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.

1.     Organizational Context

a.    Organizational Setting

WIPO’s Build Back Fund was introduced as part of WIPO’s Program of Work and Budget 2024/25 to deliver targeted and impact-driven support upon request of member states, promoting the effective use of intellectual property (IP) to positively impact the lives and livelihoods of individuals, communities and societies.

The Build Back Fund ensures the continuation of projects launched under WIPO’s COVID-19 Response Package along   with new projects.

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent is responsible for developing, managing and coordinating the work related to the WIPO Build Back Fund, and developing and ensuring the organization of monitoring, reporting and briefing sessions on the implementation of the Fund.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Deputy Director General, RNDS.

2.     Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Plan, initiate and coordinate the effective implementation by WIPO Sectors of the Build Back Fund. In coordination with relevant Sectors, ensure timely responses to requests from Member States and maintain a record of such requests and the responses provided. Analyze needs and appraise the suitability of proposed activities.

b.  Promote and support cross-sectoral activities related to the Build Back Fund and related technical assistance. Advise on the implications of established policies, plans, priorities and strategic objectives of the Fund.

c.  Identify and support the development of partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders to promote the effective implementation of the Build Back Fund.

d.  Coordinate with the Program Performance and Budget Division to ensure effective monitoring and reporting on WIPO's implementation of the Build Back Fund and related technical assistance and the impact of this work. Ensure the reflection and integration of new modalities, policies and practices, and methods for evaluation, into technical assistance and other relevant formulation processes to improve effectiveness and the planning and delivery processes.

e.  Develop and ensure the organization of regular briefing sessions for Member States in coordination with the Department for Development Cooperation and the Diplomatic Engagement and Assemblies Affairs Division.

f.   Prepare briefing notes, statements, position papers and presentations related to the Build Back Fund activities.

g.  Design and provide presentations to staff and externally on the work undertaken by the Build Back Fund.

h.  Develop criteria and SOPs for the delivery of projects under the new Development Acceleration Fund.

i.   Develop and manage WIPO's effective communication of its work in this area in consultation with News and Media Affairs Division and Information and Digital Outreach Division, including the redesign and maintenance of the Build Back Fund webpage the use of relevant regular and social media channels, and the development of content.

j.   Perform other duties as required.

3.     Requirements

Education (Essential)

A first-level university degree in law, economics, geography/politics, international relations or relevant discipline.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience, including in the field of IP technical assistance.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UN official languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Solid project management skills and understanding of project methodologies.

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

Good understanding of principles and best practices regarding communication strategies.

Ability to cultivate innovation and manage change; proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives and accountability in delivering results.

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

Ability to work with databases and adapt quickly to new systems and software.

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.

Understanding of the United Nations system and organizations.

4.     Organizational Competencies

1.    Communicating effectively.

2.    Showing team spirit.

3.    Demonstrating integrity.

4.    Valuing diversity.

5.