Program Officer-25187-FTRNDS Projects, Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development SectorGrade-P3Contract Duration-2 years *
Duty Station
:CH-Geneva
Publication Date
:22-Jul-2025
Application Deadline
:21-Aug-2025, 5:59:00 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.
1. Organizational Context
a.Organizational Setting
The post is located in the 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 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, RNDS Projects Team.
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 substantive input and advice to the design and management of IP initiatives 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.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.
f.Assist in the implementation of the Team's communication strategy, support media outreach efforts. Provide regular updates on the Team's achievements and initiatives.
g.Undertake official missions in the context of the delivery of IP related technical assistance to Member States and stakeholders.
h.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 coordination and cooperation, with at least three years of experience in the management of IP initiatives and IP cooperation portfolio.
Language (Essential)
Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.
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.
Excellent and proven project design management skills ideally in the development context.
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 activities.
Discretion and integrity.
Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Social Media platform.
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.
5. Information
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.
Annual salary:
Total annual 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. Please note that this estimate is for information only.The post adjustment multiplier (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change (increase or decrease) without notice. The figures quoted below are based on the July 2025 rate of 90.7%
P3
Annual salary
$64,121
Post adjustment
$58,158
Total Salary
$122,279
Currency USD
Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.
Please refer to WIPO’s Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.
Additional Information
* 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.
This vacancy announcement may be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions in accordance with Staff Rule 4.9.5.
Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged. Please click on the following links for the list of unrepresented Member States and the list of underrepresented regions and the WIPO Member States in these regions.
The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.
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By completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this web site, 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), a list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed 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.