Legal Officer

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 PCT Legal and User Support Section, PCT Legal and User Relations Division, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, Patents and Technology Sector.  The PCT Legal and User Support Section provides legal advice on PCT matters to users of the PCT system (in particular applicants, their agents and the PCT Contracting States), implements changes to the PCT Regulations and other changes within the PCT system and reaches out to PCT users and potential PCT users through various training activities.

b.    Purpose Statement

The main role of the incumbent is to provide information, advice, and assistance to PCT applicants and agents, PCT Contracting States, intellectual property Offices and PCT Authorities, on the implementation of the PCT.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Deputy Director and Head of the Section.

2.      Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Provide information, advice and assistance to PCT applicants and agents, PCT Contracting States, industrial property Offices and PCT Authorities, on the implementation of the PCT;

b.   Provide information, advice and assistance to PCT Operations and other parts of WIPO on PCT matters;

c.   Prepare and take part in training courses, seminars and information meetings, for users and potential users of the PCT, including internal training for WIPO staff members;

d.   Draft and provide input to legal work connected with improvements of the PCT System, including, in particular, the preparation and implementation of amendments to the Regulations, the Administrative Instructions and the Guidelines under the PCT;

e.   Prepare and update informative material on the PCT;

f.    Prepare studies, documents and meetings concerning the PCT, representing WIPO at such meetings, and preparing their reports;

g.   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;

f.    Perform other related duties as required.

3.      Requirements

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, natural sciences, engineering, or other relevant field.

Education (Desirable)

Specialization in patent law.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience in the field of patents, either in the public or private sector.

Knowledge of, and experience with, the PCT.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience with using the PCT system and applying the PCT legal framework, for example, in a national or regional patent office, an intergovernmental organization or the private sector on PCT matters.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Language (Desirable)

Good knowledge of other PCT publication languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish).

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Ability to analyse legal questions, and draft legal texts.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Client orientation with the ability to deliver high quality client services.

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

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the ability to adapt to new technologies quickly.

4.      Organizational Competencies

1.    Communicating effectively.

2.    Showing team spirit.

3.    Demonstrating integrity.

4.    Valuing diversity.

5.    Producing results.

6.    Showing service orientation.