Senior Program Officer

Job Description - Senior Program Officer (25400-FT) Senior Program Officer - 25400-FTTechnology Transfer Section, IP for Innovators Department (IPID), IP and Innovation Ecosystems SectorGrade - P4Contract Duration - 2 years * Duty Station CH-Geneva Publication Date 10-Dec-2025 Application Deadline 09-Jan-2026, 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. Organizational Context Organizational Setting The Technology Transfer Section (TTS) is located in the IP for Innovators Department, within the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector of WIPO. The Section works with universities, public research institutions, innovation agencies, and government ministries to strengthen institutional and ecosystem capacity for Knowledge and Technology Transfer (K/TT). The TTS develops tools and resources, supports IP policy and legislative frameworks, and provides evidence and data to help Member States translate research into social and economic impact. Within TTS, the Evidence and Impact work area leads WIPO’s initiatives on generating and interpreting data on institutional innovation performance. Through diagnostic tools, institutional assessments, metrics, and impact studies, the work area enables governments and institutions to understand systemic and institutional gaps, target investments and reforms, and improve the efficiency and productivity of research‑derived IP. Purpose Statement The incumbent leads the Evidence and Impact area within the Technology Transfer Section with the purpose to create and leverage data‑driven insights to enhance institutional and national innovation ecosystems. The role focuses on strengthening innovation productivity in universities and public research institutions by generating credible evidence, diagnosing systemic and institutional gaps, and curating interventions that support institutional improvement and policy reform. The incumbent manages the design and implementation of diagnostic tools, metrics, and evaluations, ensuring findings are translated into actionable recommendations for governments, innovation agencies, institutional leaders, and ministries responsible for science, technology, education and industry, which assists Member States target investments, refine policy, and improve institutional practices that underpin effective knowledge and technology transfer. Responsibilities include overseeing flagship initiatives in institutional capability assessment and performance metrics, and the development of national and regional diagnostic reports, impact case studies and policy briefs, ensuring that evidence leads to demonstrable improvement and impact on innovation systems. Reporting Lines The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head, Technology Transfer Section. Work Relations The incumbent works closely with internal stakeholders throughout the organization, as well as with external stakeholders engaged in research, innovation, and policy development such as ministries responsible for science, technology, education, industry, and entrepreneurship; national innovation agencies; universities and public research institutions; and technology transfer offices. The incumbent also collaborates with regional and international professional associations, and partners involved in IP, innovation, and higher education policy. Duties and Responsibilities Lead the Evidence and Impact work area, ensuring the generation of credible evidence and the delivery of interventions that strengthen the innovation productivity of research‑intensive organizations such as universities and public research institutions. Develop and oversee diagnostic tools, data collection methods, and evaluation approaches to assess institutional and systemic capacity for knowledge and technology transfer. Produce reports and analyses that identify institutional and policy gaps and formulate recommendations for targeted interventions. Translate diagnostic findings into actionable policy advice and institutional reforms in collaboration with Member States. Manage flagship initiatives in institutional capability assessment and performance metrics and respond to requests from Member States to participate in these and related initiatives. Identify emerging needs and lead the development of new initiatives in line with the priorities of the Evidence and Impact work area. Coordinate the preparation of national and regional diagnostic reports, impact case studies, and policy briefs, and ensure their integration into WIPO’s broader knowledge base. Represent the Organization at meetings, conferences, and policy dialogues, deliver capacity‑building programs, and provide authoritative advice in the field of knowledge and technology transfer and evidence‑based innovation policy. Actively promote accession to WIPO‑administered treaties and contribute to the growing use of WIPO Global IP Services. Work on the design of a program on K/TT advocacy and its implementation. Perform other duties as required. Requirements Advanced university degree in law, economics, public policy, business management, international relations, science, engineering, or another relevant discipline. A first‑level university degree plus two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Experience (Essential) At least seven years of relevant professional experience in IP management including institutional performance evaluation, innovation metrics and diagnostics, or evidence‑based policy development. Experience working on institutional capacity building, knowledge and technology transfer, or innovation performance in universities or public research institutions and professional associations. Experience in leading projects involving data collection, analysis, and reporting, and translating results into practical recommendations for policy and institutional change. Experience working in an international, multinational, or multicultural environment. Experience applying evidence and evaluation tools within the broader framework of national innovation strategies, higher education policies, and socio‑economic development goals. Experience in the design and delivery of diagnostic assessments, institutional evaluations, or evidence‑informed reform initiatives at national or institutional level. Excellent knowledge of English; good working knowledge of another official UN language. Job Related Competencies (Essential) In‑depth knowledge of IP, knowledge and technology transfer systems, institutional policy frameworks, and innovation performance metrics. Strong analytical skills with the ability to design and interpret diagnostics, data and produce evidence‑informed recommendations. Excellent organizational skills with proven ability to manage projects, budgets, and deliverables within deadlines. Excellent drafting skills and ability to prepare clear and concise documents, reports, and policy briefs. Expertise in building effective partnerships with ministries, research institutions, innovation agencies, and professional associations. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a sensitivity to diversity in multicultural environments. Strong outreach and representation skills with experience in presenting evidence and recommendations in high‑level forums and international events. Solid IT skills and ability to adapt to new software solutions and tools, including leveraging AI in the delivery of duties. Knowledge of WIPO's Global IP services, particularly the PCT, Madrid, and Hague systems. Understanding of governance and administrative processes in universities and public research organizations. Job Related Competencies (Desirable) Knowledge of capacity‑building methods in knowledge and technology transfer. Knowledge of data analytics platforms used in the context of innovation management. Communication, teamwork, integrity, results orientation, service orientation, broad‑view thinking, change and innovation orientation, and personal and professional development. 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. Salary and Allowances 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. The figures quoted below are based on the November 2025 rate of 90%. Base salary: $77,326 Post adjustment: $69,593 Total: $146,919 Currency USD – salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations. Contract Conditions * Initial period 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. Applications from qualified women, and from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged. Legal and Confidentiality Notice By completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this website, 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), accessible 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr