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

Coordinating with other vertical and horizontal WIPO sectors, the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector (IES) is responsible for helping Member States develop their IP and innovation ecosystems to drive enterprise and economic growth. IES is also responsible for providing support for researchers and innovators, as well as enterprises, including SMEs, in IP commercialization and otherwise using IP for business growth; issues relating to the emergence of IP as an asset class; and the development of advisory expertise in these and related areas, for example, in national IP strategies.

Within IES, the position is located in the External Relations and Planning Section of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, which is a resource center for the resolution of IP disputes between private parties through methods other than court litigation. The Center's areas of activity are covered by the IP Disputes Section, the Business Development and Digital Content Disputes Section, the Internet Dispute Resolution Section, and the External Relations and Planning Section. The External Relations and Planning Section is responsible for providing advice and resources on the Center’s alternative dispute resolution services, and supporting the Center’s outreach, policy development and implementation, planning IT infrastructure, program, budget, and case administration.

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent contributes to the planning and legal work of the Center, including contributing to the development of Center-supported dispute resolution policies, planning IT case management infrastructure and managing related projects.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the External Relations and Planning Section in the Center's Office in Geneva.

d.    Work Relations

The incumbent will liaise with a wide range of colleagues across the Organization (Legal, IT and Finance/Budget), and with external parties, such as Member State IP Offices and Courts.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties\:

a.   Promote the mediation, arbitration, domain name services of the Center, and WIPO’s global services as applicable, including organizing and presenting online or in-person events.

b.   Coordinate the development and initiation of new Center-supported alternative dispute resolution policies for Member State IP Offices and Courts needs and implement such policies.

c.   Administer mediation, arbitration and expert determination cases filed with the Center, and provide guidance for junior legal staff.

d.   Provide procedural guidance in relation to WIPO alternative dispute resolution in response to queries received.

e.   Planning with WIPO Information and Communication Technology Department (ICTD) and Department of Program Planning and Finance (PPBD) colleagues regarding development and integration of new or enhanced applications for efficient case management and improved user experience, including input on project initiation documentation and related reports.

f.    Manage assigned projects in line with the Center’s program and annual workplans.

g.   Preparing and coordinating the Center’s General Assemblies documents and related contributions, as well as briefing notes for WIPO senior management.

h.   Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law or another relevant discipline.

Education (Desirable)

University degree including studies in international law.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience, including experience in intellectual property law or alternative dispute resolution in a law firm and/or department or agency.

Language (Essential)

Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Ability to work in other WIPO languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Broad understanding of intellectual property and alternative dispute resolution.

Excellent information technology skills in the context of case management processes.

Strong project management skills.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Flexibility and team spirit. 

Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure. 

Ease and tact in personal contacts at all levels.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Good understanding of the procedures applicable to the work of the work unit.

Knowledge of WIPO's Global IP services, particularly the PCT, Madrid, and Hague systems.

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 fixed-term appointment 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.