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 Patent and Treaties Law Section (PTLS) of the Patent and Technology Law Division (PTLD), Patents and Technology Sector. PTLD is responsible for the implementation of WIPO's strategic goal concerning the balanced evolution of the international normative framework for intellectual property in the area of patents and related fields, such as utility models and the protection of trade secrets with an eye on emerging trends and challenges, and assisting Member States in crafting and implementation of their national and regional normative framework in these areas.

The Section is responsible for facilitating the international discourse on matters of global importance and emerging trends, as well as the administration of certain patent-related treaties (Budapest Treaty, Patent Law Treaty, Paris Convention). With the goal of the progressive development of the international patent system, it provides the Secretariat for the Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP), and participates in the coordination of the implementation of the WIPO Strategy on Standard Essential Patents. The Section carries out awareness raising and education on trade secrets, and provides capacity building, training and materials on specific aspects of patent law and policy. Through the provision of comprehensive and reliable information, the Section also assists Member States in the development of balanced legislative and policy frameworks.

b.    Purpose Statement

The main role of the incumbent is to conduct legal research and analyses on various issues in patent law and related areas, provide secretariat services to the Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP). The incumbent will also work on the administration of international agreements and promote the treaties and provide support to Member States before and after their accession, in relation to treaties administered by the PTLD.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the Patents and Treaties Law Section.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties\:

a.   Provide legal opinions and advice to Member States and users regarding international treaties administered by WIPO in the field of patent law, namely the Paris Convention and the Patent Law Treaty (PLT).

b.   Undertake fundamental research and prepare working documents for the Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP) and other bodies.

c.   Provide legal opinions and advice to Member States and other stakeholders on procedural and substantive legal questions concerning the PLT.

d.   Provide support by way of legal research in performing the secretarial functions of the PLT.

e.   Draft and provide input to guides, legal opinions and other documents pertaining to the functions and activities of the work unit and the division, including the area of standard essential patents.

f.    Coordinate and undertake research on specific topics concerning the law of patents and related areas of intellectual property; analyze and present results and prepare related studies and reports.

g.   Coordinate and participate in internal and external training and awareness-raising activities, seminars and workshops; this includes organizing those meetings and delivering training and presentations.

h.   Coordinate and participate in conferences and meetings organized by Member States, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations; this includes provision of legal advice and assistance with respect to the law of patents and related areas.

i.    Foster a culture of providing high quality customer-focused services by identifying varying customer needs, recommending best practices which can improve customer interactions and, proactively addressing potential issues before they impact the customer experience.

j.    Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in law.

Education (Desirable)

Specialization in intellectual property law with specific emphasis in the field of patent law (e.g. specialized papers and/or thesis writing).

Experience (Essential)

At least seven years of relevant professional legal experience, including at least 5 years in the field of intellectual property in the public or private sector, with specific experience in the field of patents.

Experience with legal research projects in the field of patent law and/or policy.

Experience (Desirable)

Relevant professional experience at the international level.

Relevant professional experience in the fields related to patent law (e.g., utility models, trade secrets).

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN languages, in particular Spanish, Russian or Arabic.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Expert knowledge of legal and policy issues in patent law and the respective international treaties (Paris Convention, Patent Law Treaty, Budapest Treaty, TRIPS Agreement).

Ability to analyze legal questions and draft legal texts.

Sound knowledge of applicable legal principles and international treaties in the area of industrial property law, particularly patent law and related areas.

Ability to conduct research independently and present results in a clear and logical form.

Excellent time management and work organization skills.

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.

Ability to foster and maintain a customer-focused culture.

Proficiency in digital tools, AI-enabled applications, and online collaboration platforms. Commitment to continuous learning and the adoption of emerging technologies.

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 February 2026 rate of 93.8%

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.

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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.