Speech Writer
JOB DETAIL
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.
This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.
1. Organizational Context
a. Organizational Setting
The post is located in the Office of the Director General (ODG). The ODG provides support to the Director General so as to enable him to carry out his duties efficiently and effectively.
b. Purpose Statement
Working for the Director General, the Speech Writer is responsible for undertaking research and developing and writing speeches, briefings and presentations on a wide variety of topics relating to innovation, creativity and intellectual property, as directed by the Director General.
c. Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director General.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
a. Prepare materials for, and drafts of, speeches, which communicate effectively the themes, concepts and messages which the Director General wishes to convey to highly diverse audiences;
b. Conduct research and compile factual and illustrative material in support of the ideas that the Director General needs to communicate to a specific audience;
c. Work closely with in-house WIPO experts and coordinate and edit their inputs to the Director General’s speeches and presentations;
d. Prepare presentations suited to the audience and platform and assist the Director General with speech delivery preparation;
e. Keep well informed of new developments and issues concerning innovation, intellectual property, geopolitical developments and WIPO;
f. Perform other related duties as required.
3. Requirements
Education (Essential)
First-level university degree in Journalism, English, Literature, Communications, Creative Writing, International Affairs, Social Sciences or a relevant subject.
Education (Desirable)
Advanced university degree in a relevant subject.
Experience (Essential)
At least six years of relevant professional experience, including in a similar role.
Language (Essential)
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
Language (Desirable)
Good knowledge of French.
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Outstanding communication and writing skills, including the proven ability to convey complex information in clear and interesting terms, and to tailor its communication to a variety of audiences.
Knowledge of intellectual property or commitment to develop such knowledge.
Strong conceptual skills and the intellectual versatility required to master the essentials of wide-ranging technical, legal and policy subject matter.
Excellent research and analytical skills.
Sound political judgment.
A good understanding of public speaking, attention to detail and ability to remain resilient and complete multiple revisions if needed.
Strong team player showing commitment to the work of the group in order to complete tasks, meet goals, manage projects and achieve results.
Excellent listening skills and ability to respect ideas.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Good knowledge of social media.
Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the internet.
4. Organizational Competencies
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.
5. Information
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 August 2023 rate of 87.6%
| P3 | ||||
| Annual salary | $62,692 | |||
| Post adjustment | $54,918 | |||
| Total Salary | $117,610 | |||
| Currency USD | ||||
Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.
Please refer to WIPO’s Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.
Additional Information
* Initial fixed-term appointment of two years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and other applicable conditions. The selected candidate’s appointment will be subject to an overall term of five years in this position, with no possibility of renewal beyond that term. S/he may, however, apply and be considered for other positions at WIPO.
This is not applicable to WIPO staff members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointments, who were recruited following a competition under Staff Regulation 4.10 (“Appointment Boards”).
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.
