ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Inside WIPO What is WIPO? WIPO is the global forum for intellectual property (IP) services, policy, information and cooperation. We are a self-funding agency of the United Nations, with 193 member states. Our mission is to lead the development of a balanced and effective international IP system that enables innovation and creativity for the benefit of all. Our mandate, governing bodies and procedures are set out in the WIPO Convention, which established WIPO in 1967

JOB SUMMARY

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 Madrid Operations Team 5, Madrid Operations Service, Madrid Operations Division of the Madrid Registry.  The Madrid Operations Division is responsible for receiving, processing and registering international trademark applications and associated transactions.  The Madrid Operations Team 5 specializes in providing personalized support to large clients, guiding them in the administration of their trademark portfolios.

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent is responsible for managing the work and staff of the Team, ensuring timely, accurate and quality functional support to users of the Madrid System on issues related to the registration and management of international trademarks.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the Madrid Operations Service.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Lead, plan and control the team’s work, determining priorities and allocating resources for the completion and timely and quality delivery of work in accordance with results-based management principles as well as key performance indicators.

b.  Lead the client advising activities of the Principle Client Advisors, Client Advisors/Examiners and the other team members, develop and manage the communication activities with the clients.

c.  Develop, organize and perform training activities for the target clients and align teamwork with the clients’ needs and set up a client focused work atmosphere.

d.  Advise and guide the team members on the handling of complex and contentious issues.  Develop and coordinate training plans for staff.

e.  Manage the staff of the team, including in the areas of conflict prevention and absence management.  Supervise all team members and evaluate the work and performance of the Principle Client Advisors, Client Advisors/Examiners and the other team members.

f.   Cooperate with the Heads of Operations Service to foster contacts and enhance collaboration with the Madrid System users and authorities on operational matters.

g.  Liaise and coordinate with work units in the Sector in the execution of the tasks.  Provide reports and periodic summaries to the Head of the Operations Service on the performance of the team and individual level.

h.  Promote and ensure a harmonious and motivated working environment in which all team members can perform their professional responsibilities in an efficient and effective manner.

i.   Substantively participate in and/or provide training and expert advice at seminars and information meetings.  Participate in missions when required.

j.   Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree.  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 seven years of relevant experience, three of which in an IP office or comparable working environment.

Experience in supervising a large team.

Experience in examination under the Madrid System.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN language.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Thorough understanding of the international trademark examination rules and regulations and the operational processes in the Madrid Registry.

Ability to explain the rules, regulations and procedures governing the area of work.

Customer/client oriented, with the ability to deliver a high-quality customer/client service, improving service execution, delivery and outcomes.

Ability to lead and motivate a team.

Excellent time management and work organization skills.  Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Results-oriented.

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

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint), databases, information management systems and the internet;  ability to adapt quickly to new software.

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 July 2024 rate of 89.2%

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.

How to Apply
Step 1: Please re-read this job description from the beginning to the end.
Step 2: Click the APPLY FOR JOB button at the end of this job advert.
Step 3: After going to parent website, please read instructions carefully and ensure you apply as soon as possible.

Good luck!