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.

1. 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 Business Development Unit 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 and External Relations Division and the Internet Dispute Resolution Section. The IP Disputes and External Relations Division includes the IP Disputes Section, the Information and External Relations Section and the Business Development Unit. The Business Development Unit is responsible for analyzing WIPO case data and identifying new alternative dispute resolution (ADR) opportunities to help inform the work of the IP Disputes and External Relations Division, as well as the Center's strategic direction more generally.

2. Purpose Statement

The incumbent contributes to the legal and organizational work of the Center, including the development of Center-supported dispute resolution policies tailored to local and regional needs and ensuring their implementation.

3. Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the Business Development Unit.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties\:

a.   Provide input for the establishment, implementation and promotion of new Center-supported dispute resolution policies, including with Member States' IP authorities, in areas such as information and communications technology and digital copyright and content;

b.   Contribute to the administration of mediation, arbitration and expert determination cases filed with the Center;

c.   Contribute to the development of effective applications to support the Center's ADR activities, including case management databases and online user facilities;

d.   Represent the Center at professional conferences and meetings, and contribute to preparations for Center webinars, workshops and other meetings, including digital outreach initiatives;

e.   Provide procedural guidance in relation to WIPO ADR in response to queries received;

f.    Process and analyze IP ADR data to identify new opportunities and help inform the strategic direction of the Center;

g.   Keep abreast of developments, undertake legal and marketing research in local and regional dispute resolution practices relevant to potential demand for the Center's services and contribute to publications on IP ADR; and

h.   Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law.

Education (Desirable)

University degree including studies in IP and/or ADR.

Experience (Essential)

At least three years of relevant professional experience, including experience in IP law or ADR in a law firm and/or department or agency.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Broad understanding of IP and ADR.
An understanding of the use of information technology in the context of dispute resolution processes.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
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)

Data analysis and presentation skills.
Good understanding of the procedures applicable to the work of the work unit.

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 December 2021 rate of 82.5%.

Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.

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.

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.