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 Standards Section of the International Classifications and Standards Division. This Section is responsible for the Global Identifier project the status and results of which should be reported to the Committee on WIPO Standards (CWS).  The CWS provides a forum to adopt new or revised WIPO standards, policies, recommendations and statements of principle relating to intellectual property (IP) data, global information system related matters, information services on the global system, data dissemination and documentation.  This Section fosters collaborations among stakeholders and users in relation to IP data and documentation, and global IP information systems and services.

b.    Purpose Statement

The main role of the incumbent is to manage the Global Identifier project.  The incumbent will contribute to the formulation and implementation of WIPO’s program for the development of balanced and effective international (normative) frameworks for IP in the field of WIPO Standards, and policies, recommendations and statements of principle related to IP data, global information system related matters, information services on the global system, data dissemination and documentation.  The incumbent will also contribute to bringing the IP community together to proactively address, at the global level, emerging issues and policy challenges relating to IP, innovation and creativity in terms of the way that IP offices and other stakeholders perform their work, the data they produce and the types of services they provide, including the utilization of new digital technologies.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the Standards Section.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Oversee documentation and successful completion of Phase II of the Global Identifier project. Identify, analyze, plan and design project objectives, approach and scope based on business needs; manage the implementation, documentation and realization of benefits for the project.

b.   Manage the project schedules in an agile manner in line with the high level plan; monitor project milestones, and key performance indicators; identify and resolve potential issues; track actual vs. projected expenses, analyze variances, and forecast expenditures; propose project risk remediation to project boards for review and decision-making; develop dashboards and other monitoring tools to track and effectively communicate to senior management the implementation progress.

c.   Ensure that the Organization’s project management principles, policies and programs are followed and that controls are put in place regarding managing information and access to data.

d.   Collaborate with all internal and external project stakeholders, taking into consideration their views and addressing issues; ensure that products and services are aligned with expectations and business needs.

e.   Ensure the project is using best practice and keep abreast of technology developments in the context of IT application integration and user experience.

f.    Lead and supervise the project team consisting of internal and external project team members, and external service providers; empower and motivate the team and encourage a sustainable pace with high levels of quality; monitor and evaluate team performance against plans.

g.   Estimate costs, timescales and resource requirements for the successful delivery of the project to the agreed terms of reference; monitor costs, timescales and resources used, and take action where these deviate from agreed tolerances; maintain required financial records, using appropriate tools, for compliance and audit.

h.   Ensure the elaboration of documents for tendering exercises, evaluate responses and coordinate the selection of service providers and vendors. Organize requirements into appropriate categories, clarify specifications of products and services to be procured.

i.    Act as the liaison between the Organization and participating IP offices; between the Organization and IP industry users; between the Organization and suppliers, owning the relationship regarding the contracts on behalf of the Organization, enabling all communications to take place effectively and efficiently.

j.      Ensure that the Phase II of the project is formally closed and, where appropriate subsequently reviewed, and that lessons learned are captured; produce appropriate documentation to support this process; and participate in the preparation of the next steps.

k.   Organize and participate in meetings related to WIPO global identifier.

l.    Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in business management, law, information technology or a related field.  A first-level university degree plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the experience requested below may be acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Certification in project management, e.g. PRINCE2, Managing Successful Programs or Agile.

Education (Desirable)

Certification in software development, data management or blockchain.

Experience (Essential)

At least seven years of relevant professional experience, including in managing medium to large projects with direct business impact; using industry standard program and project management methodologies, tools, and program and project planning and control techniques, including budget control.

Experience in process improvement or process standardization.

Experience in business analysis processes and methodologies.

Experience in managing teams of business analysts and developers.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in an international environment, including the organization and coordination of technical discussions and meetings at international level.

Experience in identity management desirably across jurisdictions.

Experience in intellectual property prosecution processes such as application filings and registration systems.

Experience in standards, policies or recommendations relating to IP data, global IP information system related matters, IP information services on the global system, IP data dissemination and documentation. 

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Skills in program and project planning, including the ability to analyze, plan, execute and evaluate work to time, cost and quality targets, including the assessment and evaluation of risk.

Ability to foresee and evaluate impact of action on dependencies and take appropriate action.

Knowledge in intellectual property administration.

Knowledge and understanding of IP data, information and documentation.

Ability to elaborate and evaluate proposals from service providers.

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

Good knowledge of digital transformation technologies and their impact on IP ecosystem.

Excellent analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to work within strict time constraints and to meet deadlines.

Good communication and interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensibility 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%.

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

Additional Information

Temporary appointments are renewable, subject to continuing needs, availability of budget and satisfactory performance with a maximum cumulative length of two years.

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