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 Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector (GCPS). The Sector covers issues relating to traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expressions and genetic resources; leads efforts to work with other United Nations (UN) agencies and international organizations on cross- cutting global issues with an intellectual property aspect; builds on and expands partnerships with stakeholders, including those from international, business and civil society sectors; and reaches out to new stakeholders such as the youth.
b. Purpose Statement
WIPO's Special Representative on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is responsible for coordinating matters relating to WIPO’s work on the SDGs and WIPO’s membership of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG), including analyzing, assessing and providing guidance and advice on how IP, innovation and creativity can support the achievement of the SDGs, and how the work of the UNSDG can be translated into specific areas of work within WIPO.
c. Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director General, and given the nature of its work, will be expected to work closely with colleagues from across WIPO.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
a. Provide strategic analysis, assessments, advice and expert recommendations to WIPO colleagues on the impact of the UNSDG and the SDGs on their work, especially at a technical level so that the broad goals can be translated into concrete actions.
b. Promote to stakeholders in the UNSDG as well as other relevant stakeholders how WIPO’s expertise, programs and capabilities can support the achievement of the SDGs, and to this end, engage with relevant stakeholders outside of WIPO both at the strategic and technical levels.
c. Support the discussions in the relevant Committees and other bodies of WIPO insofar as they relate to SDGs, particularly in the WIPO Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP), working closely with the relevant Secretaries of these Committees and bodies.
d. Supervise and coordinate the preparation of various written reports, including reports to Member States, on the SDGs, WIPO's membership of the UNSDG and related issues.
e. Represent WIPO as requested, including in high-level fora both within the United Nations System and more broadly, with respect to the SDGs and WIPO's membership of the UNSDG.
f. Raise awareness, and liaise with high-level interlocutors, including Permanent Representatives, Ambassadors and senior level representatives of International Organizations and civil society as requested, with respect to the UN SDGs and WIPO's membership of the UNSDG.
g. Collaborate and liaise with and provide advice and guidance to colleagues in support of WIPO's work program as it supports the implementation of the SDGs and its membership of the UNSDG. Monitor progress in this regard, provide reports, recommendations and action plans as required.
h. Perform other related duties as required.
3. Requirements
Education (Essential)
Advanced university degree in law, international relations, public administration or other relevant field. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Experience (Essential)
At least 15 years of relevant professional experience in the area of intellectual property, including in international diplomacy and policy formulation.
Expert knowledge of intellectual property issues and developments, particularly at the international level.
Language (Essential)
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Ability to translate broad strategies into concrete deliverables and actions.
Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks, conceptualize new approaches and promote new ideas.
Commitment to working as a team player across WIPO, with the ability to align different priorities.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work within strict deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Exceptional communication, convening, and advocacy skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels. Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to write informative and insightful content.
Excellent representational and facilitation skills including in an international context.
Sound judgement: ability to quickly assess complex and fast-moving situations and developments and provide targeted and innovative advice.
Discretion and integrity.
Job Related Competencies (Desirable)
Knowledge of WIPO strategic priorities, implementation constraints and opportunities.
Knowledge of the UN system and its procedures.
Digitally savvy, with demonstrated ability to apply a variety of engagement strategies, including social media, to amplify and promote and influence strategic agendas.
4. Organizational Competencies
1. Communicating effectively.
2. Showing team spirit.
3. Demonstrating integrity.
4. Valuing diversity.