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 the Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector (GCPS).  The Sector covers issues relating to traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expressions and genetic resources; leads efforts to work with other United Nations (UN) agencies and international organizations on cross- cutting global issues with an intellectual property aspect; builds on and expands partnerships with stakeholders, including those from international, business and civil society sectors; and reaches out to new stakeholders such as the youth.

b.    Purpose Statement

WIPO’s Special Representative on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is responsible for coordinating matters relating to WIPO’s work on the SDGs and WIPO’s membership of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG), including analyzing, assessing and providing guidance and advice on how IP, innovation and creativity can support the achievement of the SDGs, and how the work of the UNSDG can be translated into specific areas of work within WIPO.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director General, and given the nature of its work, will be expected to work closely with colleagues from across WIPO.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Provide strategic analysis, assessments, advice and expert recommendations to WIPO colleagues on the impact of the UNSDG and the SDGs on their work, especially at a technical level so that the broad goals can be translated into concrete actions.

b.   Promote to stakeholders in the UNSDG as well as other relevant stakeholders how WIPO’s expertise, programs and capabilities can support the achievement of the SDGs, and to this end, engage with relevant stakeholders outside of WIPO both at the strategic and technical levels.

c.   Support the discussions in the relevant Committees and other bodies of WIPO insofar as they relate to SDGs, particularly in the WIPO Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP), working closely with the relevant Secretaries of these Committees and bodies.

d.   Supervise and coordinate the preparation of various written reports, including reports to Member States, on the SDGs, WIPO’s membership of the UNSDG and related issues.

e.   Represent WIPO as requested, including in high-level fora both within the United Nations System and more broadly, with respect to the SDGs and WIPO’s membership of the UNSDG.

f.    Raise awareness, and liaise with high-level interlocutors, including Permanent Representatives, Ambassadors and senior level representatives of International Organizations and civil society as requested, with respect to the UN SDGs and WIPO’s membership of the UNSDG.

g.   Collaborate and liaise with and provide advice and guidance to colleagues in support of WIPO’s work program as it supports the implementation of the SDGs and its membership of the UNSDG. Monitor progress in this regard, provide reports, recommendations and action plans as required.

h.   Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in law, international relations, public administration or other relevant field. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience (Essential)

At least 15 years of relevant professional experience in the area of intellectual property, including in international diplomacy and policy formulation.

Expert knowledge of intellectual property issues and developments, particularly at the international level.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Ability to translate broad strategies into concrete deliverables and actions.

Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks, conceptualize new approaches and promote new ideas.

Commitment to working as a team player across WIPO, with the ability to align different priorities.

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work within strict deadlines.

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

Exceptional communication, convening, and advocacy skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels. Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to write informative and insightful content.

Excellent representational and facilitation skills including in an international context.

Sound judgement: ability to quickly assess complex and fast-moving situations and developments and provide targeted and innovative advice.

Discretion and integrity.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of WIPO strategic priorities, implementation constraints and opportunities.

Knowledge of the UN system and its procedures.

Digitally savvy, with demonstrated ability to apply a variety of engagement strategies, including social media, to amplify and promote and influence strategic agendas.

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 November 2024 rate of 90.1%

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 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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements