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 Future of Intellectual Property (IP) area of work in the Office of the Assistant Director General (OADG) for Administration, Finance and Management (AFMS), who also serves as the Secretary to WIPO’s governing bodies, oversees WIPO’s business continuity and work on the future of IP. The work area is responsible for building capacity to think systematically about the future development of IP and the Global IP system, including with a view to WIPO’s medium- and long-term strategic orientation in the context of emerging global challenges.
b. Purpose Statement
The incumbent will support the Future of IP area of work by contributing to the development, planning, and execution of a diverse portfolio of projects within the work area. This role involves managing key processes, conducting in-depth research and benchmarking, and coordinating events and programs. Amongst these projects, the incumbent will in particular support the creation of a new award program that highlights the role of IP-driven innovation and creativity in addressing global challenges and promoting development, further expanding WIPO’s influence and visibility worldwide.
The incumbent will also be responsible for strategically planning, coordinating, and managing high-level meetings and events, ensuring seamless collaboration and partnership with both internal and external stakeholders. This will involve fostering strong working relationships across diverse sectors and driving alignment on project priorities to ensure the successful and timely execution of complex, multi-faceted initiatives within the work area. The incumbent will be expected to anticipate and resolve challenges proactively, facilitating operational efficiency and the achievement of organizational objectives.
c. Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Senior Counsellor for the Future of IP, in the Administration, Finance and Management Sector.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
a. Recommend and draft a strategic plan outlining the next steps for the award program, including key milestones, resource requirements, and stakeholder engagement strategies. This plan should provide a clear roadmap for the successful launch and long-term sustainability of the initiative, ensuring alignment with WIPO’s broader objectives.
b. Establish and maintain a network of contacts across the public and private sectors, nurturing relationships with key counterparts in governments, NGOs, the private sector, and international organizations to ensure targeted cooperation and informed project design.
c. Conduct benchmarking and research within the network, to gather best practices and insights. Utilize this information to contribute to the design and development of a new award program that recognizes IP-driven innovation and creativity.
d. Act as a planning officer for coordinating the delivery of work area activities and events, in addition to the award program. This includes drafting and finalizing necessary documentation, organizing and facilitating meetings; delegating tasks, and monitoring progress to ensure timely delivery.
e. Manage the development, monitoring, and execution of comprehensive project plans, ensuring that all project phases -from initiation through completion- are aligned with organizational timelines, budgetary constraints, and strategic objectives.
f. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration by coordinating and managing projects, working to ensure that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and that stakeholders are fully engaged. Regularly report on project progress, milestones, and deliverables to senior management, providing actionable insights and recommendations for course corrections when necessary.
g. Conduct comprehensive reviews of operational processes and systems, identifying opportunities for innovation and efficiency. Develop and present data-driven recommendations for process improvements to senior management, ensuring alignment with best practices and strategic organizational goals.
h. Promote collaboration in the delivery of the work area activities and events by engaging with relevant internal and external stakeholders and multi-stakeholder platforms and networks.
i. Act as focal point for the planning, coordination, and execution of high-impact conferences and events. Ensure that all related activities are meticulously aligned with the organization's goals and standards and provide expert guidance on additional event-related tasks, facilitating their successful execution as required.
j. Manage and coordinate the drafting, review, and dissemination of key documents, ensuring the effective communication of meeting schedules, updates, and strategic information to a wide range of stakeholders. This includes managing high-level correspondence, ensuring accuracy, and maintaining the timely flow of information across diverse work areas and event participants.
k. Collect and analyse data and feedback; produce statistics and prepare summaries to support effective decision-making; contribute to improvements in projects and work methods.
l. Provide oversight in the development and continuous refinement of communication materials, ensuring that all information disseminated is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with organizational priorities and evolving work area objectives.
m. Perform such other duties as necessary.
3. Requirements
Education (Essential)
First-level university degree in public or business administration, management, hospitality, international relations, social sciences, or other relevant discipline.
Education (Desirable)
Formal training or certification in project management and conference/event planning.
Experience (Essential)
At least six years' relevant professional experience in similar positions within international, public, or private institutions.
Experience (Desirable)
Project management experience.
Proven track record of creative and successful events or projects.
Language (Essential)
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
Language (Desirable)
Knowledge of other official UN languages.
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and work within strict time constraints and to meet deadlines.
Excellent planning skills, with the capacity of developing, implementing and monitoring project schedules, track project milestones, implement corrective measures, and ensure project objectives are met.
Excellent communication, interpersonal and diplomatic skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Good analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail.
Keen sense of initiative.
Solid people management skills.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Good numerical and data analysis skills.
Ability to quickly adapt to changing environments, tasks and demands.
Established relations with vendors.