Program 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.

1. Organizational Setting

    

   The position is located in the Section for Coordination of Developed Countries in the Department for Transition and Developed Countries (TDC).  TDC provides advisory services, capacity building and technical assistance towards the implementation of cooperation programs and the widespread access to and use of services provided by WIPO in Central European, Baltic States, Mediterranean, Caucasian, Central Asian and Eastern European and Transition and Developed Countries.

    

   The Section for Coordination of Developed Countries focuses on bringing the WIPO services and developments to the attention of a broader audience in developed countries.  It has a coordinating role internally, working with other programs and services, and an outreach and promotional role externally.  Closely linked to this promotional role the Section is focused on measuring the impact of its outreach activities on the use of WIPO services.

    

2. Purpose Statement

    

   The incumbent provides support to the management of the Section by contributing to the overall direction and oversight of information and promotion of outreach activities with particular emphasis on current and potential private sector and industries, the use of modern IT tools for the benefits of both right holders and the Offices.  The incumbent further advises on and contributes to the planning and execution of the programs of the Section.

    

3. Reporting Lines

    

   The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the Section.

    

    

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties\:

a.  Undertake analysis and develop proposals for the more effective outreach of WIPO services in developed countries, notably by means of the Roving Seminars on WIPO services.  Analyze trends and means for the promotion of IP goods and services, including social media, and examine strategies to adapt the promotional effort to different target audiences and local contexts.

b.  Represent the Organization at meetings and conferences of private sector user representatives;  advocate WIPO policy, provide advice and recommendations on specific aspects the use of the global IP system.

c.  Develop and maintain close relations with stakeholders in developed countries and provide policy and procedural advice on the promotion of IP.  Identify opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the field of IPRs with countries and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.  Provide proposals to section head to formally and informally strengthen said cooperation.

d.  Support the preparation of the Section's work plan, set performance indicators in collaboration with the Head of Section;  monitor the implementation of the work plan and prepare performance reports and strategic plans.

e.  Monitor and report on major developments of IP issues in Developed Countries and plan, prepare and conduct initiatives in this respect. Prepare internal reports and other administrative documents for the Section and recommend appropriate activities for the program and budget of the Section.

f.   Serve as intermediary between different Sectors/Divisions in the Organization and Member States. Support sectors in establishing contacts in the region, provide guidance on the challenges and issues in the countries concerned, and assist sectors in the implementation of their programs.

g.  Plan and organize seminars, workshops and training courses, including preparation of training documents and delivery of lectures, with a view to sharing knowledge externally on the legal aspects of project activities and outcomes.

h.  Perform other related duties as required. 

Education

Essential

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

Experience

Essential

At least six years of relevant professional experience in an intellectual property institution or other institution responsible for cooperation policies and procedures. An advanced university degree in one relevant discipline may be accepted in lieu of two years of experience.

Language

Essential

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Desirable

Knowledge of other UN languages.

Job Related Competencies

Essential

Sound knowledge of project management methodologies.

Sound knowledge of the business and administrative procedures of national IP institutions.

Excellent analytical and organizational skills.

Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team.

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.

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.  The post adjustment (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change without notice.  The figures quoted below are based on the September 2019 rate of 76.4%

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 an identification and of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link\: http\://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and these will be reviewed individually.

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.