Director, Traditional Knowledge Division

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 position is located in the Traditional Knowledge Division. The Division’s program lies at the intersection of intellectual property (IP) and global issues such as biodiversity, cultural heritage and human rights and addresses in particular IP and genetic resources (GRs), traditional knowledge (TK) and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs). The beneficiaries of this program include Member States, Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities, and regional organizations.

The Division undertakes activities related to the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge, 2024 (the GRATK Treaty), and facilitates the ongoing negotiations on IP and GRs, TK and TCEs taking place in the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (the IGC). The Division also offers a wide range of practical skills-development training, mentoring and matchmaking programs; provides policy and legal assistance; carries out technical projects; publishes guides, databases and other materials; facilitates informal dialogues and equitable collaborations; supports the participation in WIPO’s work of Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities; engages with other relevant UN and intergovernmental processes; and, undertakes outreach and promotional activities related to its work.

Purpose Statement

The incumbent designs, guides, manages and participates in the Division’s activities. More specifically, as Secretary of the IGC, the Director leads the substantive, diplomatic and administrative facilitation of the IGC’s sensitive negotiations. The Director oversees and undertakes activities in support of the GRATK Treaty and would act as Secretary of the Assembly of Contracting Parties to the Treaty once it comes into force. The Director oversees, guides and participates in the delivery of the Division’s practical programs, projects, dialogues, engagements and other activities. The incumbent manages the human and financial resources of the Division, proposes its annual workplans and biennial Program of Work and Budget, sets priorities and allocates tasks.

b.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Assistant Director General, Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector.

c.    Work Relations

The incumbent works closely with other WIPO programs and Member States, the United Nations, intergovernmental organizations and other stakeholders, especially Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities.

2.      Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a. Oversee the substantive, diplomatic, logistical and administrative preparations for and management of sessions of the IGC, and related inter-sessional meetings, briefings and consultations; this includes preparation of documentation, advising and assisting the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the IGC, overseeing the operation of the WIPO Voluntary Fund, and generally facilitating the negotiations towards their making progress as agreed by Member States.

b.   Direct the Division’s activities related to the GRATK Treaty and, when the Treaty comes into force, oversee the provision of Secretariat services to the Treaty’s Assembly of Contracting Parties.

c.   Provide strategic policy and legal assistance in relation to IP and GRs, TK and TCEs to apprise Member States, Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities, regional organizations and other stakeholders of the options available in order for them to make informed policy, legal and legislative decisions.

d.   Direct the Division’s portfolio of work; plan, design, prioritize, coordinate and oversee implementation of skills-development and technical assistance activities, publications, databases, distance learning courses, promotions and activities specifically designed for and with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, so as to build capacity within and inform Member States, regional organizations and Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities.

e.   Take overall management responsibility for the Division’s human and financial resources, determining priorities and allocating resources for the timely and quality delivery of work products in accordance with results-based management principles. Ensure performance management of the Division’s staff and that key risks are identified, assessed and managed for the achievement of agreed results.

f.    Provide strategic policy advice to senior management on the issues covered by the Division.

g.   Lead strategic engagement, develop consultative networks and promote cooperation with representatives of WIPO Member States, other international organizations, civil society, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, the private sector, and the research and academic community.

h.   Represent WIPO and provide substantive IP-related expertise and authoritative advice at a senior level in international, regional and national meetings and policy-making processes, including multilateral processes and specialized agencies within the United Nations system.

i.    Perform other related duties as required.

3.      Requirements

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in law, international relations, development studies or other related fields.

A first-level university degree in one of the aforementioned disciplines plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the experience mentioned below may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Education (Desirable)

A post-graduate qualification in IP (such as a degree, diploma or completion of an accredited course).

Experience (Essential)

At least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of IP, and in policy-making processes or development cooperation in IP, seven of which including exposure at the international level.

A track record in policy and legal analysis in the field of IP and in the design and implementation of practical skills-development projects and programs.

Experience in engaging at a senior level with Member States and other stakeholders.

Substantial managerial experience.

Experience (Desirable)

A record of published work in directly relevant areas in journals and other publications of international or national repute.

Experience in designing and delivering programs, projects and other activities in developing countries and/or for Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Good knowledge of at least one other official United Nations language.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Knowledge of the policy processes, legal structures and practices of organizations in the United Nations system or other international and regional organizations dealing with IP and related issues.

Excellent time-management skills and proven ability to complete tasks on time; accountability in delivering results.

Ability to write and critically edit analytical and policy papers on the subjects covered by the Division, and to prepare and deliver substantive lectures and presentations.

Ability to communicate technical subject matter to non-specialist audiences and to transfer knowledge in formal and informal settings.

Sound judgement and diplomatic skills; discretion, neutrality and balance.

Advanced negotiation and convening skills.

Proven managerial and leadership skills; integrity; ability to mentor staff, advise, motivate and lead teams, delegate, propose innovative activities that address new and emerging issues, collaborate with others and promote interest in and engagement with the Division’s work.

Excellent networking, communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships with stakeholders at all levels, with the ability to establish productive working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.