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 post is located in the Division for Asia and the Pacific, Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector (RNDS). The Division serves as WIPO’s primary gateway to 38 countries across the Asia-Pacific region, including 28 developing countries, 10 least-developed countries, with 17 countries considered as small island developing states and five as landlocked least-developed countries. Operating within the Department for Development Cooperation under the Regional and National Development Sector, the Division collaborates across all Sectors of the Organization and WIPO External offices in the region, to engage with diverse stakeholders - including intellectual property offices, government agencies, regional institutions, and private sector partners - to design and deliver impactful, customized technical assistance programs. Through its work, the Division contributes to strategic goals of the Organization to leverage all kinds of intellectual property as catalysts for sustainable growth and inclusive development.

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent contributes to the implementation of the Division’s workplan in alignment with the Organization’s vision and strategic objectives by fostering effective collaboration within the Sector countries, assisting and supporting the management of IP initiatives that reflect Member States' priorities, and providing key support to the Division’s operations and initiatives. The incumbent shall be responsible for a number of assigned countries in the region for the purpose of providing technical assistance and support for IP stakeholders, assisting the country desk officers, the Director of the Division and the Senior Director of the Sector.

c.     Reporting Lines

The Program Officer works under the overall supervision of the Director of the Division.

d.    Work Relations

The incumbent works closely with Division colleagues and collaborates across the Organization and with external stakeholders, particularly Member States, to implement the Department’s mandate and program of work.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties\:

a.   Support country desk officers and project managers by assessing assigned countries’ economic, social, and political contexts and contributing to the design and implementation of results-oriented, cost-effective IP initiatives and skills-building programs.

b.   Plan and support execution of IP-related inter-regional initiatives, under south-south, north-south, and/or triangular frameworks including through the identification of synergies within and amongst regions.

c.   Work closely with other WIPO areas to ensure smooth information flow and the implementation of organizational and sector-wide instructions, while reviewing and following up on Division-led IP initiatives to ensure alignment with the Department and Sector mandates.

d.   Initiate and produce data and information collection and assist in the preparation of the Division’s managerial reports including program of work and budget proposals, WIPO performance reports, and the annual budget and workplan.

e.   Actively promote accession to WIPO treaties and contribute to growing the use of WIPO Global IP Services, including PCT, Madrid and the Hague, in the region.

f.    Organize and prepare meetings, visits, briefings, speeches, talking points, and other documents for Senior Management’s engagements with stakeholders in and outside Geneva, ensuring timely coordination and follow-up on commitments.

g.   Prepare official and diplomatic correspondence including letters, and notes verbales according to international protocol standards and WIPO administrative requirements.

h.   Assist in the implementation of the Division’s communication strategy, support media outreach efforts. Provide regular updates on the Division’s achievements and initiatives.

i.    Participate in country missions and stakeholder meetings to represent WIPO, provide guidance, and gather feedback to support effective project management and strategic decision-making.

j.    Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, economics, international relations or another relevant discipline.

Education (Desirable)

Advanced university degree in law, economics, international relations or another relevant discipline.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in the field of intellectual property and capacity building.

Experience in the management of IP cooperation initiatives.

Language (Essential)

Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Knowledge of intellectual property and development, particularly at the international level.

Sound political judgement and ability to anticipate potential sensitivities in a political and multicultural environment.

Excellent skills in the management of resources, including planning, monitoring and evaluation of budgetary funds.

Excellent liaison, communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish, build and maintain effective partnerships and working relations across the Organization, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Excellent organizational skills.

Excellent drafting skills.

Excellent skills in planning and coordination, with the ability to work under pressure, respect deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects and activities.

Good project design management skills ideally in the development context.

Discretion and integrity.

Digital Savvy and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Social Media platform with the ability to adapt quickly to new software.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of the UN system.

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.

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 January 2026 rate of 86.8%

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. 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.

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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 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.