Title of Assignment: GII Innovation Data Expert
Name of unit/sector: Composite Indicator Research Section, Department of Economics and Data Analytics, IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector
Place of Assignment: Geneva, WIPO HQ
Expected places of travel (if applicable): As required for fulfilling the job duties
Expected duration of assignment: From November 1, 2025, to August 1, 2027
1. Objective of the assignment
The consultancy is located in the Composite Indicator Research Section, Department of Economics and Data Analytics, IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector. The Composite Indicator Research Section in DEDA coordinates the publication of WIPO's flagship Global Innovation Index (GII) used by Member States and innovation actors to improve innovation outcomes and national innovation metrics, policies or strategies. It explores new data sources for better measuring innovation and creativity, in view of improving national innovation ecosystems.ย
The GII Innovation Data Expert will work under the supervision of the DEDA-IESโ Head of the section and will support the team responsible for organizing, designing and carrying out the collection and analysis of data underlying the GII, developing novel innovation and innovation policy indicators, and contributing to the GIIโs use in member states in view of improving national innovation ecosystems and policies. This work covers the yearly innovation rankings, but also the ranking of leading global Science & Technology Clusters.
2. Deliverables/services
The Consultant shall undertake the following tasks:
a. Collect, evaluate, analyze and process innovation data, ensuring data quality. The milestone is to audit around 35 indicators for each yearly GII intake (by May 2026, and by May 2027).
b. Contribute to the methodological development of the GII, including aggregation methods, robustness checks, data audits, but also the development of novel innovative metrics. The milestone is to test up to 10 new indicators per year (by May 2026, May 2027).
c. Contribute to the GII Innovation Trackerโs section on Science and Innovation Investments, by analyzing firm-level data to estimate R&D expenditure, revenue, and R&D intensity of top corporate R&D spenders, utilizing specialized databases such as Bureau van Dijk Orbis. The milestone is to write up two to three sections of the GII Tracker, including the Orbis private R&D section, for each separate year (by June 2026, and by June 2027).
d. Further develop, maintain and update the GII Infrastructure, including the GII Database Management System and the GII GitHub repository, and using tools such as Tableau and Julius to visualize data. The milestone is to use and update the infrastructure and generate graph for the GII report in 2026 and 2027 (by June of each year) and to produce visuals for the launch event (by September 2026 and September 2027).
e. Provide technical input for the development of web content, including co-authoring the GII Innovation Insights blogs and utilizing AI tools for data analysis and video production. The milestone is to use these tools for all deliverables mentioned above.ย
f. Establish and maintain contacts with the GII data providers, including other UN Agencies, International Organizations, private sector companies and national statistical offices, and provide technical advice to Member States on the collection of statistics underlying DEDAโs GII. One milestone is to manage the cluster and mayor outreach in August of each GII year (August 2026 and August 2027).
g. Participate in the activities of the sector, including providing inputs to the work of the other units.
h. Perform other related duties as required.
3. Reportingย
The Consultant will work under the Head of the Composite Indicator Research Section.
4. Profile
Education:
Essential
โข Advanced university degree in economics or equivalent (i.e., with a strong focus on the economics of innovation, data analytics, data modeling and statistical methods).
Desirable
โข PhD diploma in Innovation Economics or related fields
Experience:ย
Essential
โข At least 3 years of relevant professional experience, including: strong expertise in economics and demonstrated proficiency in data analysis, encompassing data ingestion, database management, working with large datasets, and developing indicators.
โข Experience at the international level.ย
โข Background in economic data analysis, data analytics, econometrics and statistics, especially using big data tools and IP databases for economic analysis.
Desirable
โข Experience working with governmental or international organizations.
โข Experience communicating results to a non-technical / non-academic audience.
Languages:
Essential
โข Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English and at least one other UN official language. ย
Desirable
โข Excellent written and spoken knowledge of other UN official languages.
Knowledge, skills and competencies:
Essential
โข Experience in data ingestion and database, handling large data sets and indicators of socio-economic development.ย
โข Strong and demonstrated IT and statistical skills, including advanced knowledge of statistical software, in particular R and SQL programming language, and ability to use code hosting platforms such as GitHub.ย
โข Practical experience of working with firm-level data and databases such as Bureau van Dijk Orbis.ย
โข Practical knowledge of data visualization techniques.
โข Good knowledge of the functioning of the intellectual property system.
โข Ability to use analytical tools and qualitative and quantitative techniques.
โข Excellent report drafting skills.
โข Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
โข Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
5. Duration of contract and payment
The contract shall be effective from November 1, 2025, to August 1, 2027.
Applicants are requested to provide an indication of their remuneration expectations in Swiss francs (daily rate).ย