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. Introduction and Organizational Context
a) Introduction
WIPO's Young Experts Program aims at forging the next generation of intellectual property leaders. The two-year program hosted at WIPO is designed to expose young people with high potential, particularly from developing and least developed countries, as well as countries in transition, to the technical and policy aspects of IP. YEP selectees will enjoy a wide-ranging and cohesive WIPO working experience, focused on on-the-job learning and exposure to different sectors, focus areas and colleagues. The YEP will also include regular networking opportunities with top and senior leadership at WIPO.
b) Organizational Context
The selected Young Experts will be allocated to assignments in accordance with organizational needs and priorities and based on the profile and expressed interest of the candidates.
c) Reporting Lines
The Young Expert will be assigned a direct supervisor and be under the general guidance of the relevant Sector Lead.
d) Work Relations
The Young Expert will work with colleagues in Divisions and Departments across the whole of WIPO, as well as external partners.
2. Essential requirements
To be eligible to apply candidates must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
Candidates must be available to participate in the two-year program 2024-2025 and explicitly confirm this in their application.
Candidates can apply for a maximum of three assignments for the YEP 2024/2025 cohort. Candidates must meet all the essential requirements indicated in the vacancy announcement.
Education {Essential)
First-level university degree. ,
Experience {Essential)
At least 2 years of relevant experience.
Experience (Desirable)
Experience in the area of Intellectual Property. Experience in project management.
Language (Essential)
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
Language (Desirable)
Knowledge of any other United Nations official languages.
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment.
Excellent organizational skills.
Excellent research, analytical skills and drafting.
Assignments 2024 • 2025
2024 - Information and Digital Outreach Division, Copyright and Creative Industries Sector
2025 - PCT Legal and User Relations Division, Patents and Technology Sector
Description\:
The WIPO “Young Experts Program” (YEP) aims to train the next generation of global intellectual property (IP) leaders to help build innovation ecosystems around the world. Through this 2-year program, young and talented individuals will be groomed to not only understand the technical aspects of IP but also apply them in practice, to make an impact in their countries and regions.
This assignment provides an opportunity for a young professional to gain knowledge and experience in the preparation of outreach content, digital workflows to facilitate broader content outreach and internal efficiency and the practical work with respect to the delivery of PCT informational materials and content to users through publications, website and social media etc.
The Young Expert shall work under the supervision of the Director of Information and Digital Outreach Division and the Director of PCT Legal and User Relations Division.
Duties and responsibilities\:
The Young Expert (YEP) will be required to perform the following principal duties\:
- Assist in the preparation of content for various outreach channels, including the website, publications and WIPO magazine.
- Assist in the implementation of new digital workflows.
- Assist in enriching the format, style and means of presenting PCT informational materials on the website.
- Participate in improving the format and design of PCT Newsletter and other publications, particularly by use of latest publication tools and technologies.
- Improve the layout, design and visual effect of PCT Presentation Materials.
- Contribute to the provision of PCT content for publication on WIPO’s social media.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Additional Requirements\:
a) Education
Essential\: First-level University degree in Law, Engineering, Science or other closely-related fields.
b) Experience
Essential\: At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in the field of patents, ideally patent law.
Desirable\: Familiarity and ideally experience with the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
c) Languages
Essential\: Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.
d) Specific skills and competencies
Essential\:
Excellent research and drafting skills
Excellent analytical and communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
Competent user of Microsoft Office applications, Zoom, and ability to adapt quickly to new systems and software
Desirable\:
Experience with digital design, web publishing, and social media content creation
3. Organizational Competencies
- Communicating effectively.
- Showing team spirit.
- Demonstrating integrity.
- Valuing diversity.
- Producing results.
- Showing service orientation.
- Seeing the big picture.
- Seeking change and innovation.
- Developing yourself and others.
4. Young Experts benefits
Remuneration\: 5,000 Swiss francs per month.
WIPO provides medical and professional accident insurance coverage during the course of the program.
Contribution toward travel expenses will be provided. If necessary, WIPO may provide assistance in obtaining an entry visa to Switzerland.
The Young Experts Program takes place in Geneva, Switzerland and it cannot be carried out remotely.
5. Additional Information
WIPO values diversity among its personnel and is committed to equal employment opportunities. We welcome applications from qualified candidates from unrepresented Member States of WIPO, and from underrepresented geographical regions and groups, including people with disabilities. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. If candidates need any accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, they should contact their HR focal point when they receive an invitation.
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.