Sample cover letter for Full Time position at Commonwealth Secretariat

I am writing to apply for the position of CFTC Trade Adviser, as advertised on the Commonwealth Secretariat´s website.

Most recently, I completed an L. L. M. in International Economic Law and Policy at the University of Barcelona, Spain where I gained in-depth knowledge, analytical tools and professional skills in all major fields of international legal and economic governance. I also studied the various regions around the world and the political, economic, social and legal dynamics and challenges confronting each. It was particularly intriguing to learn more about the regions for which I had not worked in such as the EU, Asia and Africa and has complimented my knowledge gained through negotiaitions and collaborative projects with countries in these regions.

My previous experience as a Trade Officer for the Government of Grenada was multifaceted and interdisciplinary. My areas of focus included trade law and policy and all trade related issues as it related to all states within the context of the ACP. Particular emphasis was placed on deepening regional integration in the Caribbean and strengthening trade relations between the EU and the ACP in order to further the sustainable development of these economies.

Through my experience, I recognized the value of collaboration between states with similar characteristics and the significance of having diplomatic and technical representation in strategic locations. Small states are significantly resource-constrained and are therefore incapable of establishing diplomatic presence or participate in the international decision-making process. As a result, it limits their ability to impact decisions that would recognize or address their concerns. As a Member State of the O. E. C. S. Economic Union, Grenada benefitted from the shared expertise of technicians in the Secretariat and in the O. E.C. S. Permanent Mission in Geneva. These organs also played a critical role in facilitating discussions between Member States and encouraging a collaborative disposition towards policy-making. This also aided in developing the capacities of Member States to efficiently engage their stakeholders on relevant regional and international issues in order to develop national and regional positions. Most importantly, the Permanent Mission in Brussels, allowed Member States to have a stronger presence in the international decision-making community. Members gained greater insight and advice on the regular issues being discussed, they had advocates to articulate their positions and facilitate ongoing dialogue on topics of significance that would have proven more difficult otherwise and it unlocked opportunities to strengthen diplomatic relations and advance their development goals. By having advocates in this setting, the Mission was able to secure donor funding to facilitate the participation of Government Officials in various negotiations and policy-making forums.

It has always been my mission to seek new challenges and to advance my career, learning and experiences to the highest level possible. Having lived and worked in a small island state, I believe that the issues confronting these types of economies are unique and lack sufficient representation. I am of the strong belief, therefore, that through collaborative efforts and projects such as the CFTC, that this goal can be realized. In that regard, I believe that my academic qualifications together with my professional and personal experiences make me the most suitable candidate for this position. I am hardworking, dedicated, dependabl and personable. I am also an avid learner and I am not afraid to take on new challenges. Most importantly, I understand the magnitude of the position and as Trade Adviser I plan to do the following, inter alia:

Increase the visibility of the office and the project.

Develop strategic partnerships with other organizations.

Provide sound technical advice and representation in negotiations and the decision-making process in Geneva, particularly in the WTO.

Maintain regular and quality communication lines with the Secretariat and the Member States.

Advance the objectives of the Commonwealth Vulnerability Resilience Framework.

Promote policies that are responsive to the concerns of small states.

The enclosed CV provides further details on my professional and academic experience. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my capacity and desire to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. I am confident in my ability to fulfill the objectives of this project in line with the Commonwealth Charter and the development of small states as the key driving force.