Selection process of the Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC)

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

See also:
> ITC website

In light of the end of the tenure of the current Executive Director of the ITC in June 2013, a call for applications and a candidate profile was circulated in October 2012 through various means, including the international media. The vacancy notice indicated the knowledge and experience as well as the competencies required for this position.

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

In March, the 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.