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.

This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.

a.        Organizational Setting

The post is located in the Academic Institutions and Executive Program (AIEP) of the WIPO Academy in the Regional and National Development Sector.

The WIPO Academy is the core entity in WIPO for training and capacity-building activities, particularly for developing countries, LDCs and countries with economies in transition. The Academy acts as an in-house center of excellence on training, including professional training; a catalyst for networks and partnerships to expand the range and impact of training opportunities at the national level; an open-access on-line clearing house of information on all WIPO training activities, tools and services; and a hub of virtual network of partners, experts and teachers in development-oriented IP training. Beneficiaries of the WIPO Academy services include decision-makers, government officials, members of national intellectual property offices and societies for collective management of copyright and related rights, intellectual property practitioners, academics, students and other stakeholders.

The Academic Institutions and Executive Program facilitates access to higher education in IP, in particular through support for joint master’s programs, advice and assistance to academic institutions and partnership with them, and the provision of scholarships.  In addition, this Program seeks to build practical IP skills and capacity for government officials and professionals in the public and private sector through its Executive Training Program. It also offers IP learning opportunities for academics, researchers and students through the organization of colloquia and summer schools.

b.        Purpose Statement

The incumbent is responsible for supporting the effective coordination and implementation of the WIPO Academy’s flagship Joint Master’s Programs and providing substantive and technical support, including on IP content, for the planning and organization of Regional Intellectual Property Conferences, Colloquia and Symposia jointly organized with partner institutions in different regions.

c.        Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the overall supervision of the Head, Academic Institutions and Executive Program, WIPO Academy.

d.        Work Relations

The Program Officer has regular contact with relevant Sectors, Divisions and units and WIPO Headquarters to ensure effective coordination and contributions to WIPO’s university partnerships program. Additionally, the Program Officer collaborates with external stakeholders to foster synergies that enhance the Program’s overall objectives.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Coordinate and provide substantive and technical input on IP related curriculums for the effective implementation of both on-going and new joint master’s programs and university partnerships ensuring activities are aligned with overall Program objectives.

b.  Collaborate with Partner institutions for the planning, organization and facilitation of Regional IP conferences, Symposia, Colloquia, Workshops and Alumni engagements.

c.  Monitor and assess the progress of on-going and new university partnerships; analyze the needs of different partner institutions and compile detailed reports on key developments and outcomes.

d.  Contribute to the planning, coordination and implementation of substantive engagements under the WIPO Academy’s International Network for Intellectual Property Education (WINIPE).

e.  coordinate the process for preparing and finalizing the annual WIPO-WTO Colloquium Papers.

f.   Regularly review and update the record of the evaluations of WIPO Joint Master’s Programs and university support initiatives.

g.  Contribute to the implementation of the Program’s communications and outreach strategy with a focus on profiling successful alumni of the WIPO Academy’s programs.

h.  Perform other duties as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, business management, development studies or related disciplines.

Education (Desirable)

Advanced university degree in the above fields or a specialization in innovation, management or IP.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of professional experience in business management, economics, development cooperation or related fields.

Experience in designing and implementing capacity building programs.

Experience in initiating partnerships with different stakeholders.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in the field of IP at the international level.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UN official languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Good understanding of development cooperation.

Strong stakeholder management and ability to build relationships with different stakeholders.

Strong service orientation.

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work assignments and to meet deadlines.

Excellent drafting and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a diverse and multicultural team.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint and the internet, and the ability to adapt quickly to new systems and software. 

Excellent communication, presentation 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)

Understanding of intellectual property and it's interface with development.

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 August 2025 rate of 88.7%

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

Additional Information

* Initial fixed-term appointment of two years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and other applicable conditions.  The selected candidate’s appointment will be subject to an overall term of five years in this position, with normally no possibility of renewal beyond that term.  S/he may, however, apply and be considered for other positions at WIPO.

This is not applicable to WIPO staff members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointments, who were recruited following a competition under Staff Regulation 4.10 (“Appointment Boards”).

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.