WTO, UNCTAD say new ITC Boss expected June 2013

The search for a new Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC) has began as two institutions linked to the appointment say a new head is expected to be announced by June 2013.

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have indicated that the selection process has started.

In light of the end of the tenure of the current Executive Director of the ITC in June 2013, both WTO and UNCTAD said a call for applications and a candidate profile was circulated in October 2012 through various means, including the international media.

As the application period came to an end December 15, 2012, the two indicated that they constituted a joint selection Panel of three senior officials from UNCTAD, WTO and UNITAR, who reviewed all (252) applications and nominations received.

In March 2013, they both said 15 candidates that were closest to the desired profile as described in the vacancy notice have undergone further assessment, including interviews.

“On the basis of the work of the Panel, the Secretary General of UNCTAD, the Director General of the WTO and their designated successors, will interact with the candidates who have been found to be most suitable for this position and will make a joint recommendation of one or more candidates to the Secretary General of the United Nations, who will in turn make the final decision. It is envisaged that the process will be completed by June 2013,” WTO and UNCTAD said in a joint statement April 25, 2013.

The ITC is a joint technical co-operation agency of the WTO and of the United Nations — acting through UNCTAD — that is headed by an Executive Director at the level of Assistant Secretary — General (ASG).

By Ekow Quandzie