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 Madrid Classification Practice Team, Madrid Operations Service, Madrid Operations Division, Madrid Registry, Brands and Designs Sector.  The Operations Division is responsible for receiving, processing and registering international trademark applications and associated transactions. The Madrid Classification Practice Team is responsible for designing, developing and managing classification-related practice, tools and services.

b.    Purpose Statement

Besides the Madrid Goods and Services Manager (MGS), the Team's priorities also include developing and managing products and services with an aim at helping the users and internal stakeholders of the Madrid System to perform classification-related duties and tasks more efficiently and effectively.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Information Manager, Madrid Classification Practice Team.

2.      Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Perform the duties of project manager for classification-related services and products, particularly those related to existing international classification support tools such as the internal classification support tool (the Christmas Tree), Madrid Classification Help Desk, Madrid Classification Clinic and etc.;

b.   Update the Examination Guidelines on Classification of Goods and Services in International Applications under the Madrid System in collaboration with the Examination Policy and Quality Section;

c.   Coordinate/Manage cooperative projects with IP Offices regarding classification including but not limited to informal round table meetings;

d.   Coordinate with MGS experts to ensure efficiency collaboration and consistency;

e.   Advise and propose future development of classification mechanisms, tools and services;

f.    Collaborate with the Mark and Design Classification Section by sharing emerging indications of goods and services and doing related research;

g.   Organize regular communication, trainings and exchanges with internal stakeholders to ensure full functioning of the new classification landscape;

h.   Organize and support promotional and training activities about the new classification landscape to external stakeholders and users;

i.    Perform other related tasks as required.

3.      Requirements

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, business administration, management, engineering or other related field.

Experience (Essential)

At least three years of experience in project, product or service management and the use of Trademark classification systems.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in trademark examination, rules and policy including classification.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of French, Spanish or any other official UN language.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Sound knowledge of project management.

Understanding of the Madrid Agreement/Protocol, Common Regulations and Administrative Instructions, and the NICE Agreement.

Good knowledge of the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (Nice Classification).

Excellent analysis, communication, documentation and planning skills.

Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, and ability to work in a multicultural environment.

4.      Organizational Competencies

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.

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