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 Technology Transfer Section (TTS) is located in the IP for Innovators Department, within the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector of WIPO. The Section works with universities, public research institutions, innovation agencies, and government ministries to strengthen institutional and ecosystem capacity for Knowledge and Technology Transfer (K/TT).

The TTS develops tools and resources, supports IP policy and legislative frameworks, and provides evidence and data to help Member States translate research into social and economic impact.

Within TTS, the Evidence and Impact work area leads WIPO’s initiatives on generating and interpreting data on institutional innovation performance. Through diagnostic tools, institutional assessments, metrics, and impact studies, the work area enables governments and institutions to understand systemic and institutional gaps, target investments and reforms, and improve the efficiency and productivity of research-derived IP. The work contributes to WIPO’s broader mandate to support Member States in leveraging intellectual property and innovation for development.

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent leads the Evidence and Impact area within the Technology Transfer Section with the purpose to create and leverage data-driven insights to enhance institutional and national innovation ecosystems. The role focuses on strengthening innovation productivity in universities and public research institutions by generating credible evidence, diagnosing systemic and institutional gaps, and curating interventions that support institutional improvement and policy reform.

The incumbent manages the design and implementation of diagnostic tools, metrics, and evaluations, ensuring findings are translated into actionable recommendations for governments, innovation agencies, institutional leaders, and ministries responsible for science, technology, education and industry, which assists Member States target investments, refine policy, and improve institutional practices that underpin effective knowledge and technology transfer.

Responsibilities include overseeing flagship initiatives in institutional capability assessment and performance metrics, and the development of national and regional diagnostic reports, impact case studies and policy briefs, ensuring that evidence leads to demonstrable improvement and impact on innovation systems.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head, Technology Transfer Section.

d.    Work Relations

The incumbent works closely with internal stakeholders throughout the organization, as well as with external stakeholders engaged in research, innovation, and policy development such as ministries responsible for science, technology, education, industry, and entrepreneurship; national innovation agencies; universities and public research institutions; and technology transfer offices. The incumbent also collaborates with regional and international professional associations, and partners involved in IP, innovation, and higher education policy.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Lead the Evidence and Impact work area, ensuring the generation of credible evidence and the delivery of interventions that strengthen the innovation productivity of research-intensive organizations such as universities and public research institutions.

b.   Develop and oversee diagnostic tools, data collection methods, and evaluation approaches to assess institutional and systemic capacity for knowledge and technology transfer.

c.   Produce reports and analyses that identify institutional and policy gaps and formulate recommendations for targeted interventions.

d.   Translate diagnostic findings into actionable policy advice and institutional reforms in collaboration with Member States, including emerging and developing economies.

e.   Manage flagship initiatives in institutional capability assessment and performance metrics and respond to requests from Member States to participate in these and related initiatives.

f.    Identify emerging needs and lead the development of new initiatives in line with the priorities of the Evidence and Impact work area.

g.   Coordinate the preparation of national and regional diagnostic reports, impact case studies, and policy briefs, and ensure their integration into WIPO’s broader knowledge base.

h.   Represent the Organization at meetings, conferences, and policy dialogues, deliver capacity-building programs, and provide authoritative advice in the field of knowledge and technology transfer and evidence-based innovation policy.

i.    Actively promote accession to WIPO administrated treaties and contribute to the growing use of WIPO Global IP Services.

j.    Work on the design of a program on K/TT advocacy and its implementation.

k.    Perform other duties as required.

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in law, economics, public policy, business management, international relations, science, engineering, or another relevant discipline. 

A first-level university degree plus two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience (Essential)

At least seven years of relevant professional experience in IP management including institutional performance evaluation, innovation metrics and diagnostics, or evidence-based policy development.

Experience working on institutional capacity building, knowledge and technology transfer, or innovation performance in universities or public research institutions and professional associations.

Experience in leading projects involving data collection, analysis, and reporting, and translating results into practical recommendations for policy and institutional change.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience working in an international, multinational, or multicultural environment.

Experience applying evidence and evaluation tools within the broader framework of national innovation strategies, higher education policies, and socio-economic development goals. 

Experience in the design and delivery of diagnostic assessments, institutional evaluations, or evidence-informed reform initiatives at national or institutional level.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Good working knowledge of another official UN language.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

In-depth knowledge of IP, knowledge and technology transfer systems, institutional policy frameworks, and innovation performance metrics.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to design and interpret diagnostics, data and produce evidence-informed recommendations.

Excellent organizational skills with proven ability to manage projects, budgets, and deliverables within deadlines.

Excellent drafting skills and ability to prepare clear and concise documents, reports, and policy briefs.

Ability to provide expert advice and build effective partnerships with ministries, research institutions, innovation agencies, and professional associations.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Strong outreach and representation skills, with experience in presenting evidence and recommendations in high-level forums and international events.

Solid IT skills and ability to adapt to new software solutions and tools, and leveraging AI in the delivery of their duties. 

Knowledge of WIPO's Global IP services, particularly the PCT, Madrid, and Hague systems.

Understanding of governance and administrative processes in universities and public research organizations.

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)

Knowledge of capacity-building methods in knowledge and technology transfer.

Knowledge of data analytics platforms used in the context of innovation management.

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 November 2025 rate of 90%

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.