Title of Assignment: External Relations Consultant
Name of unit/sector: WIPO Representative Office to the United Nations in New York Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector
Place of Assignment: WIPO Office in New York - New York - United States of America
Expected places of travel (if applicable): None
Expected duration of assignment: ย January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026
1. Objective of the assignmentย
The mandate of the WIPO Representative Office in New York is to represent WIPO at the United Nations (UN) in New York and to raise awareness among the UN member States, the UN Secretariat and civil society about the activities of WIPO and the international intellectual property system.
The Office in New York:
- ensures WIPO's effective engagement in UN processes and negotiations taking place in New York;
- optimizes WIPO's contributions to UN processes to support well informed debates in relation to IP and global challenges; and,
- increases WIPO's visibility and engagement with the UN.
The External Relations Consultant will support the Office representation and substantive functions by providing ย coverage and reporting on a wide range of UNHQ-led processes; identifying issues of possible interest or impact on WIPOโs program of work; supporting engagement in inter-agency mechanisms and contributing to the overall implementation of activities organized by the Office.
2. Deliverables/services
Under the supervision of the Director, the consultant will deliver the following services and outputs in support of the New York Office workplan:ย
(a) Participate in and provide written reports on the proceedings and outcomes of the 80th ย and 81rst sessions of ย UN General Assembly ย with a focus on WIPO priority areas;
(b) Support the Office engagement with New York-based UN entities and Member State representations by preparing relevant outputs in support of WIPOโs mandate and program of work;
(c) Coordinate and prepare draft contributions for WIPOโs engagements in UN based events in 2026;
(d) Support the design and implementation of awareness-raising initiatives at UNHQ including the 2026 WIPD; andย
(e) Perform other tasks requested by the Supervisor in connection with the Officeโs program of work.
3. Reporting ย
The Consultant will report to the Director of the WIPO Representative Office in New York.
4. Profile (e.g., area of specialization/expertise, specific knowledge/skills/experience)ย
- University degree in international relations, or economics, development studies or public administration.
- Two years of relevant work experience including in the UN system.
- Good understanding of the United Nations and international development processes.
- Knowledge of the work of UN system representation Offices to the UN headquarters would be desirable.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English. ย
5. Duration of contract and payment
The contract is set to begin on January 1, 2026, and end on December 31, 2026.
Applicants are requested to provide an indication of their remuneration expectations of a daily rate in either Swiss francs, Euros, British Pounds, or USD.
Payment will be made on a monthly basis, upon submission of satisfactory progress reports and approval by the supervisor.
6. Additional information
ICS contractors fall outside the coverage of employment contracts for WIPO Staff members and are not subject to the WIPO Staff Regulations and Rules. The contractor has no entitlement to vacation or sick leave, except for WIPO official holidays, or to medical insurance or staff pension. Absences from work will be deducted from the contractorโs payment on a pro-rated basis.