IIFT CWS Consultant with PhD Recruitment 2026

IIFT CWS Consultant with PhD Recruitment 2026: Overview

The Centre for WTO Studies (CWS) at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) wants a Consultant with a Ph.D for its office at NAFED House, Ashram Chowk, New Delhi. CWS is one of two centres under IIFT's Centre for Research on International Trade (CRIT), and IIFT itself was set up by the Department of Commerce, Government of India.

Since November 2002 the Centre has worked as an independent think-tank on the World Trade Organization. Its team runs research and training on WTO issues and regularly backs the Government of India in trade negotiations, disputes and policy matters, so the work you do here feeds straight into India's trade positions.

This is a contract engagement, not a regular post. It suits a trade economist with a doctorate and a steady research record. The wish list leans heavily towards agriculture in the WTO — a Ph.D in Agricultural Economics, work on agriculture negotiations, notifications under the Agreement on Agriculture and the WTO Committee on Agriculture all count in your favour. Experience with Ministerial Conferences, the General Council or WTO issues at the G-20 and OECD also helps.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Tenure: The engagement is purely contractual for one year. It can be extended after the Centre reviews your performance and its own needs.
• Consolidated pay: Where you are placed within the pay band depends on your qualification and experience, following the Department of Commerce order.
• Citizenship: Only Indian citizens can apply.
• Shortlisting: Meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee a call. IIFT can shortlist in any way it sees fit and will not give reasons for rejection.
• Number of posts: The post count is indicative. IIFT may raise or cut it, or leave the post unfilled.
• Joining: The selected candidate has to join immediately.
• Travel and stay: Outside candidates arrange their own travel and stay for the test and interview; the Centre pays nothing towards it.
• Government officers: You must attach a letter from the appropriate authority giving cadre clearance.
• Bye-laws: The Centre for WTO Studies bye-laws that govern the engagement are published on the CWS website.

Application Submission Notes

IIFT accepts applications only through the online link given for this post; applications sent any other way are not considered. Combine your CV, testimonials, list of publications and last pay certificate into one single PDF, and mark the position and your name on it.

In the application, clearly name the post you are applying for and your area of work, and give your employment history over the years. Only candidates shortlisted for the second round are contacted, and that happens by email. IIFT will not reply to queries about postal delays, interview results or why someone was not called.