Job Description
Overview
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) is currently seeking a highly qualified professional to serve as the Head of the Centre for WTO Studies (CWTOS). This leadership role is offered on either a contract or deputation basis, providing a unique opportunity to shape trade policy research and capacity building at a national level. As an autonomous body under the Department of Commerce, IIFT maintains a reputation for excellence in international business education and research.
Key Responsibilities
- Direct the strategic planning and execution of the annual work programme for the Centre.
- Oversee daily operations to ensure all institutional objectives are met with high efficiency.
- Conduct advanced research to support Indian trade negotiators and policy makers in multilateral and bilateral forums.
- Enhance stakeholder engagement through targeted outreach and dissemination of trade-related knowledge.
- Facilitate consensus-building and capacity development for trade analysis in India and other developing nations.
- Manage the administrative and academic functions of the Centre in alignment with institutional bye-laws.
Why Apply
This position offers the chance to influence India's international trade trajectory while working within a premier academic environment. The role provides significant professional visibility and the opportunity to lead a specialized team of experts in a critical policy domain.
Important Dates
- Notification Date: 21 October 2026
- Application Deadline: 09 November 2026
Quick Facts
- Vacancy: 1 Post
- Pay Scale: Academic Pay Level-14
- Location: New Delhi
- Category: Other Govt. Exams
IIFT Head Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online Overview
Registration Date
21 Oct 2026 –
09 Nov 2026
Salary
Academic Pay Level-14
Vacancies
1
Eligibility
M.Phil/Ph.D
Vacancy Details
- Post: Head, Centre for WTO Studies (CWTOS)
- Total Vacancies: 1
How to Apply
- Draft your application addressed to the Registrar, IIFT, New Delhi.
- Ensure the subject line or body clearly states: 'Application for the post of Head, Centre for WTO Studies'.
- Prepare your detailed CV.
- Write a mandatory one-page document explaining your suitability for the role; applications lacking this will be rejected.
- Government officers must route their application through the proper channel and include necessary clearances like NOC and APARs.
- Email the complete set of documents to the official email address provided in the notification by 09 November 2026.
- Retain a copy of the sent email and all attached documents for your future reference.
Application Fee
The official notification does not specify an application fee for this recruitment.
Age Limit
Candidates must be at least 40 years of age at the time of appointment.
Selection Process
The selection process involves a two-stage approach. Initially, all received applications will undergo a rigorous shortlisting process. If the volume of applications is high, the scrutiny committee may implement stricter benchmarks beyond the minimum essential qualifications to identify the most suitable candidates. Following this, shortlisted individuals will be invited for a formal interview before the Selection Committee in New Delhi. The final appointment is contingent upon the successful verification of all testimonials, past service records, and antecedents.
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Organization
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) is a premier national-level autonomous body established in 1963 by the Government of India. It operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The institute is dedicated to professionalizing the country's foreign trade management and increasing exports by developing human resources, analyzing and disseminating data, and conducting research. Headquartered in New Delhi, IIFT is recognized as a Deemed University and plays a pivotal role in shaping India's international business landscape through academic excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is 1 vacancy for the post of Head, Centre for WTO Studies (CWTOS). This position is offered on a contract or deputation basis. Please refer to the official notification for any specific details regarding the nature of the appointment.
The deadline for submitting your application via email is 09 November 2026. It is highly recommended to send your documents well before this date to ensure they are received and processed by the Registrar's office.
Academicians must hold a Ph.D. and have a consistently good academic record with at least 55% marks at both bachelor's and master's levels. Additionally, they require at least 10 years of relevant experience, with 8 years specifically at the Assistant or Associate Professor level.
Candidates are required to be at least 40 years of age at the time of their appointment. Ensure you meet this age criterion before submitting your application to avoid disqualification during the screening process.
The selected candidate will be placed in the Academic Pay Level-14. Please note that this pay scale is subject to revision as per government norms. Check the official notification for any further updates regarding compensation.
You must email your CV and a mandatory one-page write-up explaining your suitability to the official email address provided by IIFT. Ensure your application is addressed to the Registrar and clearly mentions the post name in the subject line.
The selection process consists of an initial shortlisting of applications, followed by an interview for those who qualify. The scrutiny committee may apply higher benchmarks if there is a large number of applicants. Shortlisted candidates will be notified of the interview details via email.
No, the post is not permanent. It is an appointment on a contract or deputation basis for an initial period of three years, which includes a one-year probation. Extensions may be granted based on performance and institutional requirements.
Government officers must submit their CV and the one-page write-up through the proper channel. Additionally, they must include attested photocopies of their APARs for the last five years, vigilance and cadre clearance, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their parent organization.
No, applications received without the mandatory one-page write-up explaining your suitability for the post will be summarily rejected. Ensure all required documents are attached before sending your email to the institute.
