Associate Program Officer

Section for Caribbean Countries, Division for Latin America and the Caribbean, Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector

Contract Duration - 1 year

Duty Station: CH-Geneva

Application Deadline: 28-Oct-2025

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 Section for Caribbean Countries, Division for Latin America and the Caribbean (DLAC), Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector (RNDS) at WIPO. The Sector provides advisory services and manages the capacity building and technical assistance programs of the Organization for developing and least-developed countries in the region, through coordination with various sectors within the Organization and/or outsourcing work to external experts.

b.
Purpose Statement

The incumbent is responsible for supporting the design, implementation and monitoring of technical assistance programs and other project-based initiatives for the countries and intergovernmental organizations assigned, as well as assisting with the monitoring of DLAC's work plan implementation and carrying out other specialized activities to effectively support the work of the Division.

c.
Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head, Section for Caribbean countries, of DLAC.

d.
Work Relations

The incumbent liaises extensively with internal stakeholders throughout the Organization, as well as external stakeholders, such as Member States, IPOs, academia, SMEs and MSMEs.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.
Contribute to the design, coordination and implementation of IP projects and capacity-building programs in the Caribbean countries, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creators, innovators, and communities ensuring delivery in a timely, result-oriented, cost-effective and efficient manner.

b.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders from the Caribbean region including Permanent Missions, IP Offices, IP users and other partner organizations.

c.
Participate in missions and meetings, provide technical input, support project management and assist with monitoring and reporting procedures. Draft inputs and recommendations on assigned project aspects and recommend activities to advance the Division's work program.

d.
Assist in the organization and preparation of meetings, visits, briefings, speeches, talking points, and any other relevant documents for Senior Management in their diplomatic and stakeholders' engagements both within and outside Geneva.

e.
Monitor and report on IP-related developments in the region, draft reports, identify opportunities and recommend initiatives to strengthen horizontal cooperation among Member States in the region.

f.
Draft and review project-related documentation, including but not limited to concept papers, proposals, internal memoranda, mission reports, summary of discussions and other working documents, ensuring that projects, programs and activities are implemented in a timely and efficient manner and that all reporting requirements are met.

g.
Support data collection and analysis and contribute to the preparation of DLAC's managerial report, including program and budget proposals, performance reports and annual work plan.

h.
Support the Head of the Section in establishing contacts in the region and assist different internal sectors in the implementation of their programs.

i.
Contribute to promoting WIPO's strategies and plans that would ensure greater and more effective use of WIPO's Global IP services through targeted outreach to existing and potential users and establishment of partnerships.

j.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

3. Requirements

Education (Essential)

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

Experience (Essential)

At least three years of relevant professional work experience in the field of intellectual property, trade or innovation.

Experience in the design and management of development-focused projects.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in international environment.

Experience working with Caribbean countries.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of English, written and spoken.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of any other UN official languages, particularly French and/or Spanish.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Substantive knowledge and practical experience in project design, implementation and monitoring.

Sound judgment, with the capacity to swiftly assess complex and rapidly changing situations and developments.

Advanced organizational and coordination skills for effective time, task and resource management.

Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team.

Excellent drafting skills.

Detail oriented with the ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

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 at least one of the WIPO's international registration 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.