Title of Assignment: Innovation and Economic Complexity Expert

Name of unit/sector: Innovation Economy Section, Department of Economics and Data Analytics, IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector

Place of Assignment: Geneva, Switzerland

Expected places of travel: As required

Expected duration of assignment: From June 15, 2024, to June 14, 2025

1. Objective of the assignment

The consultancy is located in the Innovation Economy section, Department of Economics and Data Analytics, IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector. This Innovation Economy section is responsible for providing high quality empirical analysis addressing economic challenges in the international IP system and assessing the economic effects of IP policy choices.

The Innovation and Economic Complexity Expert is responsible for conducting and supervising economic and data analysis work on innovation complexity, including: (i) managing the agreements and contracts with external parties (such as leading scholars and institutions in economic complexity research); (ii) developing a new product aiming at informing policymakers from Member States to better design innovation policies; and, (iii) disseminating WIPO’s flagship World Intellectual Property Report 2024 and contributing to new editions.  The consultant works under the supervision of the Head of the section. She/he works in collaboration with the section and department’s other economists and statisticians, as well as with other WIPO units requesting or facilitating innovation complexity related economic and data analysis work.

2. Deliverables/services

The Consultant shall undertake the following tasks:

(a) Provide inputs to analytical reports, including developing report outlines, drafting specific chapters, consulting with concerned internal and external parties, monitoring and coordinating research undertaken by consultants, and supporting the report’s dissemination.
(b) Conduct and supervise economic studies in response to specific needs identified by Member States and senior management, as assigned; prepare briefings on innovation complexity and related economic issues.
(c) Develop databases on innovation complexity for specific empirical research and outreach purposes.
(d) Plan, organize and participate as a resource person in seminars and workshops; conduct training and briefings of national experts for the transfer of results and methodologies elaborated in research activities.
(e) Provide technical input for the development and maintenance of internal and public web pages, including the development and maintenance of economic study bibliographies and databases.
(f) Establish and maintain contacts with academic economists, government experts and IP policymakers to exchange information.
(g) Represent WIPO in conferences, seminars, and workshops; prepare technical papers and deliver presentations.
(h) Contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the area of innovation complexity and related by presenting technical papers in academic conferences, expert workshops and submitting them to peer-reviewed journals.
(i) Participate in the activities of the sector, including providing inputs to the work of the other units.
(j) Perform other related duties as required.

3. Reporting

The Consultant will work under the supervision of the Head of the Innovation Economy section.

4. Profile

Education

• Advanced university degree in economics or equivalent (i.e., with a strong focus on data analytics, data modeling and statistical and econometric methods) (Essential)

Experience

• At least six years of relevant professional experience, including: (i) the application of economic theory to public policy issues (particularly the linkages economic complexity, IP, innovation and development); or, (ii) the application of data analytics to inform decision-making; (iii) the application of diverse communication tools to inform complex data analysis to a less technical audience (Essential).
• Experience at the international level (Essential).
• Background in economic data analysis, data analytics, econometrics and statistics, especially using big data tools and IP databases for economic analysis (Essential)
• Experience working with governmental or international organizations (Desirable)
• Experience communicating results to a non-technical / non-academic audience (Desirable)

Languages

• Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English  (Essential)
• Excellent written and spoken knowledge of Spanish and/or French (Desirable).

Knowledge, skills and competencies (Essential)

• Good knowledge of the functioning of the intellectual property system.
• Ability to conceptualize and design research techniques.
• Ability to use analytical tools and qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Excellent report drafting skills.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Strong IT skills, especially with regard to statistical and econometric software (MS Excel, STATA, Python and R). Ability to make use of large innovation and IP related databases.
• Strong knowledge of the economic complexity literature and libraries.

5. Duration of contract and payment

The contract shall be effective from June 15, 2024, to June 14, 2025.

The applicant shall provide an indication of their remuneration expectations in Swiss Francs (daily rate). The contract may be renewed upon satisfactory performance and availability of funds.