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 Section for Caribbean Countries, Division for Latin America and the Caribbean (DLAC), Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector (RNDS) at WIPO. The Sector provides advisory services and manages the capacity building and technical assistance programs of the Organization for developing and least-developed countries in the region, through coordination with various sectors within the Organization and/or outsourcing work to external experts.

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent is responsible for supporting the design, implementation and monitoring of technical assistance programs and other project-based initiatives for the countries and intergovernmental organizations assigned, as well as assisting with the monitoring of DLAC’s work plan implementation and carrying out other specialized activities to effectively support the work of the Division.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head, Section for Caribbean countries, of DLAC.

d.    Work Relations

The incumbent liaises extensively with internal stakeholders throughout the Organization, as well as external stakeholders, such as Member States, IPOs, academia, SMEs and MSMEs.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Contribute to the design, coordination and implementation of IP projects and capacity-building programs in the Caribbean countries, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creators, innovators, and communities ensuring delivery in a timely, result-oriented, cost-effective and efficient manner.

b.   Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders from the Caribbean region including Permanent Missions, IP Offices, IP users and other partner organizations.

c.   Participate in missions and meetings, provide technical input, support project management and assist with monitoring and reporting procedures. Draft inputs and recommendations on assigned project aspects and recommend activities to advance the Division's work program.

d.   Assist in the organization and preparation of meetings, visits, briefings, speeches, talking points, and any other relevant documents for Senior Management in their diplomatic and stakeholders’ engagements both within and outside Geneva.

e.   Monitor and report on IP-related developments in the region, draft reports, identify opportunities and recommend initiatives to strengthen horizontal cooperation among Member States in the region.

f.    Draft and review project-related documentation, including but not limited to concept papers, proposals, internal memoranda, mission reports, summary of discussions and other working documents, ensuring that projects, programs and activities are implemented in a timely and efficient manner and that all reporting requirements are met.

g.   Support data collection and analysis and contribute to the preparation of DLAC’s managerial report, including program and budget proposals, performance reports and annual work plan.

h.   Support the Head of the Section in establishing contacts in the region and assist different internal sectors in the implementation of their programs.

i.    Contribute to promoting WIPO’s strategies and plans that would ensure greater and more effective use of WIPO’s Global IP services through targeted outreach to existing and potential users and establishment of partnerships.

j.    Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education (Essential)

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

Experience (Essential)

At least three years of relevant professional work experience in the field of intellectual property, trade or innovation.

Experience in the design and management of development-focused projects.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in international environment.

Experience working with Caribbean countries.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of English, written and spoken.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of any other UN official languages, particularly French and/or Spanish.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Substantive knowledge and practical experience in project design, implementation and monitoring.

Sound judgment, with the capacity to swiftly assess complex and rapidly changing situations and developments.

Advanced organizational and coordination skills for effective time, task and resource management.

Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team.

Excellent drafting skills.

Detail oriented with the ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), the internet, social media platforms and other relevant digital tools.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of at least one of the WIPO’s international registration systems.

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 September 2025 rate of 90.5%.

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.