Title of Assignments: Program Coordinator โ Name of unit/sector: Traditional Knowledge Division, Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector โ Place of Assignment: WIPO HQ, Geneva, Switzerland โ Expected duration of assignment: July 15, 2025, to July 14, 2026
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1. Background and objective of the assignment โ Background The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a Specialized Agency of the United Nations. ย WIPO leads the development of a balanced and effective international intellectual property system that enables innovation and creativity for the benefit of all. ย WIPO provides a global forum for discussing intellectual property (IP) policy. ย It also provides services and information related to IP.The Traditional Knowledge Division (TK Division) of WIPO has as its focus the protection and promotion of innovation and creativity from Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities. ย It aims, inter alia, to support the use of IP as a tool for growth and sustainable development within communities.ย
The TK Division undertakes a wide range of practical capacity-building and skills-development activities, and technical assistance projects, for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities, Member States and regional organizations.
Under its Community Entrepreneurship Program, the TK Division strengthens the capacity of Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities to make strategic and effective use of IP tools in support of their businesses. ย
The TK Division is the global reference point on IP and genetic resources, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions. ย It maintains a repository of regional, national and community experiences as well as in-depth and practical publications and information resources. ย Moreover, it provides regular news and resources to stakeholders via its newsletters and Facebook account. โ Objective The objective of this assignment is to assist in the design, planning, organizing and implementing of the capacity-building and skills-development activities, and technical assistance projects of the Division, and to contribute towards the Divisionโs outreach and promotional activities. โ 2. Deliverables/services โ In the context of the background and objective described above, the Contractor is requested to:
a. Prepare programs and materials for national, regional and international briefings, and other general awareness-raising activities, related to the subjects covered by the Division, and make the practical arrangements for and participate in such activities;
b. Organize and participate in technical assistance projects, and practical capacity-building and skills-development programs on IP, especially for members of Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities, such as the Divisionโs training, mentoring and matchmaking program for women entrepreneurs from Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities;
c. Contribute to the creation and production of content showcasing the Community Entrepreneurship Programโs services, projects and activities (such as feature stories, interviews, social media posts, short films and podcasts) for dissemination through WIPOโs corporate communication channels and the Divisionโs Facebook page and other channels;
d. Perform any other duties as may be required in relation to the Divisionโs activities.
โ In order to perform the deliverables listed above, the Contractor may be required to undertake missions, as needed, in accordance with WIPO travel rules.ย โ 3. Reportingย โ The Contractor shall report to the Senior Counsellor, Traditional Knowledge Division, Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector. โ 4. Profile (e.g. area of specialization/expertise, specific knowledge/skills/experience) โ The Contractor shall have:
a. A university degree in a relevant field, such as law, international relations, development studies, communications or a related field;
b. At least three years of relevant professional experience;
c. Project management certification or demonstrated strong project management skills;
d. Experience in working with and for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples, as well as local communities;
e. Experience in creating written and/or audio-visual content for public dissemination, including through social media;
f. A good understanding of intellectual property;
g. Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English, and very good knowledge of Spanish;
h. Good interpersonal and communication skills;
i. Relevant IT skills.ย โ 5. Duration of contract and payment โ a. Duration: ย
The duration of the Contract shall be from July 15, 2025, to July 14, 2026. ย An extension beyond the initial one-year duration is possible.
b. Payment for the Services:ย
Applicants are requested to provide an indication of their remuneration expectations in Swiss francs (daily rate). โ Other informationโ ICS (Individual Contractor Services) fall outside the coverage of employment contracts for WIPO Staff members and are not subject to the WIPO Staff Regulations and Rules.ย It is an independent contractorโs agreement. ICS are not entitled to payment for holiday and sick leave, medical insurance, or staff pension benefits.