The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is seeking applications for two positions on its Independent Advisory Oversight Committee (IAOC) to begin on February 1, 2026.

The IAOC is a subsidiary body of the WIPO General Assembly and of the WIPO Program and Budget Committee.  It serves in an independent expert advisory capacity and assists the WIPO General Assembly and the Program and Budget Committee in fulfilling their oversight responsibilities with respect to the various operations of WIPO.  Meeting regularly every quarter, its responsibilities include providing advice with regard to Financial Reporting, Risk Management and Internal Controls, External Audit, Internal Oversight and Ethics.  The IAOC makes recommendations to the Program and Budget Committee on matters within its terms of reference and reports on its work to WIPO Member States through the Program and Budget Committee and the General Assembly.

The IAOC is composed of seven members, representing each of the seven Groups of WIPO Member States.  Once selected, IAOC members shall serve in their personal capacity for a term of three years, renewable once.

Additional information is available on the mandate and work of the IAOC on the WIPO website at the following address: https://www.wipo.int/about-wipo/en/oversight/iaoc/

Selection Process:

With a view to representation of each of the seven Groups of WIPO Member States on the IAOC, priority will be given to the selection of one candidate from each of the following two Groups:

– The Group of Central European and Baltic States (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine); and

– Group B (Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands (Kingdom of), New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Kingdom, United States of America).

The selection will be conducted by a special panel of Member States’ representatives and will be based on the assessment of individual skills, taking into account the need for the IAOC to collectively possess certain skills, all of which will not necessarily be required of each individual member.  Appropriate geographical representation and gender balance will also be considered.

Essential:

University degree in one or more of the following areas: finance, accounting, audit, law, information technology, human resources management, business or public administration or another relevant field.

Desirable:

Relevant professional accreditation and/or similar qualifications would be an asset.

Essential:

Relevant and recent professional experience at the senior level in one or more of the following areas: audit, evaluation, finance, accounting, risk management, investigations, legal affairs, information technology, ethics, human resources management and administration.

Desirable:

Experience in committee work (preferably as a member of an audit/oversight committee).

Applicants will be assessed with respect to their individual skills in the following areas:

– Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present written and oral arguments clearly, logically and   effectively

– Proven report drafting ability

– Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to form and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity

– Highly developed analytical skills

The overall composition of the IAOC shall reflect the right mix of skills and expertise, ensuring gender balance to the maximum extent possible.

Taking into account the skills and expertise of the five remaining Members of the IAOC, relevant and recent professional experience at the senior level in the areas of evaluation, ethics, human resources management and administration would be an asset.

The IAOC should collectively possess the following competencies:

– Technical or specialist knowledge of issues pertinent to WIPO’s business

– Public and private sector experience in managing organizations and businesses of similar size and complexity

– Understanding of the wider relevant environments in which WIPO operates, including its objectives, culture and structure

– Detailed understanding of WIPO’s governance environment and accountability structures

– Oversight or management experience at a senior level in the United Nations system

– International and/or intergovernmental experience

Other criteria to be taken into account in the evaluation of applications will include:

– Availability (including virtual consultations), independence, objectivity, impartiality, integrity, strong ethical values, commitment, professionalism.

Fluency in English (both written and spoken).

Working knowledge of other WIPO official languages would be an advantage.

Service on the IAOC is without remuneration.

Members shall be provided with the travel and subsistence entitlements in line with the WIPO travel policy to attend quarterly meetings in Geneva, and other relevant meetings as provided for in the Terms of Reference of the IAOC.  Allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.

Meetings generally last five days, but will also require additional time for travel and preparation due to the volume of documentation to be reviewed.

Additional Information:

Please include in your application a personal statement explaining the reasons for your interest in the position and containing indications about your availability and independence, and disclosing any possible conflicts of interest.

Applications from qualified women candidates are strongly encouraged.

Short-listed candidates will be required to attend an interview.  As a form of additional screening, other methods of testing may be administered, including a written test.

Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory background checks, including professional references.