Associate 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 Context

a.    Organizational Setting

The post is located in the Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector (RNDS). The Department, through the Regional Divisions, is the gateway for Member States of the Organization, facilitating two-way communication and cooperation across WIPO; and supporting them in the development and implementation of policy in the context of effective IP ecosystems. It works with Member States and stakeholders to strengthen capacity and to use IP as a tool for growth and development in an impactful manner.

b.    Purpose Statement

Working closely with colleagues in the Department, including the Regional Divisions and the RNDS Projects Team, the Associate Program Officer supports the work of the Department in line with the Organization’s vision and strategic goals.  The Associate Program Officer facilitates effective collaboration and contributes to effective communication both internally in WIPO as well as externally. 

The incumbent supports the planning and implementation of the workplans of the Regional Divisions; the management and oversight of the Department, ensuring compliance with WIPO’s policies, administrative procedures, instructions, and guidelines; and contributes to the preparation of all engagements with the Member States related to the Department.

c.    Reporting Lines

The Associate Program Officer works under the overall supervision of the Senior Director of Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector.

2.      Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Support the effective functioning of the Department by facilitating productive collaboration between the Regional Divisions and the RNDS Projects Team.

b.   Organize coordination meetings and briefings including through the undertaking of necessary logistical arrangements and the drafting of relevant documents, minutes, reports.

c.   Contribute to the preparation of briefing material for diplomatic and other engagements with stakeholders, including Member States, ensure logistical arrangements visits are well organized.

d.   Assist the Senior Director and other colleagues in coordinating projects and initiatives across Divisions and Sectors, ensuring smooth collaboration and progress.

e.   Conduct research on selected aspects of programs, operations, activities and assigned topics; analyze and present data, statistics and other information gathered from diverse sources.

f.    Act as a liaison between Divisions and Sectors to ensure the effective flow of information. Provide recommendations for enhancing this flow and improving communication processes.

g.   Facilitate the program planning of the Department through the coordination of statistical and narrative contributions to budgets, workplans, and related documents.  Facilitate the implementation and monitoring of the work of the Department through coordination of performance reporting.  Provide suggestions for improvement and change to related processes as appropriate.

h.   Prepare for and participate in missions and meetings as needed to support Department objectives.

i.    Support the Senior Director of the Department as required.

j.    Perform other duties as may be required.

3.      Requirements

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, international relations, communication studies, public administration or other social sciences.

Experience (Essential)

At least three year's work experience in the area of project management or development cooperation.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in the field of intellectual property.

Experience working in an international organization and/or in an Executive Office.

Language (Essential)

Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Excellent organizational and coordination skills.

Detail oriented with the ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure.

Good knowledge and experience with program monitoring and reporting.

Excellent drafting skills.

Excellent liaison, communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Sound judgment; ability to quickly assess complex and fast-moving situations and developments.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the internet.

Discretion and integrity.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of the UN system and its procedures, particularly with respect to the coordination and planning.

4.      Organizational Competencies

1.     Communicating effectively.