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 position is located in the Traditional Knowledge Division. The Division promotes and supports implementation of the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge, 2024 (the GRATK Treaty), facilitates international negotiations on intellectual property (IP) and genetic resources (GRs), traditional knowledge (TK) and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) and undertakes a wide range of complementary capacity-building and technical assistance projects and activities for the benefit of Member States, regional organizations and Indigenous Peoples, as well as local communities.

b.    Purpose Statement

The main role of the incumbent is to design, organize, coordinate and participate in large Division-wide processes and activities, such as sessions of the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) and related meetings and activities, and significant cross-cutting capacity-building activities and technical assistance projects.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the Traditional Knowledge Division or their delegate.

d.    Work Relations

The incumbent works closely with other WIPO programs and Member States, the United Nations, intergovernmental organizations and other stakeholders, especially Indigenous Peoples, as well as local communities.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Design, organize and participate in activities related to the promotion and implementation of the GRATK Treaty.

b.  Plan, organize, coordinate and participate in IGC sessions and related meetings and activities; interpret and advise on procedures and rules; clear and approve routine documents and correspondence; administer the WIPO Voluntary Fund.

c.  Design, plan, budget for, implement, monitor and evaluate technical assistance and capacity-building projects and activities.

d.  Represent the Division at technical assistance and capacity-building programs and other related international and national meetings, seminars, or conferences.

e.  Provide strategic advice for and participate in the strengthening of meaningful alliances and partnerships with Member States, organizations and associations and the private sector on issues relating to GRs, TK and TCEs.

f.   Prepare and review a diverse range of internal and external documents such as publications, guides and internal performance and other reporting to support the work of the Division.

g.  Ensure impactful and timely internal and external communications relating to the work of the Division.

h.  Supervise junior staff as and when required.

i.   Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

Advanced degree in law, economics, international relations, development studies or a related field. A first-level university degree plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the experience requested below may be acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Education (Desirable)

A post-graduate qualification in IP (such as a degree, diploma or completion of an accredited course).

Project management certification.

Experience (Essential)

At least seven years of relevant professional experience, related to IP, in development cooperation and/or in intergovernmental negotiations in an international organization.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in policy and legal analysis in relation to IP, preferable in relation to GRs, TK and/or TCEs.

Experience with results-based management.

Experience in the supervision of more junior staff.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other United Nations languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Sound political judgement and ability to anticipate potential sensitivities. Discretion and integrity. Excellent diplomatic skills.

Knowledge of development concerns and needs in various countries.

Sound knowledge of project management methodologies. Excellent skills in planning and coordination, with the ability to work under pressure, respect deadlines and to handle multiple concurrent projects and activities.

Excellent people and resource management skills and ability to manage diverse and multicultural team.

Excellent analytical, organizational and decision-making skills.

Excellent communication, time-management 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.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Awareness of the field of IP in relation to GRs, TK and/or TCEs.

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 2024 rate of 90.1%

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 your identification and the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO recognizes higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed here: http://www.whed.net/. Some higher educational qualifications may not be listed in WHED, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

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.