Title of Assignment: Legal Officer

Name of unit/sector: IP Disputes Section, WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector

Place of Assignment: Geneva, Switzerland

Expected duration of assignment: October 14, 2024, to July 13, 2025

1. Objective of the assignment

The position is located in the IP Disputes Section of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center which provides services for the resolution of intellectual property and technology disputes between private parties through methods other than court litigation. The IP Disputes Section is responsible for the administration of WIPO mediation, arbitration and expert determination cases and various related aspects of the development and promotion of WIPO alternative dispute resolution.

The incumbent contributes to the legal and organizational work of the Center, including contributing to the administration of mediation, arbitration and expert determination cases filed with the Center, and to the development of Center-supported dispute resolution policies tailored to local and regional needs and ensuring their implementation.

2. Deliverables/services

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a. Contribute to the administration of mediation, arbitration and expert determination cases filed with the Center.

b. Contribute to the development and promotion of new Center-supported dispute resolution policies tailored to member States needs and implement such policies.

c. Promote the services of the Center in the administration of mediation, arbitration and expert determination cases.

d. Provide procedural guidance in relation to WIPO alternative dispute resolution in response to queries received.

e. Contribute to the development of the WIPO List of Neutrals.

f. Develop, gather and analyze research into the needs of users of mediation and arbitration of intellectual property disputes. Draft publications in the area of alternative dispute resolution.

g. Produce materials on WIPO alternative dispute resolution for conferences and training programs. Promote participation at, and participate in, such events and maintain contact with participants.

h. Perform other duties as required.

3. Reporting 

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the IP Disputes Section.

4. Profile 

The incumbent shall meet the following requirements:

Education:
Advanced university degree in law.

Experience:
At least five years of relevant professional experience, including experience in intellectual property law or alternative dispute resolution in a law firm and/or department or agency.

Language:
Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Specific skills and competencies:
• Good understanding of alternative dispute resolution.
• An understanding of the use of information technology in the context of dispute resolution processes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility and team spirit. Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.
• Competent user of databases, Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint and the Internet, and ability to work with and adapt quickly to new software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

5. Duration of contract and payment

The incumbent will provide its services full-time (8 hours per day) from October 14, 2024
until July 13, 2025.  Applicants are requested to provide an indication of their remuneration expectations in Swiss francs (daily rate).