Associate 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 Madrid Classification Practice Team, Madrid Operations Service, Madrid Operations Division, Madrid Registry, Brands and Designs Sector.  The Operations Division is responsible for receiving, processing and registering international trademark applications and associated transactions. The Madrid Classification Practice Team is responsible for designing, developing and managing classification-related practice, tools and services.

b.    Purpose Statement

Besides the Madrid Goods and Services Manager (MGS), the Team's priorities also include developing and managing products and services with an aim at helping the users and internal stakeholders of the Madrid System to perform classification-related duties and tasks more efficiently and effectively.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Information Manager, Madrid Classification Practice Team.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Perform the duties of project manager for classification-related services and products, particularly those related to existing international classification support tools such as the internal classification support tool (the Christmas Tree), Madrid Classification Help Desk, Madrid Classification Clinic and etc.;

b.   Update the Examination Guidelines on Classification of Goods and Services in International Applications under the Madrid System in collaboration with the Examination Policy and Quality Section;

c.   Coordinate/Manage cooperative projects with IP Offices regarding classification including but not limited to informal round table meetings;

d.   Coordinate with MGS experts to ensure efficiency collaboration and consistency;

e.   Advise and propose future development of classification mechanisms, tools and services;

f.    Collaborate with the Mark and Design Classification Section by sharing emerging indications of goods and services and doing related research;

g.   Organize regular communication, trainings and exchanges with internal stakeholders to ensure full functioning of the new classification landscape;

h.   Organize and support promotional and training activities about the new classification landscape to external stakeholders and users;

i.    Perform other related tasks as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, business administration, management, engineering or other related field.

Experience (Essential)

At least three years of experience in project, product or service management and the use of Trademark classification systems.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in trademark examination, rules and policy including classification.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of French, Spanish or any other official UN language.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Sound knowledge of project management.

Understanding of the Madrid Agreement/Protocol, Common Regulations and Administrative Instructions, and the NICE Agreement.

Good knowledge of the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (Nice Classification).

Excellent analysis, communication, documentation and planning skills.

Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, and ability to work in a multicultural environment.

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.

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 July 2025 rate of 90.7%.

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

Additional Information

Temporary appointments are renewable, subject to continuing needs, availability of budget and satisfactory performance with a maximum cumulative length of two years.

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.