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.

1.     Organizational Context

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, RNDS Projects Team and the Copyright Development Senior Coordinator, serves as the gateway for Member States, facilitating two-way communication and cooperation across WIPO and supporting them in the development and implementation of policy in the context of effective intellectual property (IP) ecosystems. The Department 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

The incumbent contributes to the implementation of the Department's workplan in alignment with the Organization’s vision and strategic objectives by fostering effective collaboration within the Department, assisting and supporting the management of IP initiatives that reflect Member States' priorities, and providing key support to the Department's operations and initiatives.

c.        Reporting Lines

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

d.        Work Relations

The incumbent liaises closely with all other staff in the Department for Development Cooperation and within RNDS. The incumbent also works horizontally across the Organization and with external stakeholders, particularly with Member States, to implement the Department’s mandate and program of work.

2.     Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Provide substantial input and facilitate the design and management of IP initiatives and skills-building programs in the Department, which support businesses, creators, innovators, and communities to generate value through IP in a results-oriented, timely, cost-effective, and efficient manner.  

b.  Plan and support the execution of IP-related inter-regional initiatives, under south-south, north-south, and/or triangular frameworks, including through the identification of synergies within and amongst regions.

c.  Work closely with other WIPO areas to ensure smooth information flow across the Department and support mandate implementation by offering IP-related advice and recommendations on proposals and memoranda from the Department. Reviewing and following up the implementation of IP initiatives undertaken by the Department to ensure they are in line with the mandate of RNDS.

d.  Initiate and produce data and information collection and assist in the preparation of the Department’s managerial reports, including program and budget proposals, program performance reports, and the annual budget and work plan.

e.  Organize and prepare meetings, visits, briefings, speeches, talking points, and any other relevant documents for Senior Management's diplomatic and other engagements with stakeholders both within and outside Geneva. Ensure timely coordination and follow-up on commitments made.

f.   Prepare official and diplomatic correspondence, including letters, and notes verbales according to international protocol standards and WIPO administrative requirements.

g.  Assist in the implementation of the Department's communication strategy, support media outreach efforts. Provide regular updates on the Division's achievements and initiatives.

h.  Undertake official missions in the context of the delivery of IP-related technical assistance to Member States and stakeholders.

i.   Perform other related duties as required.

3.     Requirements

Education (Essential)

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

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience in international diplomacy, including at least three years in the area of intellectual property.

Experience in the management of IP cooperation initiatives.

Language (Essential)

Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Knowledge of intellectual property and development, particularly at the international level.

Sound political judgement and ability to anticipate potential sensitivities in a political and multicultural environment.

Excellent knowledge in the management of resources, including planning, monitoring and evaluation of budgetary funds.

Excellent liaison, communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish, build and maintain effective partnerships and working relations across the Organization, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Excellent organizational skills.

Excellent drafting skills.

Excellent skills in planning and coordination, with the ability to work under pressure, respect deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects and activities.

Good project design management skills, ideally in the development context.

Discretion and integrity.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Social Media platforms.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of the UN system.

4.     Organizational Competencies

1.    Communicating effectively.