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 (AIEP) of the WIPO Academy in the Regional and National Development Sector.

The WIPO Academy is the core entity in WIPO for training and capacity-building activities, particularly for developing 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.

The Academic Institutions and Executive Program facilitates access to higher education in IP, in particular through support for joint master’s programs, advice and assistance to academic institutions and partnership with them, and the provision of scholarships.  In addition, this Program seeks to build practical IP skills and capacity for government officials and professionals in the public and private sector through its Executive Training Program. It also offers IP learning opportunities for academics, researchers and students through the organization of colloquia and summer schools.

b.        Purpose Statement

The incumbent is responsible for supporting the effective coordination and implementation of the WIPO Academy’s flagship Joint Master’s Programs and providing substantive and technical support, including on IP content, for the planning and organization of Regional Intellectual Property Conferences, Colloquia and Symposia jointly organized with partner institutions in different regions.

c.        Reporting Lines

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

d.        Work Relations

The Program Officer has regular contact with relevant Sectors, Divisions and units and WIPO Headquarters to ensure effective coordination and contributions to WIPO’s university partnerships program. Additionally, the Program Officer collaborates with external stakeholders to foster synergies that enhance the Program’s overall objectives.

2.     Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Coordinate and provide substantive and technical input on IP related curriculums for the effective implementation of both on-going and new joint master’s programs and university partnerships ensuring activities are aligned with overall Program objectives.

b.  Collaborate with Partner institutions for the planning, organization and facilitation of Regional IP conferences, Symposia, Colloquia, Workshops and Alumni engagements.

c.  Monitor and assess the progress of on-going and new university partnerships; analyze the needs of different partner institutions and compile detailed reports on key developments and outcomes.

d.  Contribute to the planning, coordination and implementation of substantive engagements under the WIPO Academy’s International Network for Intellectual Property Education (WINIPE).

e.  coordinate the process for preparing and finalizing the annual WIPO-WTO Colloquium Papers.

f.   Regularly review and update the record of the evaluations of WIPO Joint Master’s Programs and university support initiatives.

g.  Contribute to the implementation of the Program’s communications and outreach strategy with a focus on profiling successful alumni of the WIPO Academy’s programs.

h.  Perform other duties as required.

3.     Requirements

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, business management, development studies or related disciplines.

Education (Desirable)

Advanced university degree in the above fields or a specialization in innovation, management or IP.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of professional experience in business management, economics, development cooperation or related fields.

Experience in designing and implementing capacity building programs.

Experience in initiating partnerships with different stakeholders.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in the field of IP at the international level.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UN official languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Good understanding of development cooperation.

Strong stakeholder management and ability to build relationships with different stakeholders.

Strong service orientation.

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work assignments and to meet deadlines.

Excellent drafting and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a diverse and multicultural team.

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

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

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Understanding of intellectual property and it's interface with development.

4.     Organizational Competencies