Associate Program Officer

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.

The post is located in the IP for Business Division (IPBD), in the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector. The IPBD acts as the central reference point within WIPO for SME-related IP issues. The Division empowers enterprises to maximize their potential through intellectual property, including by delivering business-oriented content and targeted tools that help businesses build IP strategies. The Division works with SMEs support institutions and other intermediaries and supports the strengthening of innovation ecosystems, including by helping inventors access the patent system and developing the patent drafting profession.

The main role of the incumbent is to support the work of the IP for Business Division in the implementation of its programs such as the development of business friendly IP tools and materials and supporting business support organizations to use these tools to assist businesses exploit the IP system in their business strategies.

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the IP for Business Division.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.Participate in the design, development and implementation of business friendly tools and materials for using the IP system to support business competitiveness;

b.Assist in the implementation of projects that support business intermediaries integrate IP services into their menu of services;

c.Carry out background research, summarize and compile information and write briefs on various topics in the assigned work area;

d.Assist in the organization of events by coordinating with in-house colleagues, engaging with external partners and preparing material and performing other such tasks as may be required;

e.Review and provide inputs to documents and papers written by external consultants, verify information by consulting with in-house colleagues, coordinate internal comments and prepare and finalize documents including for the web-based environment;

f.Undertake research on the services provided by SME intermediaries, categorize, compile and organize the information in an easily retrievable format;

g.Collect and analyze data, prepare statistics and summary documentation, and compile information in support of the development, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of the Division’s projects and activities; and

h.Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, economics, finance, business management, international relations, or in a related field.

Education (Desirable)

Certification or first-level university degree in communication.

Experience (Essential)

At least three years of relevant professional experience whether in the private or the public sector where knowledge of law, entrepreneurship or business management was applicable.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in IP law, IP management or innovation management.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of any other UN language.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Knowledge of the intellectual property system.

Ability to draft documents in a clear, concise and logical manner.

Ability to communicate complex issues in written and oral forms.

Ability to plan, schedule and monitor work and meet time and quality targets.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

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 March 2023 rate of 81.8%.

Please refer to WIPO’s Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.

Additional Information

Temporary appointments are renewable, subject to continuing needs, availability of budget and satisfactory performance with a maximum cumulative length of two years.

Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged.

The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.

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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.