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 position is located in the IP and Frontier Technologies (IPFT) Division, in the Infrastructure and Platforms Sector.

b.    Purpose Statement

In the context of WIPO’s response to the rapid development and adaptation of frontier technologies including artificial intelligence (Al), WIPO is bringing together the international community to proactively address emerging issues and policy challenges at the global level relating to IP and frontier technologies and building awareness and understanding of frontier technologies and their impact on IP.

The incumbent will design, actively make proposals for and independently implement the work underpinning WIPO’s role as the global leading forum for discussing IP and frontier technologies related matters, including translating the discussions into practical, useable tools for stakeholders as well as in projects that will deliver impact on the ground.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the Division.

d.    Work Relations

As AI affects all elements of IP, the incumbent will, under the supervision of the Director of the Division, liaise with different units of the Organization, notably CCIS, PTS and RNDS and with external stakeholders.

2.     Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.    Conduct independent complex legal research on IP, frontier technologies (including Al) and keep abreast of the evolving legal issues and regulatory frameworks and approaches; independently design and prepare comparative studies and reports outlining options available to WIPO’s stakeholders looking to shape their IP law and regulatory responses to frontier technologies.

b.    Independently lead the design, program and execution of the bi-annual WIPO Conversation as the global leading forum for discussing IP and frontier technologies related matters, including directing the topic selection for the WIPO Conversation and program design ensuring that IP legal frameworks are reflected accurately and in a way that is accessible to and represents a broad range of stakeholders as well as geographical coverage.

c.    Conduct research, including legal and IP law research, independently develop, draft and prepare fact sheets and guides, AI policy toolkits, IP legal review reports and similar reports to assist WIPO’s stakeholders navigating the AI and IP space.

d.    Engage with key stakeholders from the legal, technological, industry and other relevant fields that are connected to various Frontier Technologies with an impact on IP, including through designated external experts.

e.    Work with relevant colleagues across WIPO to understand, plan and execute practical projects where WIPO can be the global convenor to discuss certain, technical issues around standards, interoperability and data.

f.    Independently research, propose, plan and execute projects in collaboration with RNDS that support innovators and creators on the ground operating in the IP and Frontier technologies field and create real impact on the ground.

g.    Analyze and assess stakeholder needs and gaps with respect to the ability of their IP legal and policy regimes to address the challenges and opportunities arising from frontier technologies and develop and/or recommend content for new information and knowledge resources.

h.    Perform other related duties as required.

3.     Requirements

Education (Essential)

University degree in law, with advanced university degree in the field of intellectual property law.
A first-level university degree in law plus two years of relevant professional experience in addition to the required experience mentioned below may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Education (Desirable)
Specialization or further qualification in business, technology advanced computing, computer science, technology policy.

Experience (Essential)
At least seven years of relevant professional experience in the field of law with a focus on intellectual property law.
Experience in drafting, legal writing and policy review and development in the field of industrial property at the national or international level.

Experience (Desirable)
Experience in driving successful initiatives related to frontier technologies at the intersection between law and technology.
Experience in the legal implications of AI and technology.
Experience working in an international environment.
Experience working with public sector organizations.

Language (Essential)
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Language (Desirable)
Knowledge of other official UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Excellent legal analysis and drafting.
Understanding of IP across the whole range of IP rights.
Strong affinity for technology and ability to understand highly complex technical issues, particularly related to AI.
Ability to conduct research independently and present results in a clear and logical form.
Strong presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex and highly technical information clearly and concisely.
Ability to write informative and insightful content.
Excellent relationship building skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to work as a team player across business areas in IP legal domain, with the ability to align different priorities.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work within strict deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Good political judgement and capacity to work well with a range of actors, including WIPO stakeholders.

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 March 2025 rate of 73.6%

P4

Annual salary

$77,326

Post adjustment

$56,912

Total Salary

$134,238

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 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.

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