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 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.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
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.
3. Requirements
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.