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.

1.     Organizational Context

a.    Organizational Setting

The post is in the Office of the Deputy Director General (DDG) for the Regional and National Development Sector (RNDS).

The Regional and National Development Sector (RNDS) leverages its unique knowledge of and engagement with Member States and regions to reinforce the more effective use of IP for growth and development.  It does this by connecting the expertise, services, and tools that WIPO offers with the needs and priorities of our Member States and national and regional stakeholders.

b.    Purpose Statement

The RNDS Sector is one of WIPO's largest, managing a diverse set of topics and issues.  The incumbent will be the senior officer responsible for advising and supporting the Deputy Director General (DDG), on the work of RNDS.  The incumbent supports and advises the DDG in the management and oversight of the Sector.  The incumbent also supports the DDG in his engagements and communications with external stakeholders, particularly Member States.  The incumbent provides management support to Divisions within the Sector, ensuring Sector compliance with WIPO's policies, administrative procedures, instructions, and guidelines.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the DDG for RNDS

2.      Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Oversee the preparation of Deputy Director General's diplomatic and other engagements with stakeholders in Geneva, particularly external stakeholders including Member States.

b.   Coordinate and plan visits of the DDG outside of Geneva, including the final approval of briefings and talking points prepared by technical areas and ensure timely follow-up on commitments made.

c.   Draft speeches and/or talking points for DDG's interventions in official events.

d.   Facilitate the information flow across the Sector and contribute to mandate implementation through the provision of advice and recommendations on proposals and memoranda from RNDS Divisions.

e.   Coordinate the preparation of the Sector's planning and budgeting processes in line with WIPO's results-based framework, ensuring compatibility with work priorities and objectives, coherence, and quality.

f.    Provide expert advice for the effective implementation of RNDS communication tools and messages within RNDS and/or on RNDS/institutional and governance issues, working closely with WIPO's media team.

g.   Oversee the preparation of programmatic documents and reports, including WIPO performance report, risk assessments, annual work plans, and program and budget reports.

h.   Work for the effective financial utilization of resources allocated under the Office of the DDG and ensure the required financial closure, according to WIPO rules and regulations.

i.    Support the DDG as part of the core team in delivering successful high level and governing body meetings, including future Ministerial Forums, Diplomatic Conferences, and the WIPO Assemblies, working closely with counterparts in the Diplomatic Engagement and Assemblies Affairs Division, the Office of the Legal Counsel, and other relevant areas of the Organization.

j.    Integrate WIPO official delegation and/or participate in official events or commitments.

k.   Represent the DDG at internal and external meetings as necessary, including senior-level UN common system meetings.

l.    Any other duties that may be required.

3.      Requirements

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in Law, Public or Business Administration, International Relations, Economics, Social Sciences, Development, or a related discipline. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience (Essential)

At least seven years of relevant professional experience, including in the areas of international diplomacy, policy advice, and strategic planning.

Sound experience on the management of projects and initiatives in IP and development.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience of working with senior management or in a front office environment.

Experience working with a range of countries, including developing and least-developed countries and emerging economies.

Language (Essential)

An excellent knowledge of spoken and written English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of another UN language.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Sound political judgment and ability to anticipate potential sensitivities.

Discretion and integrity.

Agility and motivation to work in a fast-paced role, with a proven ability to master new subjects rapidly across a diverse range of subjects.

Excellent communication skills.

Proven ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Strong customer and service focus, solution oriented.

Excellent people and resource management skills.

Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.