Associate Legal 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.

This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.

a.    Organizational Setting

The position is located in the Patents and Treaties Law Section (PTLS) of the Patent and Technology Law Division (PTLD), Patents and Technology Sector (PTS).

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 Associate Legal Officer supports the advancement of balanced and forward-looking international legal frameworks in the areas of patents, utility models, trade secrets and technology. Through rigorous legal research, analysis and collaboration on key initiatives, the role supports informed decision-making by Member States and strengthens the effectiveness, coherence and accessibility of intellectual property systems in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

c.     Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of and reports directly to the Head of the PTLS.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties\:

a.   Undertake research on various topics in the assigned work area, perform comparative analyses of national/regional legislations and practices, and contribute to the preparation of initial drafts of working documents for WIPO technical committees and bodies, guides, legal opinions and other documents pertaining to the functions and activities of the work unit.

b.   Assist in organizing and implementing training and awareness-raising activities, seminars and workshops, in particular, in the area of patents, trade secrets and intersections of IP law and technology.

c.   Participate as a member of the Secretariat of WIPO technical committees, in meetings and other bodies, including the drafting of summary records.

d.   Participate in conferences and meetings organized by Member States, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations.

e.   Respond to general correspondence and inquiries and provide advice on general legal questions concerning the law of patents, utility models, trade secrets and layout designs (topographies) of integrated circuits.

f.    Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law.

Education (Desirable)

Specialization in intellectual property law.

Education in a technical or scientific background.

Experience (Essential)

At least three years of relevant professional experience in the field of intellectual property law, and practice in the public or private sector.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in the field of patent law and practice.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Working knowledge of any other official UN language.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Ability to design and conduct research and analyze defined aspects of legal issues. 

Knowledge of legal principles of intellectual property law.

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

Ability to communicate complex legal issues in written and oral forms. 

Organizational skills with the ability to work within strict deadlines.

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

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 July 2026 rate of 84.7%

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 normally 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 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.