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 IP for Business Division (IPBD), in the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector. The IPBD acts as the central reference point within WIPO for SME-related IP issues, IP Management, IP commercialization by businesses and the use of IP as a key business enabler. The Division empowers enterprises to maximize their potential through intellectual property, including by delivering business-oriented content and targeted tools that help businesses develop and implement IP management strategies. The Division works with SMEs support institutions and other intermediaries and supports the strengthening of innovation ecosystems.
b. Purpose Statement
The incumbent is providing expert support to the work of the IP for Business Division in the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that assist businesses exploit the IP system in their business strategies; responsible for promoting the IP for Business Division tools and materials through partnerships with key regional and national institutions and stakeholders.
c. Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the IP for Business Division.
d. Work Relations
The incumbent will regularly work across the Division and Sector, as well as with a broad range of WIPO colleagues in other Sectors. The incumbent will also work extensively with external partners as required, including National IP Offices, support institutions, innovation agencies, incubators, accelerators, trade organizations and other third parties with whom the division collaborates in the course of deploying its programs and services.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
a. Develop and implement initiatives and programs on IP Management, IP Commercialization by businesses and the integration of intellectual property considerations into businesses strategies.
b. Promote the IP for Business Division tools and materials through partnerships with key regional and national institutions and stakeholders.
c. Oversee the organization of events for showcasing the programs and services of the Division, to engage with businesses, startups and business intermediary organizations and for facilitating policy discussions on mechanisms to support businesses make better use of the intellectual property system.
d. Engage with Member States, regional and international organizations and relevant national institutions and appropriate internal organizational units so as to facilitate the implementation of programs of assistance, exchange information and promote the services of the Division.
e. Prepare reports and informational materials and other content designed to facilitate the understanding of how the IP system can support the competitive strategies of businesses.
f. Perform other related duties as required.
3. Requirements
Education (Essential)
Advanced university degree in law, economics, business management, accounting or finance. A first-level university degree in the relevant discipline plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the years of experience requested below may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Education (Desirable)
University degree or studies in one of the relevant fields such as intellectual property law or management, Business Management, and economics.
Masters in Innovation or IP management or strategy.
Certificate in project management.
Experience (Essential)
At least seven years of experience in the area of intellectual property management, out of which at least four years are in the private sector, or in a consultancy or advisory position, supporting businesses in the development and implementation of their intellectual property strategies.
Experience (Desirable)
Exposure to government or a UN organization, preferably in managing large-scale collaborative projects involving multiple stakeholders.
Experience in an area related to IP Management and Strategy such as: IP due diligence, licensing agreements, brand management, IP audits, IP transactions or IP litigation.
Language (Essential)
Excellent written and spoken English.
Language (Desirable)
Knowledge of other official United Nations languages.
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Excellent written and oral skills.
Good knowledge of the business needs and dealings with key stakeholders on IP such as national and regional IP offices, supporting institutions, policy makers, developments banks, universities and industry associations, particularly those that support SMEs.
Ability to represent the Organization and to provide information and guidance.
Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
Good project management skills.
Ability to manage diverse and multicultural teams.
Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the ability to adapt to new technologies.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Job Related Competencies (Desirable)
Supervisory skills.
Knowledge of assisting businesses build IP strategies.
4. Organizational Competencies
1. Communicating effectively.
2. Showing team spirit.