organization (WTO)

Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Compensation: CHF 113 639 per annum

The World Trade Organization (WTO) provides a forum for negotiating agreements aimed at reducing obstacles to international trade and ensuring a level playing field for all, thus contributing to economic growth and development. The WTO also provides a legal and institutional framework for the implementation and monitoring of these agreements, as well as for settling disputes arising from their interpretation and application.

The Knowledge and Information Management, Academic Outreach and WTO Chairs Programme Division (KMD) develops and coordinates WTO knowledge and information management policies and is responsible for academic outreach activities with universities and the WTO Chairs Programme.

The Records and Archives Management Section (RAMS) is in charge of the custody and control of WTO Secretariat records and informational assets, in both paper and electronic formats, by leading their management, access, retention, storage, preservation and disposition, with the purpose of protecting them as evidences of actions and of ensuring accountability to present and future users as well as preserving and enhancing WTO institutional memory.

Description and Duties    

The recruitment policy of the WTO is to seek to attract and retain staff members offering the highest standards of competence, efficiency and integrity. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, the WTO gives full regard to merit and diversity.

The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill the position of Chief of Section in the Records and Archives Management Section (RAMS) of the Knowledge and Information Management, Academic Outreach and WTO Chairs Programme Division (KMD).

The selected candidate will receive a two-year Fixed-Term appointment.   Given that the incumbent is on a special leave without pay, further contract extensions will depend on the performance of the selected candidate as well as on the continued availability of the post in the light of organizational needs.

General Functions

Under the supervision of the Director, the incumbent will have the primary responsibility for supervising and managing the RAMS. In addition, the incumbent will participate in decision-making, planning and the development of strategies relative to the management, sharing and exchanging of knowledge and information resources. The incumbent will perform the following functions:

1. Lead, plan and manage the work of the RAMS to ensure high quality services are delivered in an effective, efficient and timely manner. Ensure skills of staff are continuously developed through training or coaching. Manage a team of 5 staff members and interns and budgetary resources allocated to the section.
2. Establish and implement strategies, guidelines and procedures to collect, assess, organize, share and preserve the WTO's information assets in all forms (paper, image, audio, video, electronic record, etc.). This may include ensuring conservation of information resources and implementing a disaster recovery plan for the informational assets.
3. Improve business processes by deploying the WTO electronic document and records management system (EDRMS), while integrating records management best practices, systems and technology.
4. Ensure that the WTO's records and archives management-related policies (disclosure policy, user service policy, digital preservation, etc.) in the field of information management remain aligned with the WTO business needs.
5. Assist in the systematic archival treatment of GATT and WTO fonds (conditioning of historical archives for long-term preservation, their description, digitization) performed by an Information Management Specialist and interns with the view of creating finding aids.
6. Assist in determining and applying international standards in records and archives management, including authority files, taxonomies, thesauri, value lists, finding aids, classification plans and retention policies to harmonize information.
7. Be one of the leaders at the WTO to promote knowledge and information management by developing procedures, training programmes, and information campaigns on knowledge management, including the design and preparation of customized presentations and messages, as well as collaborating with other divisional staff in the dissemination and preservation of information and knowledge resources.
8. Respond to requests from WTO staff, Members, organizations and individuals outside the WTO and represent the WTO on missions and at meetings.
   

Qualifications    

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in information science, knowledge management, archival science, records management or related field. Alternatively, a basic university degree plus a qualification in this field recognized by a professional body that is equivalent to an advanced university degree.

Knowledge and Skills:

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Capacity to think strategically and develop plans to promote knowledge and information management and bring value to the assets available.
• Knowledge of indexing, analysing and describing archive materials and records according to internationally recognized standards.
• Ability to think out of the box and stimulate continuous process improvement.
• Demonstrated experience of state-of-the art electronic records management tools. Familiarity with EDRMS would be an asset.
• Ability to draft accurately concisely and clearly in English.

Behavioural skills:

• Proven ability to supervise a group of people in their day-to-day work, to manage, motivate and lead a service.
• Capability to communicate complex abstract ideas to an audience of informed people and understand ideas when communicated by others.
• Capability to present technical facts to non-specialised audiences.
• Capability to persuade others to a point of view using facts.
• Capability to initiate and build relationships with a variety of people both inside and outside the organization.
• Capability to work in a team where supporting and gaining the support of others is important to achieving her/his objectives.
  

Work Experience:

Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience , including at least 3 years of supervisory responsibilities.

Languages:

Excellent command of English, both oral and written (at a level corresponding or equivalent to a minimum of C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)) and a good working knowledge of French (minimum B2 level according to the CEFR). Knowledge of Spanish would be an asset.

Shortlisted candidates will be assessed on their language skills as part of the selection process.

For retained candidates, written tests and panel interviews are foreseen shortly after the closure of the vacancy notice.

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.

For non-entry level positions, the position may be offered at a lower grade if the selected candidate does not fully meet all the required qualifications.

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.

Please submit your application through the electronic WTO recruitment site.
https://wto.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/CWR/Chief-of-Section_JR100086-1

Application Deadline: 15 December 2021