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 Academic Institutions and Executive Program of the WIPO Academy, Regional and National Development Sector (RNDS).

The WIPO Academy is the core entity in WIPO for training and capacity-building activities, particularly for developing countries, Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) and countries with economies in transition. The Academy acts as an in-house center of excellence on training, including professional training; a catalyst for networks and partnerships to expand the range and impact of training opportunities at the national level; an open-access on-line clearing house of information on all WIPO training activities, tools and services; and a hub of virtual network of partners, experts and teachers in development-oriented IP training. Beneficiaries of the WIPO Academy services include decision-makers, government officials, members of national intellectual property offices and societies for collective management of copyright and related rights, intellectual property practitioners, academics, students and other stakeholders.

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent is responsible for implementing and monitoring the delivery of the WIPO Summer School Program and Executive Program, which are some of the key programmatic activities of the Academic Institutions, and for the design and management of the annual global program of Summer Schools that take place each year.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the Academic Institutions and Executive Program of the WIPO Academy.

d.    Work Relations

The incumbent collaborates with external partners and colleagues in relevant Divisions within WIPO to ensure the successful delivery of the Summer Schools in an effective and efficient manner and in compliance with all relevant WIPO Regulations and Rules.

2.     Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Prepare, manage and monitor the Workplan for the Academic Institutions and Executive Program as related to the WIPO Summer School Program;

b.  Develop policy guidelines and operational modalities for incorporation in Partnership Agreements for all partners involved in respective Summer Schools;

c.  Identify and recommend further improvements to the Summer School Program in terms of effectiveness and efficiency;

d.  Represent the WIPO Academy at selected Summer Schools and deliver presentations on the work of WIPO and the WIPO Academy;

e.  Coordinate arrangements with senior Government counterparts or senior officials from partner institutions and universities and conducting meetings with senior officials of partner institutions to agree on the organization of the programs;

f.   Manage requests for new Summer School Programs and, when accepted, implement the new Program and manage the resources required to ensure they remain within existing budgets and comply with all relevant WIPO Policies, Regulations and Rules;

g.  Ensure the effective and efficient administration of all Summer Schools including the following duties: drafting of programs; all aspects related to hiring the services of IP experts/lecturers; ensuring that all the administrative arrangements for the WIPO Summer Schools are implemented effectively, on time and within budget;

h.  Supervise the work of the support staff required during peak periods of implementation of the Summer Schools, as well as nominated class representatives;

i.   Evaluate feedback from participants to support continuous improvements to the program;

j.   Perform other related duties as required.

3.     Requirements

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in business administration, political science, law, management, social science or a related discipline.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience, including experience in the field of technical cooperation, technical assistance or administering of training programs.

Experience in an international environment.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in administering training programs or courses in the field of intellectual property.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Language (Desirable)

Good knowledge of another official UN language.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Excellent presentation skills.

Familiarity with the work and processes of an international organization.

Ability to build effective networks working across all levels of seniority.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint and the internet, and the ability to work with databases and adapt quickly to new systems and software.

Client-oriented with the ability to deliver accurate and consistent client services in a timely manner.

Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

Excellent drafting skills and ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

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