Chief of Section (Quantitative and Economic Research)

The Chief of Section leads the Quantitative Economic Research Section within the Economic Research and Statistics Division. The role involves strategic leadership, managing a team of economists, overseeing research outputs, and representing the WTO in relevant fora to advance trade policy research and capacity building.

Responsibilities

• Establish a forward-looking and strategic roadmap for the section, underlining how the unique skill sets and expertise within the team can significantly contribute to the division's goals and to the overall success of the Secretariat.
• Lead a proficient team of economists ensuring well-defined objectives and equitable workloads are maintained, fostering a conducive working environment. Ensure continuous coaching and training for the team.
• Jointly with the Director and the other section chiefs, establish a publication strategy to increase visibility and relevance of ERSD research and oversee the production and dissemination of research outputs, currently including: The World Trade Report, Ad hoc reports for DGO and WTO committees, Staff Working Papers.
• Lead the CGE modelling and simulation work which involves updating and extending the WTO's global trade model, producing insightful analyses and identifying new trends to inform the policy debate on key trade issues.
• In collaboration with other sections chiefs, support the Director of the Division by contributing to tasks related to HR, the implementation of the Strategy 2030 and other managerial tasks as well as overseeing the coordination and preparation of DG and DDG briefings and speeches.
• Coordinate and contribute to critical divisional projects, including in collaboration with other international organizations.
• Conduct research and write reports and papers on topics relevant for ERSD, in cooperation with colleagues inside and outside the Division and the Secretariat.
• Foster collaboration with other international organizations and with academic and research institutions on modelling and research more generally.
• Represent the WTO in relevant fora, showcasing leadership and fostering partnerships to advance shared objectives.
• Contribute to technical assistance and capacity building.

Requirements

• A PhD in Economics with excellent knowledge of the economics of trade and trade policy is required.
• Extensive knowledge, strong technical expertise and hands-on experience in trade policy modelling and quantitative economic research.
• Proficient understanding of trade and trade policy matters as well as good knowledge of the WTO agreements, concepts, and associated issues.
• Experience in devising innovative strategies for applied economic analysis, economic research and dissemination of analysis and research products.
• Knowledge of software such as STATA, R, Python, or similar ones.
• Digital Proficiency: ability to navigate digital tools and AI and to embrace new technologies.
• Effective drafting skills in English, with the ability to convey information accurately and concisely.
• Experience in managing a diverse team, including motivating team members, setting clear objectives, and overseeing performance.
• Strong leadership skills emphasizing collective decision making and the well-being, development and empowerment of all those in the team.
• Collaborative mindset, valuing support from and providing support to team members in achieving individual and collective objectives; strong capacity to cooperate with other sections to achieve divisional objectives.
• Ability to initiate and nurture professional relationships with a diverse range of individuals both within and outside the organization.
• Demonstrated aptitude to manage political sensitivities.
• Aptitude for resolving conflicts in a constructive manner.
• Capacity to articulate complex, abstract ideas to informed audiences, and comprehend ideas communicated by others.
• Proficiency in delivering presentations on a variety of topics to a broad spectrum of audiences, ensuring key messages and concepts are clearly understood.
• A minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience with a progressively higher degree of responsibility, including experience in supervisory roles or leading large-scale projects is required, preferably within a multicultural setting.
• Proficiency in both oral and written English is mandatory.
• A good working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered advantageous.

Skills

• Economics of Trade
• Trade Policy Modelling
• Quantitative Economic Research
• WTO Knowledge
• Applied Economics
• Economic Research Dissemination
• STATA
• Python
• Digital Proficiency
• Economic Research Strategy
• Team Management
• Leadership in Economics
• Collective Decision-Making
• Conflict Resolution
• Presentation Skills
• Professional relationship building
• Political Sensitivity
• English Drafting
• Multicultural Team Leadership

Languages

English, French, Spanish