Counsellor

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.

1.         Organizational context

a.        Organizational Setting

The post is located in the WIPO Office in China (WOC), Beijing. This Office is responsible for effective delivery of WIPO's products and services to Intellectual Property (IP) in China. The WOC is part of a network of External Offices (EOs) that add clear value, efficiency and effectiveness to the delivery of strategic goals of the Organization in a coordinated and complementary way with WIPO headquarters (HQ).

As part of the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector (IES), the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center (Center) provides services for the resolution of IP disputes between private parties through methods other than court litigation. The Center coordinates its alternative dispute resolution (ADR) activities in China with the WOC.

b.        Purpose Statement

As part of the activities of the WOC, the incumbent ensures overall efficiency of the ADR Service in China and contributes to promotion of all of WIPO's services in Shanghai and its neighboring areas. The incumbent is required to manage all aspects of the ADR-related work, including the administration of cases under WIPO Rules and the development and implementation of dispute resolution policies tailored to local needs. The incumbent works closely with stakeholders in China, including with representatives of the host government, providing expertise and substantive advice on intellectual property matters.

c.        Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the WOC, with substantive guidance by the Center in case administration and other ADR matters.

2.         Duties and responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.     Provide expert advice, guidance and support for the promotion of WIPO's IP services and customer facilities in China and more specifically in Shanghai and its neighboring areas.

b.     Seek opportunities for strategic engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, particularly policy-makers and regulatory authorities with a view to maintaining a favorable regulatory framework for alternative resolution for IP and technology disputes. Design and implement strategies to promote WIPO's ADR services in China.  Leverage contacts and share information with national public and private sector organizations and interact with other United Nations agencies and Chinese institutions that may be involved in the implementation of activities.

c.     Oversee the planning and organization of, seminars, workshops, conferences, symposia, briefings and training programs. Cooperate extensively with other units and sectors of WIPO for the implementation of activities.

d.     Oversee and manage the administration of mediation, arbitration and expert determination cases, particularly those filed with the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Shanghai Service. Anticipate and advance the establishment and development of new Center-supported dispute resolution policies tailored to local needs. Provide guidance on complex procedural issues as well as expert advice on WIPO ADR services in response to queries received.

e.     Anticipate and provide strategic advice, recommendations and support to the Director on issues, trends, opportunities and developments related to local and global trends in intellectual property dispute resolution, ADR rules, procedures, and best practices.

f.      Undertake research on national development plans and priorities; draft reports on research findings with a view to identifying and proposing areas of potential project activities for further consideration by the Director. Undertake legal and marketing research relevant to potential demand for the ADR-related services and contribute to publications and content on various IP and ADR matters.

g.     Perform other related duties as required.

3.         Requirements

Education (Essential)

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

Education (Desirable)

Specialization in Intellectual Property and/or Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Experience (Essential)

At least seven years of relevant professional experience, including in the field of IP administration and legislation.

Experience (Desirable)

Practical experience, preferably at least five years, with use and promotion of ADR mechanisms.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Chinese.

Language (Desirable)

The incumbent will be expected to engage extensively with the IP, business and tech communities in the Shanghai and neighboring areas and should ideally be fluent in Shanghainese and other relevant regional dialects.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to addressing challenges.

Excellent organizational and time-management skills, ensuring efficiency in a fast-paced environment.

Ease and tact in personal contacts at all levels.

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.

Proficiency in use of information technology in the context of dispute resolution processes.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of WIPO's IP services, including WIPO ADR.

4.        Organizational Competencies

1.        Communicating effectively.

2.        Showing team spirit.

3.        Demonstrating integrity.

4.        Valuing diversity.

5.        Producing results.

6.        Showing service orientation.

7.