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

Coordinating with other vertical and horizontal WIPO sectors, the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector (IES) is responsible for helping Member States develop their IP and innovation ecosystems to drive enterprise and economic growth. IES is also responsible for providing support for researchers and innovators, as well as enterprises, including SMEs, in IP commercialization and otherwise using IP for business growth; issues relating to the emergence of IP as an asset class; and the development of advisory expertise in these and related areas, for example, in national IP strategies.

Within IES, the position is located in the Business Development and Digital Copyright and Content Disputes Section of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, which is a resource center for the resolution of IP disputes between private parties through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods. The Center’s areas of activity are covered by the External Relations Section, the IP Disputes Section, the Business Development and Digital Copyright and Content Disputes Section, and the Internet Dispute Resolution Section.

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent provides legal and technical inputs to support the identification of new ADR opportunities that inform the Center’s strategic direction, including by analyzing data related to IP disputes, engaging with public and private stakeholders, and participating in the development of effective tools to streamline WIPO’s IP dispute resolution services. The incumbent also contributes to the development and implementation of ADR options for copyright- and content-related disputes, and the administration of such disputes.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to the Head of the Business Development and Digital Copyright and Content Disputes Section.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Participate in the development and implementation of WIPO ADR collaborations with Member States’ Intellectual Property authorities;

b.   Administer WIPO ADR cases;

c.   Process and analyze IP ADR data and recommend opportunities to strengthen the strategic direction of the Center;

d.   Work closely with IP stakeholders concerning their policy needs in dispute resolution, in particular in the areas of digital copyright and content;

e.   Develop seminars, conferences and publications designed to foster understanding and use of the Center’s ADR services by IP professionals;

f.    Propose and implement new online and digital outreach initiatives that lower access barriers to WIPO ADR;

g.   Develop case management databases, online user facilities and other applications in coordination with relevant WIPO colleagues;

h.   Represent the Center at professional conferences and meetings;

i.    Provide procedural guidance in relation to WIPO ADR in response to queries received;

j.    Keep abreast of developments, undertake legal and marketing research in local and regional dispute resolution practices relevant to potential demand for the Center’s services and contribute to publications on IP ADR; and

k.   Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law.

Education (Desirable)

University degree including studies in intellectual property and/or alternative dispute resolution.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience, including experience in intellectual property law or alternative dispute resolution in a law firm and/or department or agency.

Language (Essential)

Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Ability to work in other WIPO languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Broad understanding of IP and ADR.

An understanding of the use of information technology in the context of dispute resolution processes.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Flexibility and team spirit.

Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.

Ease and tact in personal contacts at all levels.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Data analysis and presentation skills.

Good understanding of the procedures applicable to the work of the work unit.

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 November 2023 rate of 82.7 %

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.