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 PCT Operations Division, PCT Services Department, Patents and Technology Sector. The PCT Operations Division is responsible for the receipt, formalities examination, publication and communication of applications and related documents filed under the PCT in all 10 official PCT publication languages and for delivering high-quality customer services to PCT users and PCT authorities. The Division comprises three Services/Sections, among which Operations Services 1 & 2 which each comprises five Operations Teams.

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent, as Head of PCT Operations Services 1 or 2, has the main role to supervise, direct and lead the staff and the activities of the Service, identify, manage and support resources needed for the planning, development and delivery of PCT operation services for the PCT system and its users. S/He is required to focus on service leadership, the development of original policies and procedures, the creation of a coordinated service platform, and the formulation of innovative initiatives that advance PCT objectives and WIPO’s reputation.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the PCT Operations Division.

d.    Work Relations

The incumbent works closely with the other Head of PCT Operations Service, with all staff of the PCT Operations Division, as well as with staff of other Divisions within the Sector, in particular with staff of the PCT Legal and User Relations Division.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Provide strategic analysis and advice on issues pertaining to the management and operation of the Service, including by implementing state-of-the-art systems, developing strategies for the accomplishment of objectives and accountability in delivering results, and by preparing advisory reports and analyses.

b.  Lead, plan, control, monitor and implement the Service’s work activities, determine priorities, manage and allocate resources for the completion and quality delivery of work products in accordance with results-based management principles as well as key performance indicators.

c.  Lead the overall development and implementation of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system for the Service. Oversee the delivery of innovative customer-oriented services, ensuring high standards of quality and timeliness of service delivery concerning information and general queries. Monitor and assess feedback on the quality of services and ensure that adequate measures are put in place following any relevant audit recommendations.

d.  Manage the program of work and staff in the PCT Operations Service. Ensure a coordinated service platform, exercise sound human and financial asset management and allocation, and ensure that staff development and capacity building opportunities are identified and implemented in coordination with the Director of the Division.

e.  Promote and facilitate a harmonious and motivated working environment in which all staff can perform their professional responsibilities in an efficient and effective manner. Direct, supervise and evaluate the work of the Team Heads/Coordinators. Assist and advise the Team Heads/Coordinators on the handling of complex and contentious work-related issues.

f.   Play a lead role in strategic engagement with the users and potential users of the PCT. Develop and maintain contacts with international authorities and national/regional Offices to coordinate feedback on the operation of the PCT Operations; identify and initiate measures to strengthen the cooperation between different stakeholders.

g.  Support and collaborate with the Director of the PCT Operations Division in planning, developing and coordinating the Division’s annual workplan and budget, set performance indicators in collaboration with the Director, monitor and advise on the implementation and updating of budgets and workplans throughout the year and assist the Director in preparing performance reports and strategic plans.

h.  Provide advice to the Director of the Division on how to optimize the allocation of resources to the various tasks and procedures of the Division, including the establishment of Standard Operations Procedures where appropriate. Analyze opportunities for improving the quality and efficiency of the work performed by the Division and formulate recommendations in this regard to the Director of the Division. Plan and forecast future resource requirements taking into account the projected evolution of workloads, process improvements, procedural enhancements and automation.

i.   In collaboration with other units in the Sector, make recommendations for the modernization and rationalization of operational effectiveness in the fields of PCT rule changes, system design and customer services, among others.

j.   Represent the Organization at national and international meetings, coordinate and participate in seminars, training courses and information meetings for users of the PCT System and activities to promote a wider recognition, acceptance and effective use of the PCT System in the current and prospective Contracting Parties.

k.  Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in business administration, law, science, engineering or related discipline. A first-level university degree plus two years of relevant professional experience in addition to the years of experience mentioned below may be acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience (Essential)

At least ten years of relevant professional experience with the international patent system, proven experience in the management of large multicultural teams.

Experience with customer experience management.

Experience (Desirable)

Extensive experience with the PCT and the specific work in relation to its implementation.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other PCT publication languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish).

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Thorough knowledge of PCT procedures and practice.

Thorough knowledge of the electronic processing of PCT applications.

Good understanding of the use of new technology, such as Artificial Intelligence, in the automation of the business processes.

Good understanding of the international patent system and related strategic and political issues.

Demonstrated skills in analyzing and solving problems, identifying risks and opportunities, and planning.

Ability to lead and motivate staff through changing circumstances and working methods.

Proven supervisory ability. Ability to manage conflict.

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

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 September 2024 rate of 96.7%.

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

Additional Information

* Initial period of two years, renewable, subject to satisfactory performance.  No fixed-term appointment or any extension hereof shall carry with it any expectancy of, nor imply any right to, (further) extensions or conversion to a permanent appointment.

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.

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 an identification and of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and these will be reviewed individually.

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.