Senior 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.

a.    Organizational Setting

The post is located in the IP for Business Division (IPBD), in the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector. The IPBD acts as the central reference point within WIPO for SME-related IP issues, IP Management, IP commercialization by businesses and the use of IP as a key business enabler. The Division empowers enterprises to maximize their potential through intellectual property, including by delivering business-oriented content and targeted tools that help businesses develop and implement IP management strategies. The Division works with SMEs support institutions and other intermediaries and supports the strengthening of innovation ecosystems.

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent is providing expert support to the work of the IP for Business Division in the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that assist businesses exploit the IP system in their business strategies; responsible for promoting the IP for Business Division tools and materials through partnerships with key regional and national institutions and stakeholders.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the IP for Business Division.

d.    Work Relations

The incumbent will regularly work across the Division and Sector, as well as with a broad range of WIPO colleagues in other Sectors. The incumbent will also work extensively with external partners as required, including National IP Offices, support institutions, innovation agencies, incubators, accelerators, trade organizations and other third parties with whom the division collaborates in the course of deploying its programs and services.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Develop and implement initiatives and programs on IP Management, IP Commercialization by businesses and the integration of intellectual property considerations into businesses strategies.

b.  Promote the IP for Business Division tools and materials through partnerships with key regional and national institutions and stakeholders.

c.  Oversee the organization of events for showcasing the programs and services of the Division, to engage with businesses, startups and business intermediary organizations and for facilitating policy discussions on mechanisms to support businesses make better use of the intellectual property system.

d.  Engage with Member States, regional and international organizations and relevant national institutions and appropriate internal organizational units so as to facilitate the implementation of programs of assistance, exchange information and promote the services of the Division.

e.  Prepare reports and informational materials and other content designed to facilitate the understanding of how the IP system can support the competitive strategies of businesses.

f.   Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in law, economics, business management, accounting or finance. A first-level university degree in the relevant discipline plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the years of experience requested below may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Education (Desirable)

University degree or studies in one of the relevant fields such as intellectual property law or management, Business Management, and economics.

Masters in Innovation or IP management or strategy.

Certificate in project management.

Experience (Essential)

At least seven years of experience in the area of intellectual property management, out of which at least four years are in the private sector, or in a consultancy or advisory position, supporting businesses in the development and implementation of their intellectual property strategies.

Experience (Desirable)

Exposure to government or a UN organization, preferably in managing large-scale collaborative projects involving multiple stakeholders.

Experience in an area related to IP Management and Strategy such as\: IP due diligence, licensing agreements, brand management, IP audits, IP transactions or IP litigation.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official United Nations languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Excellent written and oral skills.

Good knowledge of the business needs and dealings with key stakeholders on IP such as national and regional IP offices, supporting institutions, policy makers, developments banks, universities and industry associations, particularly those that support SMEs.

Ability to represent the Organization and to provide information and guidance.

Excellent analytical and organizational skills.

Good project management skills.

Ability to manage diverse and multicultural teams.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the ability to adapt to new technologies.

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.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Supervisory skills.

Knowledge of assisting businesses build IP strategies.

1.    Communicating effectively.

2.    Showing team spirit.

3.    Demonstrating integrity.

4.    Valuing diversity.

5.    Producing results.

6.    Showing service orientation.

7.    Seeing the big picture.

8.    Seeking change and innovation.

9.    Developing yourself and others.

Mobility:  WIPO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director General and may be assigned to any activities, office or duty station of the Organization.  Accordingly, the selected candidate may be required to move from time to time to new functions and/or to another duty station.

Annual salary:

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment.  Please note that this estimate is for information only.  The post adjustment multiplier (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change (increase or decrease) without notice.  The figures quoted below are based on the March 2025 rate of 73.6%

Please refer to WIPO’s Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.

Additional Information

* Initial period of two years, renewable, subject to satisfactory performance.  No fixed-term appointment or any extension hereof shall carry with it any expectancy of, nor imply any right to, (further) extensions or conversion to a permanent appointment.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions in accordance with Staff Rule 4.9.5.

Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged. Please click on the following links for the list of unrepresented Member States and the list of underrepresented regions and the WIPO Member States in these regions.

The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.

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By completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this web site, or on any other documents submitted to WIPO during the application, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process, or termination of employment with WIPO at a later date, if that employment resulted from such willful misrepresentations.

In the event that your candidature is shortlisted, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of your identification and the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO recognizes higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed here\: http\://www.whed.net/. Some higher educational qualifications may not be listed in WHED, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening.  Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.

Additional background checks may be required.