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 position is located in the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV).

In accordance with the UPOV Convention, the main objectives of UPOV are (i) to provide and develop the legal, administrative and technical basis for international cooperation in plant variety protection; (ii) to assist States and organizations in the development of legislation and the implementation of an effective plant variety protection system; and (iii) to enhance public awareness and understanding of the UPOV system of plant variety protection. UPOV’s Secretariat is the Office of the Union which carries out all the duties and tasks entrusted by its governing body: the UPOV Council.

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent acts as an Associate Technical Officer and is responsible for all tasks relating to the creation of UPOV Test Guidelines for the examination of distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) from the drafting process to the publication of adopted Test Guidelines. The incumbent is also involved in activities enhancing cooperation in the examination of DUS.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Director of Global Development and Technical Affairs and the overall supervision of the Vice Secretary-General.

d.    Work Relations

The incumbent interacts with a wide range of colleagues within the UPOV Office, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), UPOV members, UPOV observers, stakeholders, international experts and external providers.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Organize the tasks related to the development of Test Guidelines (TG) drafted by experts from UPOV members;

b.   Prepare and facilitate the discussions of draft TGs at UPOV Technical Working Parties (TWPs) sessions, Enlarged Editorial Committee (TC-EDC) meetings and Technical Committee (TC) and report the conclusions;

c.   Communicate with experts from UPOV members in order to assist in the TG drafting process and resolve issues concerning TGs;

d.   Review draft TGs and provide comments to TWPs, TC-EDC and TC on their compliance with UPOV guidance and requirements;

e.   Prepare and publish adopted TGs;

f.    Prepare and present relevant TWP and TC documents;

g.   Provide training and guidance activities on TGs and the TG Template for UPOV members and observers;

h.   Make recommendations on the development of the TG Template and act as the Senior User;

i.    Assess and make recommendations on translation tools, including machine translation;

j.    Provide support in enhancing cooperation in the examination of distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS);

k.   Perform such other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in administration, communication, translation or related field.

Education (Desirable)

Successful completion of UPOV distance learning courses.

Experience (Essential)

At least three years of experience in plant variety protection.

Experience (Desirable)

Knowledge of UPOV Test Guidelines and DUS examination.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UPOV working languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Good understanding of processes and mechanisms related to plant variety protection, particularly the examination process.

Demonstrated ability to take ownership of issues and initiatives, driving them through to resolution with a proactive approach.

Excellent analytical thinking with capacity to address evolving expert needs and feedback and propose appropriate solutions and improvements to ensure exceptional service.

Excellent skills in planning, coordination, and delivery of services, with the ability to work under pressure and to respect deadlines, high degree of flexibility and initiative.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the ability to adapt quickly to new software.

Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

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.

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 December 2024 rate of 89.9%

Other benefits

Staff are eligible for 30 days of annual leave per year on a full-time basis (or the pro-rata equivalent). They are covered by the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Scheme, and by worldwide medical and dental insurance.

Other benefits, which vary according to category and level, may include:

• Dependency allowance

• Education grant for schools and first-level university education (up to 75% of expenses)

• Home leave for staff member and dependents

• Life insurance

• Maternity/paternity/adoption leave

• Travel and removal expenses, and an appointment grant

• Rental subsidy

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

Additional Information

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) assists UPOV (the Organization) in recruitment procedures.

Candidates are invited to apply through WIPO’s online recruitment system.

* 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.

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 the Organization during the application, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process, or termination of employment with the Organization 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