IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE:  please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

a.    Organizational Setting

The post is located in the Division for Transition and Developed Countries (TDC) of the Regional and National Development Sector. The TDC provides advisory services, capacity building and technical assistance towards the implementation of cooperation programs and the widespread access to and use of services provided by WIPO in Central European, Baltic States, Mediterranean, Caucasian, Central Asian and Eastern European and Transition and Developed Countries.

b.    Purpose Statement

The Associate Program Officer assists the Director in the general coordination of activities of the Division and contributes to the implementation of the Organization’s cooperation programs regarding the promotion of the protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in countries that fall under the responsibility of the Division, as well as supports the implementation of relevant large-scale Program activities.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of TDC.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Assist the Director in developing the Division’s work plans and budget; monitor budget and work plans on a regular basis; contribute to the development of performance indicators and standards in collaboration with the staff of the Division.

b.   Coordinate and support the preparation of the Division’s inputs to the biennial WIPO Program and Budget, program performance reports and strategic plans.

c.   Coordinate reporting on the development, implementation, and evaluation of capacity building programs.

d.   Participate in internal meetings and keep the Director and other staff informed of developments; propose and monitor follow-up activities as required. Undertake necessary preparations for, and participate in, meetings organized or co-organized by the Organization.

e.   Provide coordination assistance to the Director in his oversight and improvement of  the design, implementation and evaluation of country plans, development projects and programs. Provide administrative and technical backstopping for tailor-made specific projects for the development and modernization of national IP systems for the economic, cultural, and social benefit of the countries concerned.

f.    In cooperation with other WIPO Sectors/Divisions, provide support in the establishment of TDC cooperation with external partners representing the academia, private sector, and non-governmental organizations.

g.   Based on major developments of IP issues in TDC countries, propose and support activities in this respect.

h.   In collaboration with the Section Heads, contribute to the preparation for the nominations of representatives of Member States for activities organized by WIPO.

i.    Assist in the management of information flows within the Division and with other Sectors; support regular monitoring and consolidation of information to inform TDC staff about new initiatives and work undertaken by other Sectors and WIPO’s committees.

j.    Perform other related duties, as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in Law, Economics, International Relations, or another relevant field.

Experience (Essential)

At least three years of professional experience including in the field of IP in a national and/or international context.

Language (Essential)

Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other languages from TDC countries.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Knowledge of project management methodologies.

Knowledge of the legal, institutional, and cultural environment in transition and developed countries.

Sound judgment: ability to quickly assess complex and fast-moving situations and developments.

Excellent analytical, coordination and organizational skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the internet.

Advanced skills to efficiently use digital work tools and communication applications.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of the business and administrative procedures of national IP institutions.

1.    Communicating effectively.

2.    Showing team spirit.

3.    Demonstrating integrity.

4.    Valuing diversity.

5.    Producing results.

6.    Showing service orientation.

7.    Seeing the big picture.

8.    Seeking change and innovation.

9.    Developing yourself and others.

Annual salary:

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment.  Please note that this estimate is for information only.  The post adjustment multiplier (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change (increase or decrease) without notice.  The figures quoted below are based on the February 2024 rate of 89.7%.

Please refer to WIPO’s Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.

Additional Information

Temporary appointments are renewable, subject to continuing needs, availability of budget and satisfactory performance with a maximum cumulative length of two years.

Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged. Please click on the following links for the list of unrepresented Member States and the list of underrepresented regions and the WIPO Member States in these regions.

The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.

By completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this web site, or on any other documents submitted to WIPO during the application, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process, or termination of employment with WIPO at a later date, if that employment resulted from such willful misrepresentations.

In the event that your candidature is shortlisted, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of an identification and of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and these will be reviewed individually.

Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening.  Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.

Additional background checks may be required.