IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE:ย please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicantโs location.
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1. ย ย ย Organizational Context
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a.ย ย ย Organizational Setting
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The post is in the PCT Legal and User Support Section, PCT Legal and User Relations Division, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, Patents and Technology Sector.ย The PCT Legal and User Support Section provides legal advice on PCT matters to users of the PCT system (in particular applicants, their agents and the PCT Contracting States), implements changes to the PCT Regulations and other changes within the PCT system and reaches out to PCT users and potential PCT users through various training, capacity building and customer support and engagement activities.
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b.ย ย ย Purpose Statement
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The incumbentโs main role is to provide legal opinions and assistance to users of the PCT system, to interpret legal provisions of the PCT, to provide legal drafts in relation to implementing improvements of the PCT legal framework and to reach out, engage with current and potential users to maximize the use of the PCT patent system across the IP ecosystem.
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c.ย ย ย Reporting Lines
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The incumbent works under the supervision of the Deputy Director and Head of the Section.
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2.ย ย ย ย Duties and Responsibilities
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The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
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a.ย Provide information, legal and strategic advice and assistance to PCT applicants and agents, PCT Contracting States, industrial property Offices and PCT Authorities, on the legal functioning of the PCT.
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b.ย Provide guidance to applicants and their representatives in resolving legal issues encountered with individual applications and pro-actively help applicants avoid making mistakes when using the PCT system.
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c.ย Proactively reach out to current and potential users and engage with them for increased awareness of the use and benefits of the PCT system, and for the increased and sustained filing of PCT applications.
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d.ย Design training materials, prepare and give training courses, seminars and information meetings for users and potential users of the PCT, and provide internal training for WIPO staff members.
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e.ย Perform legal work connected with improvements of the PCT system, including, in particular, the preparation and implementation of amendments to the Regulations, the Administrative Instructions and the Guidelines under the PCT.
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f.ย ย Propose legal policy and practice changes to further improve the functioning of the PCT system.
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g.ย Prepare and update informative material on the PCT.
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h.ย Prepare studies, documents and meetings concerning the PCT, representing WIPO at such meetings, and preparing their reports.
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i.ย ย Advise national and regional patent offices on preparations for accession and implementation of the PCT into national law, working closely with the International Cooperation Division.
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j.ย ย Develop and maintain close relations with stakeholders in target countries and identify opportunities to strengthen cooperation and add value.
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k.ย Foster a culture of providing high-quality customer-focused services by identifying varying customer needs, recommending best practices which can improve customer engagement with the PCT system, and, proactively addressing potential issues before they impact the customer experience.
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l.ย ย Provide information, legal and procedural advice and assistance to the PCT User Resources Section, PCT Business Development Division, PCT Operations Division and other parts of WIPO on PCT matters.
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m. Perform other related duties, as required.
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3.ย ย ย ย Requirements
Education (Essential)
Advanced university degree in law.ย A first-level university degree in law plus two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
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Education (Desirable)
Specialization in patent law.
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Experience (Essential)
At least seven years of relevant professional experience in the field of patents, either in the private sector, a national or regional patent office or an international organization. Detailed knowledge of and significant practical experience, preferably at least five years, with the PCT.
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Knowledge of and practical experience, preferably at least five years, with the PCT.
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Experience (Desirable)
Track record of engagement with customers/users, including outreach and continued engagement.
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Language (Essential)
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
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Language (Desirable)
Good knowledge of any other additional PCT publication language.
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Job Related Competencies (Essential)
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.
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Excellent analytical and presentation skills.
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Confident public speaker.
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Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
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Ability to leverage technology to find efficiency gains to offer high-quality service of the work.
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Demonstrated client orientation and ability to engage with customers.
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Ability to work cross-sectorally to achieve expected outcomes.
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4.ย ย ย ย Organizational Competencies
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