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 Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector (RNDS). The Department, through the Regional Divisions, RNDS Projects Team and the Copyright Development Senior Coordinator, serves as the gateway for Member States, facilitating two-way communication and cooperation across WIPO and supporting them in the development and implementation of policy in the context of effective intellectual property (IP) ecosystems. The Department works with Member 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 incumbent contributes to the implementation of the Department's workplan in alignment with the Organization’s vision and strategic objectives by fostering effective collaboration within the Department, assisting and supporting the management of IP initiatives that reflect Member States' priorities, and providing key support to the Department's operations and initiatives.

c.        Reporting Lines

The Program Officer works under the overall supervision of the Senior Director of the Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector.

d.        Work Relations

The incumbent liaises closely with all other staff in the Department for Development Cooperation and within RNDS. The incumbent also works horizontally across the Organization and with external stakeholders, particularly with Member States, to implement the Department’s mandate and program of work.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Provide substantial input and facilitate the design and management of IP initiatives and skills-building programs in the Department, which support businesses, creators, innovators, and communities to generate value through IP in a results-oriented, timely, cost-effective, and efficient manner.  

b.  Plan and support the execution of IP-related inter-regional initiatives, under south-south, north-south, and/or triangular frameworks, including through the identification of synergies within and amongst regions.

c.  Work closely with other WIPO areas to ensure smooth information flow across the Department and support mandate implementation by offering IP-related advice and recommendations on proposals and memoranda from the Department. Reviewing and following up the implementation of IP initiatives undertaken by the Department to ensure they are in line with the mandate of RNDS.

d.  Initiate and produce data and information collection and assist in the preparation of the Department’s managerial reports, including program and budget proposals, program performance reports, and the annual budget and work plan.

e.  Organize and prepare meetings, visits, briefings, speeches, talking points, and any other relevant documents for Senior Management's diplomatic and other engagements with stakeholders both within and outside Geneva. Ensure timely coordination and follow-up on commitments made.

f.   Prepare official and diplomatic correspondence, including letters, and notes verbales according to international protocol standards and WIPO administrative requirements.

g.  Assist in the implementation of the Department's communication strategy, support media outreach efforts. Provide regular updates on the Division's achievements and initiatives.

h.  Undertake official missions in the context of the delivery of IP-related technical assistance to Member States and stakeholders.

i.   Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, economics, international relations or another relevant discipline.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience in international diplomacy, including at least three years in the area of intellectual property.

Experience in the management of IP cooperation initiatives.

Language (Essential)

Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Knowledge of intellectual property and development, particularly at the international level.

Sound political judgement and ability to anticipate potential sensitivities in a political and multicultural environment.

Excellent knowledge in the management of resources, including planning, monitoring and evaluation of budgetary funds.

Excellent liaison, communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish, build and maintain effective partnerships and working relations across the Organization, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Excellent organizational skills.

Excellent drafting skills.

Excellent skills in planning and coordination, with the ability to work under pressure, respect deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects and activities.

Good project design management skills, ideally in the development context.

Discretion and integrity.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Social Media platforms.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of the UN system.

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 June 2025 rate of 85.6%

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.