Counsellor

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 WIPO Nigeria Office (WNO). The WIPO Nigeria Office is part of a network of WIPO External Offices that add clear value, efficiency and effectiveness to the delivery of WIPO's programs, in line with its Strategic Goals and Results Framework, in a coordinated and complimentary way with WIPO Headquarters (HQ).

 

b.  Purpose Statement

 

The Counsellor of the WNO is responsible for consolidating the new Office in Abuja, which was established in January 2020, and conceptualizing and implementing the Office's work program. The Counsellor will build and further develop contacts with United Nations organizations and key stakeholders in Nigeria.  When acting as the Head of the WNO, the Counsellor will oversee the effective delivery of the Office's activities, projects and services.

 

c.  Reporting Lines

 

The Counsellor of the WNO works under the supervision of the Director of the WNO, upon her/his appointment.  Prior to the appointment of the Director, the Counsellor will act as Head of the WNO and, in this case, report to the Assistant Director General and Chief of Staff.

 

d.  Work Relations

 

The Counsellor liaises closely with the External Offices Coordination Unit at HQ to ensure the activities of the WNO are in coordination with and are complementary to the work of HQ, thereby adding value to mandate implementation.

 

 

 

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties\:

   

a.   In the absence of a Director, oversee the management of the WNO located in UN House Abuja. Establish and develop productive working relationships with the UN Resident Coordinator and staff of UN House to ensure functioning of the WNO.

   

b.   Identify, develop and further strengthen contacts with host country representatives.

    

c.   Review, analyse and interpret data on national economic, social, political and IP trends.  Undertake needs assessments and identify priorities for action and integration in the Office work plan.

    

d.   Conceptualize, update and implement the work plan for the WNO based on national needs, WIPO priorities and available resources. Ensure the consistent application of results-based management (RBM) and WIPO rules, procedures and processes.

    

e.   Keep informed of the national IP situation in the country and propose actions in response to new and emerging operational challenges. Ensure the External Offices Coordination Unit is informed of developments.

    

f.    Develop and implement a strategic communications strategy for the Office in accordance with identified needs and priorities. Ensure targeted and effective utilization of communications to promote public understanding of IP, to position WIPO and to advocate the work of WIPO and the WNO.

    

g.   Represent the WNO in meetings with government officials and other key stakeholders to advocate the work of the WNO and WIPO and to pursue areas for collaboration.

    

h.   Perform other related duties as required.

    

    

Education (Essential)

 

Advanced university degree in international relations, law, economics, public administration, management or other relevant field.  A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

   

Experience (Essential)

 

At least seven years of relevant experience, including in public administration. Experience of working in an international context.

   

Experience (Desirable)

 

Experience working with the United Nations.

    

Language (Essential)

 

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

    

Language (Desirable)

 

Knowledge of Hausa, Yoruba or Igbo (Ibo).

   

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

 

Knowledge of Nigeria and the intellectual property landscape in that country.
Good knowledge of the subject areas dealt with by WIPO.
Good knowledge of program and results-based management (RBM) principles and concepts.
Political awareness and understanding of socio-economic factors.
Ability to build and enhance internal and external partnerships and promote synergies with WIPO's mandate.
Excellent diplomatic, representation and communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Excellent organizational skills.
Excellent drafting skills.
Sound judgement; ability to quickly assess complex and fast-moving situations and developments and provide targeted and innovative advice.
Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the internet.
Discretion and integrity.

    

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

 

Knowledge of WIPO, its strategic priorities, rules and procedures.

    

    

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.

  

5. Information

    

 

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 June 2020 rate of 41.3% for Nigeria.

    

 

 

P4
Annual salary		$73,516
Post adjustment		$30,362
Total Salary		$103,878
Currency USD

 

 

 

 

 

Please refer to WIPO’s Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.

 

 

  

Additional Information

   

Temporary appointments are renewable, subject to continuing needs, availability of budget and satisfactory performance with a maximum cumulative length of two years.

    

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 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.

 

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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.