Program Officer

RNDS Projects, Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector

Contract Duration - 1 year

Duty Station: CH-Geneva

Application Deadline: 15-Dec-2025, 11:59:00 PM CET

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 RNDS Projects Team in the Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector (RNDS).

The Sector serves as a diplomatic, political, and operational gateway for all Member States (MSs) facilitating two-way communication and cooperation across WIPO; supporting MSs in the development and implementation of policy in the context of effective IP ecosystems; and strengthening the capacity of MSs and stakeholders in the use of IP as a tool for growth and development. Technical assistance is provided in close cooperation with relevant WIPO sectors. They are aimed at facilitating the use of IP by stakeholders for social, cultural and economic development.

The RNDS Projects Team ensures the timely and effective implementation of projects of strategic importance requested by Member States.

b.
Purpose Statement

The incumbent is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of specific, targeted, and strategic projects that focus on utilizing intellectual property for development, addressing the needs of Member States, and advancing the Organization's mandate. Additionally, the incumbent must ensure an efficient and coordinated response across the Organization to requests for assistance.

c.
Reporting Lines

The Program Officer works under the overall supervision of the Manager of the RNDS Projects Team in the Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector.

d.
Work Relations

The incumbent liaises closely with all other staff in the Department for Development Cooperation and within RNDS. The incumbent also works horizontally across the Organization and with external stakeholders particularly with Member States to implement projects on the ground.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.
Provide substantial input and advice to the design and management of IP initiatives and projects in the RNDS Projects Team which support businesses, creators, innovators, and communities to generate value through IP in a results-oriented, timely, cost effective and efficient manner.

b.
Establish and maintain close working relationships with stakeholders including Permanent Missions, IP Offices, IP users and other partner organizations.

c.
Participate in missions or meetings, provide information and support with respect to project management and procedures for monitoring and reporting, draft comments on designated project aspects, and recommend activities for the Division's program.

d.
Organize and prepare meetings, visits, briefings, speeches, talking points, and any other relevant documents for Senior Management's diplomatic and other engagements with stakeholders both within and outside Geneva.

e.
Promote WIPO's strategies and initiatives through project activities, where applicable and in consistent with project objectives, to support the effective and increased use of WIPO's Global IP Services.

f.
Initiate and produce data and information collection and assist in the preparation of the Team's managerial reports including program and budget proposals, program performance reports, and the annual budget and work plan.

g.
Assist in the implementation of the Team's communication strategy, support media outreach efforts. Provide regular updates on the Team's achievements and initiatives.

h.
Undertake official missions in the context of the delivery of IP-related technical assistance to Member States and stakeholders.

i.
Perform other related duties as required.

3. Requirements

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, economics, international relations or another relevant discipline.

Experience (Essential)

Six years of relevant professional experience in Intellectual Property, or in international cooperation, with at least four years of experience in the management of IP development cooperation projects, preferably at the international level.

Experience in the production of communication materials and in the use of social media.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken English and French.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Good knowledge of intellectual property and development, particularly at the international level.

Sound political judgement and ability to anticipate potential sensitivities in a political and multicultural environment.

Substantive knowledge in project design, implementation and monitoring.

Ability to effectively manage resources, including planning, monitoring and evaluation of budgetary funds.

Excellent liaison, communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish, build and maintain effective partnerships and working relations across the Organization, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Excellent organizational skills.

Excellent drafting skills.

Excellent skills in planning and coordination, with the ability to work under pressure, respect deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects and activities.

Familiarity with at least one of the WIPO's international registration systems.

Discretion and integrity.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) the internet, social media platforms and other relevant digital tools.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of the UN system.

4. Organizational Competencies

1. Communicating effectively.

2. Showing team spirit.

3. Demonstrating integrity.

4. Valuing diversity.

5. Producing results.

6. Showing service orientation.

7. Seeing the big picture.

8. Seeking change and innovation.

9. Developing yourself and others.

For more information, including on the salaries and benefits, please check the WIPO Careers website.