Title of Assignment: Project Management Assistant – IP Training for Diplomats and Trade Officials

Name of unit/sector: Management, Strategic Planning and Coordination, WIPO Academy

Place of Assignment: Geneva based

Expected places of travel (if applicable): Yes, to be determined

Expected duration of assignment: From September 15, 2023 to March 14, 2024

1. Background and Objective of the assignment

The Management, Strategic Planning and Coordination is the overarching Section responsible for devising the strategic vision of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Academy and supervising its Programs. Alongside the planning, coordination and management functions, the Section leads special capacity building and skills development programs on intellectual property (IP) addressed to notable categories of national officials such as judges and diplomats.
The Management, Strategic Planning and Coordination, in coordination with the Distance Learning Program of the WIPO Academy, is designing a pilot training program on Intellectual Property for Diplomats and Trade Officials which aims at (i) equipping diplomats and trade officials with knowledge with respect to IP fundamentals; (ii) exposing them to main contemporary issues related to IP and (iii) assisting diplomatic institutions to integrate regular classes on IP within their curricula.
The design and format of the program is undertaken in close consultation with partner institutions and tailored to meet their needs. In principle, the training comprises:

1. National IP Forum: Seminar on the socio-economic relevance of IP
2. Specialized e-Learning on IP: IP Fundamentals for Diplomats and Trade Officials
3. IP Workshop: In-class or online workshop on links between IP and national and global challenges (2-3 days)
4. International IP Knowledge Network: Dedicated networking space for alumni

The WIPO Academy has received various requests from WIPO Member States in order to set up a special capacity building and skills development program on IP for diplomats and trade officials.
In this context, the WIPO Academy needs support to deliver successfully the above-mentioned programs in English and subsequently in other UN languages.
The incumbent is responsible for providing assistance for the management of the special program. He/she will be assisting in liaising with national authorities and undertaking activities necessary for the proper implementation of the program in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders. In particular, he/she will support planning, coordination and organization of online and in-person courses, seminars offered to diplomats and trade officials. Additionally, he/she will undertake other activities as necessary.

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Senior Counsellor and Project Manager of the Program, Management, Strategic Planning and Coordination, WIPO Academy.

2. Tasks/deliverables 

The Contractor will:

1. Incoming requests for assistance:
(a) Assist in planning and coordinating requests for capacity building and skills development from different countries, ensure the timely response to those requests, assess training needs and priorities and discuss implementation plans.
(b) Brief beneficiary countries on the rationale and structure of the Program on IP Training for Diplomats and Trade Officials and provide them advice as necessary.

2. Organization and implementation:
(c) Ensure effective and timely organization and implementation of the Program.
(d) Liaise and coordinate with relevant stakeholders as well as with WIPO Academy’s Programs and WIPO Sectors and Divisions for matters relating to the organization and implementation of the Program.
(e) Provide support in the planning, coordination and organization of courses and the preparation of programs for in-class and/or online workshops.
(f) Maintain an updated database of resources and assist in selecting and liaising with course facilitators and experts and coordinate their participation in training courses.
(g) Maintain an updated record of meetings, decisions and recommendations and ensure a close follow-up of agreed actions and activities.

3. Data collection and reports:
(h) Collect, compile and analyze data on IP training for diplomats and trade officials and prepare relevant reports in preparation and review of the WIPO Academy’s work plan and program of work and budget.
(i) Conduct research or comparative studies on available IP training for diplomats.

4. Communication and other duties:
(j) Coordinate with the WIPO Academy’s communication focal point to develop suitable news items and stories and develop promotional materials.
(k) Assist in preparing presentations and statements for official meetings and training courses.
(l) Maintain an updated record of the WIPO Academy’s cooperation with Member States and produce relevant reports.
(m) Perform other duties, as required.

3. Reporting 

The Contractor will be under the supervision of the Senior Counsellor, Management, Strategic Planning and Coordination, WIPO Academy.

4. Profile

The Contractor should have an advanced University degree in project management, international relations, or diplomacy, with relevant work experience in project management or research and excellent knowledge of English or French. The contractor should also have experience preparing and organizing training programs and experience working in an international organization.

5. Duration of contract and payment

The contract will start on September 15, 2023, and will end on March 14, 2024. Applicants are requested to provide an indication of their remuneration expectations in Swiss francs (daily rate). The contract will be renewed upon satisfactory performance, up to 2 years maximum.