Program Officer

IP Commercialization Section, IP for Innovators Department, IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector

Contract Duration - 1 year

Duty Station: CH-Geneva

Application Deadline: 15-Jan-2026

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 Commercialization Section of the IP for Innovators Department (IPID), IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector. The Department is responsible for supporting researchers, innovators, universities, research institutions and enterprises to use IP as a tool for growth and sustainable development. The section is responsible for assistance and programs relating to IP commercialization that target innovators, spinoffs and ventures, to help them protect their intellectual property, use it to bring their ideas to the market, generate value and financing.

b.
Purpose Statement

The incumbent works as part of a team that facilitates the development of innovation ecosystems in Member States and IP commercialization for innovators, spinoffs and ventures, including programs that help establish and grow innovation ecosystems. The main role of the incumbent is to focus on and support WIPO's activities related to the use of IP and other forms of intangible assets such as know-how and data as a financial asset. It will not only cover issues like IP valuation and IP financing, but other emerging areas as well where IP is treated as an asset class e.g. IP insurance.

c.
Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the IP Finance and Valuation Specialist, of the IP Commercialization Section.

d.
Work Relations

The incumbent works closely with colleagues within the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector, and in coordination with colleagues in other Sectors. The incumbent will also work with external partners as required, including National IP Offices, financial institutions, IP and valuation organizations, and other related organizations.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.
Organize and implement training and awareness-raising activities, seminars, and workshops, including the delivery of training and presentations, in the area of IP valuation, finance and related WIPO services.

b.
Contribute to the development, and manage implementation and reporting on projects related to IP valuation and finance, including coordination with external partners and tracking of deliverables.

c.
Participate in seminars, workshops and training courses and deliver training and presentations on IP valuation and finance.

d.
Carry out research on topics related to IP valuation and the use of IP as a financial asset, such as performing comparative analyses of national and regional practices.

e.
Draft, edit and revise reports and materials to equip policymakers and the IP valuation and finance community and their continuous improvement.

f.
Perform other related duties, as required.

3. Requirements

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in accounting, economics, finance, business, tax, law, science, engineering or other related discipline.

Education (Desirable)

Advanced university degree in accounting, economics, finance, business, tax, law, science, engineering or related discipline.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience in technology transfer, IP commercialization, IP due diligence. technology investment, corporate finance, or financial advisory.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in valuation, the financial sector, and/or accounting.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Language (Desirable)

Good knowledge of other UN official languages, particularly Spanish.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Strong understanding of valuation concepts.

Ability to organize and coordinate projects or aspects of projects to work toward defined results.

Excellent time management and work organization skills.

Proven ability to communicate complex matters to audiences with varying backgrounds.

Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint and the internet, and the ability to adapt quickly to new software.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Strong knowledge of international intellectual property.

Ability to design, conduct research, and analyze defined aspects of IP valuation and finance.

Good knowledge of WIPO's Global IP services, particularly the PCT, Madrid, and Hague systems.

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.