Title of Assignment: Project Coordinator – Coordination of activities related to the Indigenous Peoples/Fashion Companies Dialogue and to the WIPO Photography Prize for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Youth

Name of unit/sector: Traditional Knowledge Division (TKD), Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector

Place of Assignment: WIPO HQ, Geneva, Switzerland

Expected duration of assignment: February 1 to December 31, 2024

1.Background and objective of the assignment

Background

The use of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions in fashion is a matter of discussion and concern among Indigenous Peoples.  There is an absence of legally binding norms at the international level, as well as soft law options such as voluntary codes of conduct and best practices within the fashion industry.  Brand owners generally are increasingly conscious of the need to be more diverse, inclusive and sustainable, and empowered consumers increasingly demand authenticity and equity.
In this context, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is facilitating a number of activities that would be conducive to fairer and more equitable interaction between Indigenous Peoples and fashion companies.  Some activities to date have included Indigenous consultations, the preparation of Draft Steps when Considering the Use of Elements of Indigenous Peoples’ Traditional Cultural Expressions in Fashion, and a High-Level Dialogue on Indigenous Peoples, Traditional Cultural Expressions and Fashion, that took place on November 2, 2023 at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva.  In 2024, work will focus on the fine-tuning of the draft steps document in consultations with Indigenous Peoples’ representatives, fashion companies and experts; the preparations of case studies/stories featuring successful collaborations between Indigenous Peoples and fashion companies; and the organization of a second High-Level Dialogue.
Following the success of the first and second editions of the WIPO Photography Prize for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Youth (the Photography Prize), WIPO will organize a new edition of the Photography Prize in 2024. Through the Photography Prize, WIPO aims to celebrate and make widely known the creativity of young members of Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities, and raise awareness among them on how they can use copyright to protect the creativity expressed in their photographs.

Objective of the assignment

The objective of the assignment is to assist with the coordination of the next stages of the Indigenous Peoples/Fashion Companies dialogue, and to organize and coordinate the 2024 edition of the WIPO Photography Prize for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Youth.

2. Deliverables/services

In the context of the background and objectives described above, the Contractor is required to:

• In the context of the Indigenous Peoples/fashion companies dialogue, provide support  by conducting research and preparing, updating and editing reports, studies, presentations and other related materials;  act as the focal point for Indigenous stakeholders, including identifying them, briefing them and keeping them informed; assist with the planning, organization and coordination of activities, including virtual and/or in person consultations and meetings.
• In the context of the Photography Prize, organize and coordinate the activity, which includes managing the dedicated online platform for entrants, coordinating the work of the external panel of judges, coordinating the launch of the competition and organizing activities relating to the announcement of the finalists and the winners of the competition.

3. Reporting

The Contractor shall report to the Director of the Traditional Knowledge Division, or his/her delegate.

4. Profile

The Contractor should have:
(a) A university degree in law, anthropology, sociology, public relations, communications, development, political science, business administration or a related discipline;
(b) Project management experience or skills as well as experience in dealing with complex projects within tight deadlines;
(c) At least three years’ professional experience;
(d) Good research and writing skills;
(e) Excellent analytical and organizational skills;
(f) Excellent communication, facilitation, stakeholder management and interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;
(g) Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.  Knowledge of another United Nations official language would be desirable;
(h) Experience working with Indigenous peoples and local communities; and
(i) Relevant IT skills.

5. Duration of contract and payment

(a) Duration:
The duration of the Contract shall be from February 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024, up to a maximum of 24 months.

(b) Payment for the Services:
The Contractor shall indicate the desired daily rate in Swiss francs.

6. Confidentiality

The Contractor shall not disclose or discuss this assignment with any third party other than as envisaged in the present terms of reference, except as may otherwise be authorized by WIPO in writing.