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.

This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.

1.     Organizational Context

a.    Organizational Setting

The post is located in the WIPO Singapore Office (WSO).  The WSO acts as WIPO Service Center for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (or ASEAN and comprising Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam) in promoting the use of WIPO's Global IP Services (including WIPO's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services), WIPO's platforms, tools and publications to all IP stakeholders in the ASEAN region and in supporting efforts in the implementation of the ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Action Plan 2016 – 2025, post-2025 ASEAN intellectual property agendas, and activities under the MOU between ASEAN and WIPO on Expansion of Cooperation in Specific Areas.  As such, the WSO supports national efforts to strengthen IP ecosystems in support of economic, social and cultural development goals.  The WSO is part of a network of WIPO External Offices (EOs).

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent works closely with the Director in conceptualizing, designing, mobilizing resources, and forming networks of stakeholders in implementing the work plan of the WSO, so that the Office positions important Organizational programs to be recognized as leading in the field, adding clear cohesion, value, efficiency and effectiveness to the program delivery of WIPO in its area of responsibility.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the WSO.

d.    Work Relations

As a senior member of the WSO, the incumbent will cooperate closely with colleagues, both in the WSO and across units at Headquarters, and contribute to effectively and efficiently leading the implementation of WSO’s mandate and ensuring that there is no duplication.  The incumbent will also work closely with stakeholders in ASEAN, including with representatives of the Host Government and Governments in the region, providing on a timely basis, authoritative expertise and substantive advice on intellectual property matters.

2.      Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Lead the formulation and implementation of WSO programs, projects and initiatives, including those under the WIPO-Government of Singapore MOU and the ASEAN-WIPO MOU;

b.   Develop and implement projects in close coordination with Member States, inter-governmental organizations and stakeholders in ASEAN;

c.   Lead the development of the activities under WIPO-Government of Singapore MoU and implement the projects and activities in a timely manner in close collaboration with the counterparts in Singapore;

d.   Analyze the outcomes and feedback from the implementation of WSO programs, projects and initiatives and provide advice to the Director of WSO;

e.   Analyze the development trends on IP ecosystems under the digital economy in the region and provide advice to the Director on the related impacts, opportunities and challenges;

f.    Develop the strategies for, and lead on the promotion of WIPO’s Global IP Services, tools, databases and platforms to the different stakeholder groups in the region;  and provide information and feedback to users of these services, tools, databases and platforms;

g.   Lead the organization of outreach programs and activities for various stakeholders in the IP ecosystems – including especially private sectors, SMEs, youth and women groups;

h.   Carry out research as well as commission and prepare ToRs, analyses, studies, reports, correspondence, and other documentation on IP-related needs and trends in different priority sectors/industries under the digital normal in ASEAN;

i.    Provide input on WSO's programmatic, workforce and financial planning in line with results-based management principles; and manage workplan and budgetary resources;

j.    Represent WIPO at meetings in ASEAN and make presentations at seminars and conferences;

k.   Liaise with colleagues within and across the Sectors on matters related to WIPO’s Global IP Services, tools, databases and platforms and other substantive areas of work;

l.    Supervise a broad network of consultants and oversee the procurement for goods and services;

m.  Establish and maintain effective working relations and communication channels with Member States, inter-governmental organizations and stakeholders;

n.   Develop close and productive relations with officials of Singapore to facilitate the effective and efficient functioning of the Office as well as the impactful implementation of the activities under the WIPO-Singapore MoU;

o.   Develop, maintain and strengthen relations with representatives of other UN and intergovernmental organizations in the region; participate as appropriate in activities of the Common UN System in the region so as to create effective networks and build synergies for mandate implementation;  and

p.   Perform other related duties as required.

3.      Requirements

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in law, economics, finance, science and technology, international relations, public administration, business management or a related field.  A first-level university degree plus two years of relevant professional experience in addition to the years of experience mentioned below may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience (Essential)

At least seven years of related professional and progressively responsible experience in the fields of intellectual property.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in business, marketing, IP valuation and financing, digital technology, innovation, e-commerce, financial technology, culture and creativity in the emerging growth sectors/industries in ASEAN.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.