The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint technical cooperation 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).
In light of the end of the tenure of the current ITC Executive Director in June 2013, a call for applications and a candidate profile were circulated in October 2012 by various means, including the international media. The vacancy notice indicated the knowledge and experience as well as the competencies required for the position.
When the application period closed on 15 December 2012, WTO and UNCTAD constituted a joint selection panel made up 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 underwent further assessment, including interviews.
On the basis of the work of the selection panel, the Secretary-General of UNCTAD, the Director-General of WTO and their designated successors will interact with the candidates who have been found to be the most suitable for this position, and will jointly recommend 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.
