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 External Relations Division (ERD), Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector (GCPS). The Division is responsible, inter alia, for strengthening WIPO’s relations with the United Nations (UN) System and other Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs); for contributing to various UN and IGO processes which have a bearing on WIPO’s work and mandate; and for developing institutional partnerships with the UN system, private sector, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders, including Intellectual Property (IP) system users and civil society.

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent is responsible for the management and coordination of an effective program of work that enhances WIPO’s profile in the UN system. The incumbent facilitates WIPO’s effective engagement, partnership and interaction with the UN and other IGOs to strategically use IP tools for the benefit of everyone.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director, External Relations Division.

d.    Work Relations

The incumbent liaises extensively with other programs throughout the Organization.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Propose, design, plan and implement joint programs with UN agencies and other IGOs to strategically use IP tools to address shared global goals and challenges; determine the direction and priorities for the allocation of resources to execute timely and impactful activities.

b.   Assess developments, challenges, and issues addressed in the relevant UN and IGO processes, negotiations and discussions which have a direct bearing on the Organization’s mandate; provide analysis and recommendations WIPO Management on necessary actions to undertake.

c.   Initiate and manage coordination with relevant Divisions across WIPO to Identify opportunities where WIPO can make valued and targeted contributions which can improve the understanding of IP in UN/IGO processes.

d.   Coordinate and manage the provision of WIPO’s contributions and expertise to relevant UN and IGO processes and negotiations.

e.   Develop, coordinate and manage IP-based partnership projects working closely with other substantive units.

f.    Initiate and manage in-house advisory, networking and partnership related services relevant for colleagues seeking to work with the UN and other IGOs.

g.   Provide regular updates, analysis and recommendations to the Director on the Division’s programmatic, workforce and financial planning in line with results-based management principles; set performance indicators, monitor budget and workplan implementation and draft contributions to strategic planning and policy documents and program performance reports.

h.   Represent WIPO at external UN and IGO meetings.

i.    Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in international relations, political science, law or another relevant discipline.  A first-level university degree plus an additional two years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience (Essential)

At least seven years of relevant professional experience in international relations, including in the field of intellectual property and, managing partnership activities.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience working in an international organization.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Deep knowledge of the UN system and other intergovernmental processes which are relevant to WIPO’s mandate and program of work.

Substantive knowledge and understanding of the interface between intellectual property and global public policy issues.

Excellent analytical and writing skills.

Excellent understanding of WIPO’s strategic objectives and how they relate to UN and IGO processes.

Sound political judgment and ability to analyze the policy implications of complex intergovernmental negotiations and processes on the IP system.

Ability to represent the Organization effectively and communicate WIPO’s work to diverse audiences.

Ability to interact and manage relations with a range of actors (both internal and external).

Excellent diplomatic and interpersonal skills with a proven 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 and social media tools.

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.

Mobility:  WIPO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director General and may be assigned to any activities, office or duty station of the Organization.  Accordingly, the selected candidate may be required to move from time to time to new functions and/or to another duty station.

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 July 2023 rate of 89.2%

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

Additional Information

* Initial period of two years, renewable, subject to satisfactory performance.  No fixed-term appointment or any extension hereof shall carry with it any expectancy of, nor imply any right to, (further) extensions or conversion to a permanent appointment.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions in accordance with Staff Rule 4.9.5.

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.