UX Lead

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 post is located in the Digital Initiatives Unit in the Information and Communication Technology Department (ICTD) of the Corporate Management and Transformation Sector. The Information and Communication Technology Department (ICTD) drives the Organization's digital transformation by focusing on service quality, efficiency, security, and sustainability. It leads the Infotech strategy to support internal and external customers through services such as project management, enterprise architecture, data management, digital workplace, and critical system maintenance, including Enterprise Solutions, Hague, Madrid, and PCT Information Systems.

The Digital Initiatives Unit develops and implements comprehensive guidelines, standards, and operating procedures for managing digital products and Infotech projects. It enables digital initiatives to achieve their objectives efficiently and in a coordinated manner. The Unit oversees User Experience (UX) strategy and the operations of WIPO IP Portal products, and drives Infotech governance, providing controls and supporting information flows across the Infotech hierarchy.

b.    Purpose Statement

The UX Lead is responsible for centralized coordination of user experience research and design, ensuring harmonized user experiences across WIPO’s external digital ecosystem. The incumbent integrates user research as a standard practice in the management and development of WIPO’s business applications.

c.     Reporting Lines

The incumbent works independently under the supervision of the Head, Digital Initiatives Unit who provides guidance on strategic matters.

d.    Work Relations

The incumbent has regular contact with stakeholders across business units to deliver UX initiatives, resolve issues, and provide expert advice on user experience strategy and best practice.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties\:

a.   Develop and oversee implementation of WIPO’s UX strategy, by establishing governance and collaborative framework with stakeholders across business units, to ensure UX delivers value and supports WIPO’s strategic goals, and by applying new analytical methodologies to inform decision-making.

b.   Define user research standards and methodologies across the organization while serving as an expert adviser to teams on integrating research methods into product development and incorporating user insights into decision-making.

c.   Advocate for the user perspective throughout design processes and foster a strong culture of user centricity across the Organization.

d.   Provide expert advice on improving user experience across WIPO’s external-facing business applications.

e.   Drive product innovation by creating high quality designs and user journeys ensuring that design excellency translates to measurable improvements in user satisfaction and organizational outcome.

f.    Participate as expert advisor in product development meetings and agile ceremonies, prioritizing design and research activities and addressing issues as they arise.

g.   Foster innovation in product design by integrating market trends and user expectations into WIPO’s UX strategy and operational guidelines.

h.   Ensure designs for external business applications meet high standards of usability, sustainability and accessibility, and maintain visual consistency with organizational standards.

i.    Oversee the work of external UX consultants, drive resolution of complex challenges, validate deliverables and ensure compliance with organizational standards.

j.    Define and monitor key indicators to ensure the delivery and impact of UX value, leveraging Ai and analytical digital tools to provide prescriptive insights that inform strategic planning.

k. Plan and execute workshops and other internal events to promote user-centricity.

l. Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in User Experience Design or a related discipline. A first-level university degree plus two years of relevant professional experience in addition to the years of experience mentioned below may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Education (Desirable)

Certification in user research, service design, accessible design or sustainable design.

Experience (Essential)

At least seven years of progressive relevant professional experience in UX design, including experience with user research.

Experience in leading large scale digital initiatives.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in comparable multilateral or international organizations.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UN languages, particularly French.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Technical knowledge of user experience design, including integrating end-to-end design practices into product development.

Knowledge of user engagement strategies and technical research techniques.

Familiarity with agile practices and tools such as JIRA and Microsoft Office suite. 

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

Domain knowledge of patent, trademark office operations or similar environments, with an understanding of the IP ecosystem. 

Strong communication and interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to build and sustain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment; commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Strong problem-solving skills and high level of curiosity.

Good knowledge of sustainable UX.

Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Good knowledge of IP

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 October 2026 rate of 80.3%

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 overall term of five years is not applicable to WIPO staff members on permanent, continuing or regular fixed-term appointments

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.