PCT Legal and User Support Section, PCT Legal and User Relations Division, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, Patents and Technology Sector
Contract Duration - 2 years (maximum cumulative length of 5 years) *
Duty Station: CH-Geneva
Application Deadline: 29-Jun-2026, 11:59:00 PM CET
This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.
1. Organizational Context
The post is located in the PCT Legal and User Support Section, PCT Legal and User Relations Division, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, Patents and Technology Sector. The PCT Legal and User Support Section deals with providing legal advice on PCT matters to all users of the PCT system (in particular applicants, their agents and PCT Contracting States), implements changes to the PCT Regulations and other changes within the PCT system and reaches out to PCT users and potential PCT users through various training activities.
Purpose Statement
The incumbent’s main role is assisting the Deputy Director and Head of the Section by investigating, analyzing and preparing for decision specific PCT applications that have encountered legal or procedural difficulties, to keep statistics on cases received by the Section and to ensure that any case-related queries received by Section are timely responded to, as well as providing access to the file of the International Bureau and to issue certified copies of any documents in the file of the International Bureau. The incumbent also engages in outreach and promotional activities to raise awareness and understanding of the PCT system.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Deputy Director and Head of Section.
Work Relations
The incumbent liaises regularly with colleagues from PCT Operations, responds to communications from PCT users and PCT Authorities.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
* Investigating, analyzing, researching and preparing for decision by the Deputy Director and Head of Section, PCT applications which have experienced legal and/or processing problems.
* Drafting letters and internal memoranda resolving issues of PCT applications which have experienced legal and processing problems raised by applicants, agents and staff of the PCT Operations Division; drafting letters and internal memoranda regarding access to file of international applications by applicants, agents and third parties, and to issue certified copies of any documents in the applications file.
* Review and provide comments and observations on PCT procedures-related texts from the PCT Business Development Division, the PCT International Cooperation Division and the PCT Operations Division.
* Communicating with the PCT Operations Division on procedural matters in handling PCT applications; analyzing and proposing data-informed plans of action for the improved handling of PCT applications.
* Supplying information in both oral and written form on the PCT procedure in general to applicants, agents and inventors; providing legal and procedural advice in connection with specific international applications.
* Preparing draft revised and new PCT forms; providing assistance to Legal Officers in various projects related to the implementation of amendments to the PCT Regulations, including modifications of the PCT Receiving Office Guidelines, PCT forms, etc.
* Administering the “Basic PCT Distance Learning Course” including the update, review and translation into the ten PCT languages; coordinating between the WIPO Academy and their distance learning programs and the PCT Translation Section; responding to inquiries from users of the PCT Distance Learning Course; providing guidance on complex responses in coordination as necessary with other colleagues.
* Contribute to outreach and promotional activities aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of the PCT system among potential users, including through training sessions, webinars, and stakeholder engagement.
* Support data analytics initiatives by collecting and analyzing user feedback, service metrics, and procedural data to inform decision-making, improve service delivery, and identify trends in legal and procedural issues.
* 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.
* Performing other related duties as required.
3. Requirements
Education (Essential)
First-level university degree, preferably in law, natural sciences, or engineering.
Experience (Essential)
At least three years of relevant professional experience, including experience with the PCT system.
Experience (Desirable)
* Experience in a legal or paralegal role.
* Experience in data analysis.
* Experience in conducting outreach activities.
Language (Essential)
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
Language (Desirable)
Good knowledge of other PCT publication languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish).
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
* Ability to analyze legal cases and to apply the relevant PCT provisions to cases.
* Ability to present clearly and logically in written and oral form.
* Good organizational skills with the ability to work within strict deadlines.
* Client orientation with ability to deliver high quality client services.
* Ability to interpret and use data analytics tools to support decision-making and service improvement.
* Capacity to engage in outreach and promotional activities, including public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
* Proficiency in digital tools, AI-enabled applications, and online collaboration platforms. Commitment to continuous learning and the adoption of emerging technologies.
4. Organizational Competencies
* Communicating effectively.
* Showing team spirit.
* Demonstrating integrity.
* Valuing diversity.
* Producing results.
* Showing service orientation.
* Seeing the big picture.
* Seeking change and innovation.
* Developing yourself and others.
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