Senior Director, Department for Development Cooperation

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 in the Department for Development Cooperation Regional and National Development Sector.

The Department, through the Regional Divisions, is the gateway for Member States of the Organization, facilitating two-way communication and cooperation across WIPO; and supporting them in the development and implementation of policy in the context of effective IP ecosystems. It works with Members States and stakeholders to strengthen capacity and to use IP as a tool for growth and development in an impactful manner.

b.    Purpose Statement

The Senior Director serves as the coordinator of the Organization’s primary interface with its Member States through the Regional Divisions.  As such, the Senior Director sets the strategy and tone for this critical role under the overall guidance of the Deputy Director General of the Regional and National Development Sector, ensuring that the Department contributes to WIPO’s mandate.  The Senior Director uses their understanding of the needs and situation of Member States to ensure the implementation of targeted projects and activities in Member States across Regions with respect to both industrial property and copyright and related rights.

The Senior Director provides oversight and strategic guidance of the Regional Divisions, the RNDS Project Team and the coordination of copyright development issues to achieve timely, effective, and efficient achievement of expected results in accordance with the Program and Budget.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Deputy Director General (DDG) of the Regional and National Development Sector.

2.      Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Lead the management of the Organization’s development related assistance by charting the direction for program development and delivery; gaining organizational traction and trust in the Department’s leadership, building partnerships that marshal critical inputs and creating synergies of action.

b.   Lead the strategic management of the Department’s portfolio of work and have overall responsibility for its human and financial resources, maximizing available resources for mandate implementation in as efficient and effective a manner as possible and fostering a harmonious and productive workplace.

c.   Maintain and promote engagement with Member States and other stakeholders, including at senior levels, building understanding of the role of IP as a powerful tool for growth and development and how WIPO’s program and activities can assist in leveraging IP.

d.   Provide strategic guidance and support to the Regional Divisions, the Projects Team and the Copyright Development Coordinator to ensure the development and implementation of coherent and relevant work plans that realize WIPO’s expected results in an efficient and effective manner in line with WIPO’s results framework, bearing in mind national development goals and priorities.

e.   Ensure close, coherent, and effective coordination and cooperation between the Regional Divisions, the Projects Team and the Copyright Development Coordinator with other Sectors and work units to ensure the realization of the vital gateway function of the Regional and National Development Sector.

f.    Identify synergies and similarities across regions for enhanced mandate implementation and foster strategic cooperation among Regional Divisions that leverage these opportunities. Identify strategic opportunities for the delivery of specific and targeted projects in Member States that address national needs and requests, and which result in impact on the ground for stakeholders.

g.   Represent the Organization and participate in various regional and/or country fora and strategic deliberations, meetings, and seminars.

h.   Perform other duties as necessary.

3.      Requirements

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in science, engineering, law, economics, humanities international relations, development studies or related discipline. A first-level university degree plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the experience requested below may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience (Essential)

At least 15 years’ professional work experience gained in the field of intellectual property (IP) and Innovation, policy-making, diplomacy, international cooperation, development or related area, including experience in the field of IP cooperation for development.

Experience with and knowledge of the innovation, creative, social, and economic systems in one or more Member States or regions.

Experience or familiarity with the administration of national or regional IP offices and/or the development of national or regional innovation ecosystems.

Proven experience leading and managing diverse teams.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in developing and implementing National IP and innovation strategies.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

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.

Excellent managerial skills and ability to advise, lead and motivate and manage diverse and multicultural teams.

Sound judgment, tact, discretion and an excellent understanding and appreciation of diplomatic processes and sensitivities.

Strong decision-making skills and the ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.

Excellent analytical abilities and the ability to identify synergies and strategic opportunities to further mandate implementation, including across geographic regions.

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 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the internet.

Good understanding of the principles and application of project management.

4.      Organizational Competencies

1.    Communicating effectively.

2.    Showing team spirit.