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 in the Regional and National Development Sector. The WIPO Academy is composed of the IP eLearning and Internal Training Division, which comprises the IP eLearning Section and Internal Training Section; the Academic Institutions and Executive Program; and the Intellectual Property Training Institutions Program.
The WIPO Academy is the core entity within WIPO for training and capacity-building activities, particularly for developing countries, LDCs and countries with economies in transition. The Academy acts as an in-house center of excellence on training, including professional training; a catalyst for networks and partnerships to expand the range and impact of training opportunities at the national level; an open-access on-line clearing house of information on all WIPO training activities, tools and services; and a hub of virtual network of partners, experts and teachers in development-oriented IP training. Beneficiaries of the WIPO Academy services include decision-makers, government officials, members of national intellectual property offices and societies for collective management of copyright and related rights, intellectual property practitioners, academics, students, staff and other stakeholders.
b. Purpose Statement
The Senior Director leads the world’s largest provider of IP education, training and skills-development. As such, the incumbent sets the strategy and tone for this critical role and takes full responsibility for leading and efficiently managing the operations of the Academy. The Director ensures that the Academy delivers the highest quality educational and training services for WIPO Member States and other stakeholders guided by WIPO’s strategic objectives and goals. The Senior Director is also responsible for ensuring that the Academy adapts timely and adequately to the evolving landscape of education and training making functional use of emerging technologies in this area.
c. Reporting Lines
The Senior Director works under the supervision of the Deputy Director General responsible for the Regional and National Development Sector.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
a. Direct the WIPO Academy’s portfolio of work and take overall management responsibility for its human and financial resources, determining priorities and allocating resources for the timely and quality delivery of work in accordance with the result-based management framework.
b. Oversee the development of strategies and policies to ensure that activities of the WIPO Academy are in line with its mandate and respond to the priority needs of the WIPO Member States and other stakeholders.
c. Ensure that the WIPO Academy continues as the leading global provider of IP education, training and skills-development and as the core organizational unit within WIPO for IP education and training.
d. Forge partnerships and collaborations to allow the programs and methodologies of the WIPO Academy to scale and reach a global audience.
e. Provide strategic leadership to the newly created programs relating to Intellectual Property Training Institutions and the Executive Programs.
f. Provide strategic guidance on policies and initiatives relating to the work and mandates of the Internal Training Section to develop and enhance the skills and competencies of WIPO staff to deal with the evolving requirements of their duties and responsibilities.
g. Oversee the strategic engagement with key stakeholders and partners for the development of institutional agreements and partnerships to expand the range, impact and geographical reach of IP education and training programs in WIPO Member States.
h. Lead actions to ensure that the WIPO Academy’s brand name and competence in the area of IP education, training and skills-development continues to be recognized and appreciated globally.
i. Promote the WIPO Academy’s suite of services in multiple languages taking into account gender and geographic balance and the use of new technologies to reach new constituencies in WIPO Member States.
j. Manage and supervise the human resources of the WIPO Academy, including external resources, as well as provide a framework for a stable and motivating work environment that is focused on result-based management and assures credibility, trust and value to stakeholders while optimizing staff expertise and performance.
k. Strategic direction and management of the WIPO Build Back Fund or other similar assignments, including fostering cross-Sector cooperation and acting as Chair of the Task Force, overseeing the development and implementation of country-requested projects, effectively allocating and managing resources, ensuring continuous dialogue with Member States, and reporting to the Director General as needed.
l. Represent the WIPO Academy at international, regional and national events to promote its strategies and policies.
m. Perform other duties as may be required.
3. Requirements
Education (Essential)
Advanced university degree in education, law, economics, political sciences or related area. A first-level university degree with two years of experience, in addition to the experience mentioned below may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Education (Desirable)
Specialization in intellectual property for development and international cooperation.
Experience (Essential)
At least 15 years of professional experience, of which seven at the international level, in the field of intellectual property, including in a senior managerial role.
Extensive professional experience in managing administrative programs and/or programs for the delivery of technical assistance.
Experience in strategic planning, budget management or results-based management.
Track record of managing financial resources, donors, as well as attracting new financial partners for educational and training programs.
Experience (Desirable)
Specific experience in the delivery of programs for development.
Experience in the field of intellectual property for development and international cooperation.
Experience in EdTech and the use of digital technologies to deploy learning programs.
Track record of forging partnership to scale programs.
Experience managing the operations of a Learning Academy with an emphasis on the delivery of educational and training services, including through digital learning.
Language (Essential)
Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.
Language (Desirable)
Good knowledge of other UN official languages.
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Extensive knowledge of the international IP system, with excellent understanding of the strategic priorities of WIPO.
Strong diplomatic skills and sound political judgment.
Ability to anticipate challenges and opportunities in the delivery of programs and services of a Learning Academy.