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 Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector (RNDS). The Department, through the Regional Divisions, is the gateway for Member States of the Organization, facilitating two-way communication and cooperation across WIPO; and supporting them in the development and implementation of policy in the context of effective IP ecosystems. It 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

Working closely with colleagues in the Department, including the Regional Divisions and the RNDS Projects Team, the Associate Program Officer supports the work of the Department in line with the Organization’s vision and strategic goals.  The Associate Program Officer facilitates effective collaboration and contributes to effective communication both internally in WIPO as well as externally. 

The incumbent supports the planning and implementation of the workplans of the Regional Divisions; the management and oversight of the Department, ensuring compliance with WIPO’s policies, administrative procedures, instructions, and guidelines; and contributes to the preparation of all engagements with the Member States related to the Department.

c.    Reporting Lines

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

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Support the effective functioning of the Department by facilitating productive collaboration between the Regional Divisions and the RNDS Projects Team.

b.   Organize coordination meetings and briefings including through the undertaking of necessary logistical arrangements and the drafting of relevant documents, minutes, reports.

c.   Contribute to the preparation of briefing material for diplomatic and other engagements with stakeholders, including Member States, ensure logistical arrangements visits are well organized.

d.   Assist the Senior Director and other colleagues in coordinating projects and initiatives across Divisions and Sectors, ensuring smooth collaboration and progress.

e.   Conduct research on selected aspects of programs, operations, activities and assigned topics; analyze and present data, statistics and other information gathered from diverse sources.

f.    Act as a liaison between Divisions and Sectors to ensure the effective flow of information. Provide recommendations for enhancing this flow and improving communication processes.

g.   Facilitate the program planning of the Department through the coordination of statistical and narrative contributions to budgets, workplans, and related documents.  Facilitate the implementation and monitoring of the work of the Department through coordination of performance reporting.  Provide suggestions for improvement and change to related processes as appropriate.

h.   Prepare for and participate in missions and meetings as needed to support Department objectives.

i.    Support the Senior Director of the Department as required.

j.    Perform other duties as may be required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, international relations, communication studies, public administration or other social sciences.

Experience (Essential)

At least three year's work experience in the area of project management or development cooperation.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in the field of intellectual property.

Experience working in an international organization and/or in an Executive Office.

Language (Essential)

Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Excellent organizational and coordination skills.

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

Good knowledge and experience with program monitoring and reporting.

Excellent drafting skills.

Excellent liaison, communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Sound judgment; ability to quickly assess complex and fast-moving situations and developments.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the internet.

Discretion and integrity.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of the UN system and its procedures, particularly with respect to the coordination and planning.

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 April 2025 rate of 86.8%.

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.