WIPO: Program Officer-Zurich

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    $118,816 - $159,212 / YEAR
  • Job type:
    FULL_TIME
  • Posted:
    2 weeks ago
  • Category:
    Programme and Project Management
  • Deadline:
    10/12/2025

JOB DESCRIPTION

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.     Organizational Context

 

 

 

 

a.        Organizational Setting

 

 

 

 

The post is located in the Division for Latin America and the Caribbean (DLAC), Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector at WIPO.  The Sector provides a diplomatic, political and operational gateway for all Member States (MSs) of the Organization; facilitating two-way communication and cooperation across WIPO; supporting MSs in the development and implementation of policy in the context of effective IP ecosystems; and strengthening the capacity of MSs and stakeholders in the use of IP as a tool for growth and development. The Division for Latin America and the Caribbean is the focal point for the provision of technical assistance and capacity building programs to the 33 WIPO MSs from Latin America and the Caribbean region (LAC). These activities are provided in close cooperation with relevant Sectors within WIPO. They are aimed at facilitating the use of IP by businesses and innovators for social, cultural and economic development.

 

 

 

 

b.        Purpose Statement

 

 

 

 

The incumbent is responsible for supporting the design, implementation and monitoring of technical assistance IP programs and other project-based initiatives for the countries and intergovernmental organizations assigned. The incumbent further advises on and manages the planning and execution of the IP  programs and initiatives of the Division.

 

 

 

 

c.        Reporting Lines

 

 

 

 

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the Division for Latin America and the Caribbean.

 

 

 

 

d.        Work Relations

 

 

 

 

The incumbent liaises extensively with other WIPO specialized divisions and programs throughout the Organization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.     Duties and Responsibilities

 

 

 

 

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

 

 

 

 

a.  Provide substantive input, advice, and support for the design, management, and implementation of IP projects and skills-building programs focused on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creators, innovators, and communities to generate value through IP in a results-oriented, timely and efficient manner.

 

 

 

 

b.  Establish and maintain close working relationships with stakeholders from Latin America and the Caribbean region (LAC) including Permanent Missions, IP Offices, IP users and other partner organizations.

 

 

 

 

c.  Develop new projects, including by preparing project and budget proposals, funding requests and outreach/visibility materials.

 

 

 

 

d.  Prepare and revise technical reports, concept notes, briefings, and talking points related to IP technical assistance and/or diplomatic engagements.

 

 

 

 

e.  Initiate and produce data and information collection and assist in the preparation of DLAC’s managerial reports including program and budget proposals, program performance reports, and the annual budget and work plan.

 

 

 

 

f.   Perform other related duties as required.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.     Requirements

 

 

 

 

Education (Essential)

 

First-level university degree in law, economics, international relations or another relevant discipline.

 

 

 

 

Experience (Essential)

 

At least six years of relevant professional experience in intellectual property, trade or innovation policy, including experience in the management of IP cooperation projects.

 

 

 

 

Language (Essential)

 

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Spanish.

 

 

 

 

Language (Desirable)

 

Knowledge of other UN languages.

 

 

 

 

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

 

Sound knowledge of project management methodologies.

 

 

 

 

Sound knowledge of the business and administrative procedures of national IP institutions and understand broader IP ecosystem.

 

 

 

 

Excellent analytical, monitoring 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 environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.     Organizational Competencies

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.      Information

 

 

 

 

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%

 

 

 

 

P3

 

 
Annual salary

 

      $64,121

 

 
Post adjustment

 

      $57,773

 

 
Total Salary

 

      $121,894

 

 
Currency USD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Additional Information

 

 

 

 

* Initial fixed-term appointment 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