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

The post is located in the Projects Team in the Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector (RNDS).

The Sector serves as a diplomatic, political, and operational gateway for all Member States (MSs) facilitating two-way communication and cooperation across WIPO; supporting MSs in the development and implementation of policy in the context of effective IP ecosystems; and strengthening the capacity of MSs and stakeholders in the use of IP as a tool for growth and development. Technical assistance is provided in close cooperation with relevant WIPO sectors. They are aimed at facilitating the use of IP by stakeholders for social, cultural and economic development.

The Projects Team ensures the timely and effective implementation of projects of strategic importance requested by Member States.

b.        Purpose Statement

The incumbent is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of specific, targeted, and strategic projects that focus on utilizing intellectual property for development, addressing the needs of Member States, and advancing the Organization's mandate. Additionally, the incumbent must ensure an efficient and coordinated response across the Organization to requests for assistance.

c.        Reporting Lines

The Program Officer works under the overall supervision of the Manager, RNDS Projects Team.

d.        Work Relations

The incumbent liaises closely with all other staff in the Department for Development Cooperation and within RNDS. The incumbent also works horizontally across the Organization and with external stakeholders particularly with Member States to implement projects on the ground.

2.     Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Provide substantive input and advice to the design and management of IP initiatives in the RNDS Projects Team which support businesses, creators, innovators, and communities to generate value through IP in a results-oriented, timely, cost effective and efficient manner.

b.  Establish and maintain close working relationships with stakeholders including Permanent Missions, IP Offices, IP users and other partner organizations.

c.  Participate in missions or meetings, provide information and support with respect to project management and procedures for monitoring and reporting, draft comments on designated project aspects, and recommend activities for the Division's program.

d.  Organize and prepare meetings, visits, briefings, speeches, talking points, and any other relevant documents for Senior Management's diplomatic and other engagements with stakeholders both within and outside Geneva.

e.  Initiate and produce data and information collection and assist in the preparation of the Team's managerial reports including program and budget proposals, program performance reports, and the annual budget and work plan.

f.   Assist in the implementation of the Team's communication strategy, support media outreach efforts. Provide regular updates on the Team's achievements and initiatives.

g.  Undertake official missions in the context of the delivery of IP related technical assistance to Member States and stakeholders.

h.  Perform other related duties as required.

3.     Requirements

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, economics, international relations or another relevant discipline.

Experience (Essential)

Six years of relevant professional experience in intellectual property or in international coordination and cooperation, with at least three years of experience in the management of IP initiatives and IP cooperation portfolio.

Language (Essential)

Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Good knowledge of intellectual property and development, particularly at the international level.