PCT Information Officer

Job Description - PCT Information Officer (24402-FT)

PCT Information Officer - 24402-FT

PCT User Resources Section, PCT Legal and User Relations Division, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, Patents and Technology Sector

Grade - P3

Contract Duration - 2 years *

CH-Geneva

28-Jan-2025

24-Feb-2025, 10:59:00 PM

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 PCT User Resources Section, PCT Legal and User Relations Division, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, Patents and Technology Sector. The PCT User Resources Section oversees, prepares and publishes Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) legal texts and creates and manages PCT reference data and information materials, which are heavily relied upon by all PCT stakeholders, including applicants, patent attorneys, Offices of PCT Contracting States, International Authorities, the International Bureau and the general public, and are of utmost importance for the proper functioning of the PCT system and WIPO's internal and external-facing PCT IT systems.

b. Purpose Statement

The incumbent is responsible for reporting important PCT news and developments and providing information and supportive services to PCT users and interested parties through varied communication products and information tools, and for expanding their coverage to reach out to a wider range of audience.

c. Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head, PCT User Resources Section.

d. Work Relations

The incumbent works regularly with the other staff of the PCT User Resources Section, as well as staff of the PCT Legal and User Relations Division, the PCT Legal and International Affairs Department and the Patents and Technology Sector.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

1. Engage and promote important developments in patent-related areas as reflected in official correspondences, news on the websites of patent Offices and articles in industrial property journals, and identify potential items for reporting for interests of readers; monitor and follow activities, news and developments in the PCT and select and research topics suitable for coverage through varied communication products and information tools.
2. Create engaging narratives to facilitate understanding of complex PCT-related topics; draft announcements, articles and news items for publication through varied communication products and information tools, to report important news and developments in the PCT to users and potential users, Offices and any other parties interested in the PCT.
3. Research and draft practical advice items and articles of informational or educational nature for publication to inform, caution or recommend PCT best practices to users.
4. Implement digital communication strategies to amplify the reach of the content through e-mail, social media and other relevant channels; propose and coordinate the production of audiovisual content to be used in varied communication products and information tools and improve audience engagement; investigate, research and propose means to expand their coverage to reach out to a wider range of audiences.
5. Keep abreast of developments and best practices in the area of digital design and propose improvements to the layout and presentation of existing communication products and information tools as per delivery means to ensure an attractive visual presentation and an easy-to-consume format for target audiences.
6. Prepare and update tables containing information on PCT-related subjects for publication on the PCT website and in seminar documents; participate in the provision and updating of other informational materials on the PCT website.
7. Foster a culture of providing high quality customer-focused services by identifying varying customer needs, recommending best practices which can improve customer interactions and proactively addressing potential issues before they impact the customer experience.
8. Manage the drafting, consultation, review and approval process for the contents of the PCT Newsletter; contact, where necessary, national Offices of PCT Contracting States to obtain or verify information to be published; coordinate the publication of matters in the Newsletter with colleagues in the Section responsible for other publications; contribute to and coordinate the visual design and improvement of its format and layout towards its final approval and publication; coordinate the translation of its contents into Chinese, Japanese, Korean and potentially other languages; coordinate the distribution and promotion of the Newsletter through e-mail and digital platforms and ensure its reach to target audiences; define the editorial guidelines for the Newsletter to ensure the relevance, value and continuing appeal of its contents to PCT and patent stakeholders.
9. Perform other related duties as required including providing backup to other members of the team.

3. Requirements

First-level university degree, preferably in languages, law, communications, journalism or related discipline.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant experience, including experience with the PCT system, in a company, law firm, IP Office or intergovernmental organization.

Experience in drafting, editing and proofreading legal and related texts.

Experience with digital design, publication tools, and social media content creation.

Experience in drafting, editing and proofreading legal and related texts in the field of PCT.

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Good knowledge of other PCT languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Good knowledge of procedures under the PCT.

Excellent research, writing, editing and proofreading skills.

Meticulous attention to detail.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and ability to adapt to new technologies.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and expand professional outreach and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Excellent understanding of the policies and procedures applicable to the work of the Division.

Ability to work accurately within strict time limits and to respect deadlines.

1. Communicating effectively.
2. Showing team spirit.
3. Demonstrating integrity.
4. Producing results.
5. Showing service orientation.
6. Seeing the big picture.
7. Seeking change and innovation.
8. Developing yourself and others.

5. Information

Mobility: WIPO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director General and may be assigned to any activities, office or duty station of the Organization. Accordingly, the selected candidate may be required to move from time to time to new functions and/or to another duty station.

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment. Please note that this estimate is for information only. The post adjustment multiplier (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change (increase or decrease) without notice. The figures quoted below are based on the January 2025 rate of 67.6%

P3

$64,121

Post adjustment

$43,346

$107,467

Currency USD

Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.

* Initial fixed-term appointment of two years, renewable, subject to satisfactory performance. No fixed-term appointment or any extension hereof shall carry with it any expectancy of, nor imply any right to, (further) extensions or conversion to a permanent appointment.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions in accordance with Staff Rule 4.9.5.

Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged. Please click on the following links for the list of unrepresented Member States and the list of underrepresented regions and the WIPO Member States in these regions.

The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.

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By completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this web site, or on any other documents submitted to WIPO during the application, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process, or termination of employment with WIPO at a later date, if that employment resulted from such willful misrepresentations.

In the event that your candidature is shortlisted, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of your identification and the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO recognizes higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed here: http://www.whed.net/ . Some higher educational qualifications may not be listed in WHED, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening. Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.

Additional background checks may be required.