VACANCY FOR JUNIOR COUNSEL (TEMPORARY)

The Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL) is an intergovernmental organisation, independent of the WTO, which was established in 2001 to provide legal advice on WTO law, support in WTO dispute settlement proceedings and training in WTO law to developing countries and least-developed countries.

The ACWL is seeking to fill a temporary vacancy for one of its positions of Counsel.  We are looking for a junior international trade lawyer with approximately 1-3 years’ work experience. The term of the contract will be for one year.

Working with the Executive Director and the ACWL’s lawyers, the Counsel provides legal opinions on WTO matters, prepares submissions and presents the positions of parties in dispute settlement proceedings before WTO adjudicative bodies, teaches classes to participants in the ACWL’s training programmes, and performs other functions as assigned.

Applicants should have a strong legal education (an advanced degree in international economic law would be an advantage); 1-3 years of practical experience in WTO law, a good understanding of the economic issues underlying WTO law; excellent drafting, communication and presentation skills; strong organisational and time-management skills; and the ability to work independently and cooperate with others in a diverse international setting. Applicants should also have a commitment to international public service and an interest in the advancement of developing countries. Applicants must be fluent in English with excellent legal writing skills. Experience in representing parties in international dispute settlement proceedings and the ability to work in French or Spanish would be advantages.

A salary and benefits package will be offered at a level commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications and in accordance with the ACWL’s staff regulations, which are similar to those of the WTO. As this is a temporary position, no relocation or international benefits will be provided.

All candidates are requested to provide a detailed CV and to complete a personal history form.  The form can be downloaded here. Please send the completed application to secretariat@acwl.ch. If you have problems downloading the form, you may request it by contacting secretariat@acwl.ch.

The deadline for the submission of applications is 31 March 2025.