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 post is located in the WIPO Academy, the core entity in WIPO for training and capacity-building activities establishing strong partnerships with WIPO Member States, academic institutions, and stakeholders to enhance the range and delivery of training and knowledge transfer. The Academy serves as the cornerstone for training, eLearning, and capacity-building initiatives, functioning as an international center of excellence for both general and professional training in the service of IP and innovation particularly for developing countries, LDCs, countries with economies in transition and WIPO staff. Positioned as a catalyst, the IP eLearning, and Internal Training Division, primarily strengthens, and expands the scope of innovation impact through enhanced IP support skills and capacities at national, regional, and international levels.
The Division defines the strategic course of training managed by the Internal Training Section for a global-facing IP workforce while meeting Member States' increasing demand for intellectual property (IP) education.
The Division works closely with HRMD, and in collaboration with all Sectors, and WIPO Member States, external partners, and stakeholders to deliver development-oriented IP and professional enhancement (non-IP) training, eLearning, and capacity-building support according to demand and adapting to technological advancements that are shaping the evolving needs of the Organization.
b. Purpose Statement
The Director of IP eLearning and Internal Training Program oversees and develops the integrated direction and execution of duties to centrally position training in WIPO’s culture and identity. As the lead executor for the integration of emerging training methodologies in support of IP and innovation, the incumbent plays a leadership role in the overall success of managing resources allocated from the regular and Funds-in-Trust programs and exercises supervision and operational leadership of WIPO’s eLearning and Internal Training Sections.
c. Reporting Lines
The Director of IP eLearning and Internal Training Program reports to the Executive Director of the WIPO Academy, Regional and National Development Sector.
d. Work Relations
The incumbent liaises extensively with HRMD, the Senior Leadership Team as well as with Program Directors and Managers throughout the Organization, key external stakeholders and counterparts across the U.N. common system and Member States.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
a. Direct and guide the strategic development of policies and initiatives aimed at bridging IP knowledge and skill gaps and increase Member States' access to core IP learning and training. Chart and guide the use of adaptive learning methodologies, eLearning content, and cutting-edge educational technologies in alignment with international standards and national IP legal frameworks.
b. Lead, expand, and sustain the development and execution of strategic cooperation agreements and partnerships. Ensure academic compliance and brand adherence oversight in scalable eLearning and development-oriented IP education and institutional capacity building. Advance communication on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in alignment with WIPO Academy's mandate and strategic vision.
c. Lead strategic engagement with WIPO Member States overseeing the application of results-based management to program planning. Anticipate future challenges and topical substantive development in IP learning and training and adjust to changes in the international innovation environment.
d. Direct and communicate the educational technology strategy of the WIPO Academy eLearning Centre, overseeing all facets of implementation, overall data analysis and support to other WIPO Academy programs.
e. Direct the planning, design, and implementation of an integrated staff learning strategy. Expedite the use of emerging education technologies and foster leadership in training. Manage learning analysis, dynamic response, research and evaluation to meet the evolving needs. Contribute towards a strengthened WIPO learning culture.
f. Manage the creation and development of the Internal Training Section and the development of an agile learning system in collaboration with HRMD. Ensure compliance with Enterprise Resource Planning. Provide strategic direction for training portfolio development and communication aligning resources in response to the needs of multiple Sectors across the organization.
g. Lead strategic projects on integration of creativity and innovation-focused education to support policy level intermediaries in Member States. Manage pioneering initiatives to transfer knowledge, sustain and expand IP, innovation, and related skills development for new and underrepresented communities (youth, women and girls, SME executives, STEAME students, judges, diplomats, and educators) in developing countries.
h. Guide the effective and efficient management and supervision of staff, financial, and material resources in the Division. Foster cross-sectoral collaboration to develop innovative approaches to training, skills development, and IP capacity building.
i. Represent WIPO at high-level international, regional, and national meetings. Provide strategic and leadership advice regarding organizational education and skills development demonstrating the highest value to stakeholders and beneficiaries in relation to their training context.
j. Perform other related duties as required.
3. Requirements
Education (Essential)
Advanced university degree in IP, sciences, education, instructional design, computer science, information technology, or related discipline. A relevant first-level university degree plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the experience requested below may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience (Essential)
A minimum of 15 years of relevant professional and management experience in the field of adult education, strategic planning, organizational design, and business partnership.
Experience (Desirable)
Experience combining programs, training and capacity building, change and results-based management.
Proven learning experience in Leadership or Management, eLearning and training capacity building in multiple languages, staff training experience (skills building, learning and development process and design, leadership and management programs, collaborative initiatives with universities, expertise in IP and non-IP training).
Language (Essential)
Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.
Language (Desirable)
Knowledge of other UN official languages.
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Sound knowledge planning and designing processes and programs in distance learning and internal workforce training.
Excellent knowledge of international law, IP law, and public administration procedures.