Head, PCT International Cooperation 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 post is located in the PCT International Cooperation Division, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, Patents and Technology Sector. The Division is responsible for the development and implementation of cooperation activities vis-à-vis Offices of PCT Member States in their capacities as Receiving Offices, International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authorities, and Designated and Elected Offices, with a view to contributing to the efficient functioning of the PCT system and promoting a better understanding of the PCT and the patent system among Offices' staff, practitioners and users, covering inter alia operational, technical, procedural, legal and training activities.

b.  Purpose Statement

The incumbent supports the work of the Director of the Division and substantively contributes to the overall direction, strategic objectives and oversight of PCT online services and tools, as well as global users’ outreach and support.

The incumbent supervises the consolidation and centralization of the activities managed by two Sections, respectively:

(i) Technical cooperation activities with IP Offices from PCT Member States, and countries considering PCT accession, promoting and improving the use of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and systems of the PCT (e.g. ePCT, PCT web services M2M, etc.), including back-office technical support to IP Offices and PCT Operations and capacity building related trainings for all PCT online services’ stakeholders;

(ii) Global outreach, training and promotional activities in relation to PCT online services and tools’ users, and training and support activities for PCT Operations including customer support;

to increase the synergy between these two areas and respond to the steady increase of the demand for technical assistance from IP Offices and users, and strengthen both the use of PCT-related online services and tools. 

This supervision aims at maximizing and strategizing the cooperation between the two Sections to increase efficiencies through (i) expanding the number and scope of services and deliverables; (ii) enhancing staff skillsets; and (iii) promoting internal and cross-sectoral collaboration within the organization.

c.  Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the PCT International Cooperation Division.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Provide advice and substantive input to the Director on the Division’s programmatic, workforce and financial planning in line with results-based management principles; draft contributions to strategic planning and policy documents and program performance reports; deputize for the Director under delegated authority.

b.  Manage the program of work, by ensuring a coordinated technical assistance and capacity building framework for PCT online services and tools.

c.  Manage, support and lead both sections to achieve common goals and objectives in a team-like manner, ensuring that staff development and capacity-building opportunities are identified and implemented. Monitor and evaluate team performance and provide feedback and guidance to improve performance.

d.  Play a leading role in strategic engagement with users and potential users of PCT online services and tools to ensure support, relevance, buy-in and business growth. In this respect, develop and formulate strategies and devise innovative initiatives and mechanisms that advance and promote the functioning and development of PCT online services and tools to further strengthen their role in the international patent system.

e.  In full cooperation with colleagues from other divisions across the Patents and Technology Sector, and outside the sector, oversee the development and formulation of proposals for improvements to PCT online services and tools, and processes of IT system and related standards (i.e. specifications, development, and implementation of new and enhanced features, including testing and related support activities); oversee the management of technical cooperation activities and make recommendations to improve methods for the design and evaluation of IT and/or customer-related projects.

f.   Oversee the overall development and implementation of a user relationship management system for the Division. Oversee the delivery of innovative customer-oriented services, ensuring high standards of quality and timeliness of service delivery.

g.  Build and maintain strategic partnerships with PCT Contracting States, industrial property Offices, PCT International Authorities and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to provide expertise and advice in response to queries and to promote the benefits of using PCT online services and tools in the processing and management of international applications; to strengthen international technical cooperation with Offices.

h.  Oversee the establishment of measures to evaluate and monitor improvements resulting from IT-related technical cooperation activities, including support and customer-oriented services and manage feedback (including satisfaction surveys) and based on performance information and indicators, recommend future cooperation activities.

i.   Represent the Organization at, and participate in an expert capacity in national, international, and regional technical meetings concerning PCT online services and tools; contribute and/or oversee the preparation of related reports; provide authoritative advice and recommendations on the promotion of ePCT and PCT online tools and services.

j.   Oversee the planning and organization of PCT online services and tools-related seminars, training courses and workshops, including preparation of documents and delivery of lectures; foster a culture of providing high quality customer-focused services by identifying varying customer needs, recommending best practices which can improve customer interactions and, proactively addressing potential issues before they impact the customer experience.

3. Requirements

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree, preferably in business, computer science, information technology, engineering, international relations, or other closely related field.  A first-level university degree in one of the above-mentioned fields plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the experience requested below may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Education (Desirable)

Project Management certification (e.g. Prince 2).

Experience (Essential)

At least ten years of relevant professional experience including demonstrated experience in developing and managing information and communication technology systems at national or international level, preferably from the perspective of an industrial property office, including at least five years at  managerial level.

Experience in designing and implementing information and outreach program and activities.

Practical experience with the PCT from either the perspective of an industrial property office, an intergovernmental organization or a user of the system.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience of at least one of the following, with knowledge or demonstrated aptitude to understand issues in the other areas:  managing the user requirements of IT systems;  developing or implementing quality management systems for activities preferably at a national or regional patent Office;  managing customer-oriented services.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other PCT publication languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Ability to lead and coordinate project teams and familiarity with project management terminology and methodology.

Excellent supervisory and managerial skills.

Excellent political judgment and capacity to work well with a range of actors, including all WIPO stakeholders.

Excellent technical drafting skills in English.

Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.