Program 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.

This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.

1.     Organizational Context

a.    Organizational Setting

The post is located in the WIPO Singapore Office (WSO).  The WSO acts as WIPO Service Center for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (or ASEAN and comprising Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam) in promoting the use of WIPO’s Global IP Services (including WIPO’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services), WIPO’s platforms, tools and publications to all IP stakeholders in the ASEAN region and in supporting efforts in the implementation of the ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Action Plan 2016 - 2025.  As such, the WSO assists national efforts to strengthen IP ecosystems in support of economic, social and cultural development goals.  The WSO is part of a network of WIPO External Offices (EOs).

b.    Purpose Statement

Working closely with the Director and other members of WSO, the Program Officer develops and delivers specific, targeted and strategic projects.  All these are contained in the work plan of WSO and allow important Organizational programs to be recognized as leading in the field, adding clear cohesion, value, efficiency and effectiveness to the program delivery of WIPO in its area of responsibility.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the overall supervision of the Director of the WSO.

d.    Work Relations

The incumbent will work closely and synergizes with colleagues, both in the WSO and across units at Headquarters, to ensure that mandate implementation proceeds effectively, efficiently and without duplication.  The incumbent will also work closely with stakeholders in ASEAN, including with representatives of the Host Government and Governments in the region, providing authoritative expertise and substantive advice on intellectual property matters.

2.      Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Ensure the design and management aspects of projects are in accordance with WIPO results based framework and in line with WSO biannual work plan, and closely monitor their implementation.

b.   Develop the monitoring and evaluation framework for WSO work plan.

c.   Conduct project monitoring and evaluation to assess the progress against the expected results, to identify bottlenecks in project implementation, and to address any unintended effects (positive or negative).

d.   Analyze the monitoring and evaluation results and provide recommendations for better achieving the results as well as prepare the project and activity reports.

e.   Coordinate closely with different WIPO areas for the effective implementation, including technical and financial backstopping, of the WSO-driven and developed projects, in liaison with regional authorities and beneficiaries. Troubleshoot, resolve and manage issues that may arise during implementation and adapt project design accordingly, with a view to its timely implementation and expected impact.

f.    Proactively promote the use of WIPO’s Global IP Services, tools, databases and platforms as well as provide information and feedback to users of these services, tools, database bases and platforms.

g.   Develop informational/outreach materials, briefs, case studies for dissemination through different communication channels and media, and to different target audiences in ASEAN countries.

h.   Establish and maintain effective working relations and communication channels with key stakeholders within and outside ASEAN to implement and further leverage the impacts of projects on the ground.

i.    Develop close and productive relations with officials of Singapore to facilitate the effective and efficient functioning of the Office as well as the implementation of the activities under the WIPO-Singapore Memorandum of Understanding.

j.    Undertake official missions in the context of the delivery of technical assistance to Member States and stakeholders in the region.

k.   Perform other related duties as required.

3.      Requirements

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, economics, international relations, public administration, management, communications and related fields.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience in project management, M&E exercises, and communications with good knowledge of IP and experience in working with private-sector entities, SMEs, women, young people, and/or other communities in the ASEAN region, including national or regional institutions.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Language (Desirable)

A good knowledge of another UN language or of languages spoken in the ASEAN region (i.e., Malay, Khmer, Indonesian, Lao, Burmese, Filipino, English, Thai, and Vietnamese).

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Sound political judgement, discretion and integrity.

Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.

Good knowledge of the subject areas dealt with by the Organization, in particular IP development, management and commercialization.

Good knowledge of the ASEAN region, including on issues surrounding the IP, innovation and creativity space and ecosystems in the region.

Excellent diplomatic, representation and communication skills, including in an international context, and an ability to deliver messages effectively to diverse audiences.

Ability to effectively manage financial resources in accordance with applicable financial and administrative rules, regulations and procedures.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the internet.

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

Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks, conceptualize new approaches and options, and promote new measures and ideas.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of IP issues and developments at the international level, including commercialization and collaborative innovation under the digital normal.