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.

1.         Organizational context

a.        Organizational Setting

The post is located in the WIPO Brazil Office (WBO).

The WBO is part of a network of WIPO External Offices that add clear value, efficiency and effectiveness to the delivery of WIPO’s programs, in line with its Strategic Goals and Results Framework, in a coordinated and complimentary way with WIPO Headquarters.

The WBO assists the Brazilian government, IP professionals, creators, innovators, businesses and communities in Brazil create value from IP through the use of WIPO treaties, services and global databases, platforms, tools, and products, as well as through the design and implementation of impactful projects and initiatives on the ground. The WBO also works to increase awareness on the importance of strengthening the Brazilian IP and Innovation ecosystem for economic, social and cultural development.

b.        Purpose Statement

The Program Officer is responsible for providing technical guidance and supporting the development and implementation of project-based initiatives for Brazil.  The Program Officer is responsible for ensuring close liaison and cooperation with the Brazilian authorities and other stakeholders in the country to extend the reach and impact of WIPO’s support at the national, institutional and community level.  The Program Officer also supports the Director of the WBO in ensuring the efficient and effective operations and management of the Office and its close and integrated functioning with WIPO Headquarters.

c.        Reporting Lines

The Program Officer works under the supervision of the Director of the WBO.

d.        Work Relations

The Program Officer liaises closely with the Regional Division for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Division for External Offices Coordination, and other Sectors, Divisions and work units in Headquarters, connecting WIPO’s services, databases, tools, platforms and products with beneficiaries in Brazil in a coordinated, effective and efficient manner.  The Program Officer also liaises with colleagues in other External Offices to contribute to and benefit from best practices across the network.

2.         Duties and responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.     Research and analyze specific data on how IP could support the development priorities for Brazil, identify new project opportunities, formulate and present project proposals providing technical and substantive input, and manage and monitor the administrative and operational activities of approved projects.

b.     Design and implement capacity building programs and activities providing financial and technical support for such initiatives, coordinate with different sectors within the Organization and with external stakeholders and partners.

c.     Engage with the Brazilian authorities and key national stakeholders (such as business associations, universities and research institutions, professional associations and representative bodies, civil society, innovators and creators) to design and implement projects and activities that address national needs across the country.

d.     Liaise with United Nations institutions in Brazil on matters of common system interest to build synergies for mandate implementation.

e.     Represent WIPO at national meetings and participate in missions and briefings to identify opportunities for and further mandate implementation.

f.      Prepare reports and documents, including performance updated, progress on mandate implementation, financial results, as well as internal memoranda, draft agreements and other working documents to support reporting requirements.

g.     Assist in the administration and management of the Office, including contributing to the monitoring of financial flows in line with organizational rules and regulations.

h.     Perform other related duties as required.

3.         Requirements

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, economics, international relations, development studies or a related field.

Education (Desirable)

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

Project management certification.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years’ relevant professional experience in international cooperation and intellectual property including copyright.

Experience in project design and management.

Experience with the Brazilian IP and innovation ecosystem.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Portuguese and English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UN language preferably Spanish.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Competent understanding and use of RBM frameworks in planning, monitoring, and evaluating projects and programmatic activities.

Ability to coordinate full project/program lifecycles, including administration of budget and financial resources.

Strong analytical thinking, organizational abilities, and planning skills, with a focus on effective progress tracking and reporting.

Strong digital literacy and adaptability in using a wide range of tools and platforms.

Excellent diplomatic skills and ability to work with tact and discretion.

Excellent drafting skills.

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

Excellent coordination skills to align efforts across teams and stakeholders.

Ability to work with limited supervision and take initiative while respecting Organizational regulations and rules.

Familiarity with IP concepts, including copyright and industrial property, and their relevance in project contexts