News and Media Division, Sector of the Director General
Contract Duration - 2 years (maximum cumulative length of 5 years) *
Duty Station: CH-Geneva
Application Deadline: 11-Feb-2026, 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.
This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.
1. Organizational Context
a.
Organizational Setting
The post is located in the News and Media Division in the Sector of the Director General. The Division is responsible for delivering news and media strategies and content that explain the intellectual property system in an engaging and informative way and contribute to better understanding worldwide of WIPO's role and services. The News and Media Division is responsible for overseeing the Organization's press and media-related activities, including photographic and video productions, as well as producing engaging content to promote awareness and understanding of intellectual property and WIPO's activities.
b.
Purpose Statement
The Speech Writer plays a pivotal role in amplifying WIPO's global influence by crafting compelling, high-impact speeches and executive communications for the Director General. This position transforms complex ideas into clear, impactful narratives, showcasing WIPO's strategic messages and reinforcing its leadership in intellectual property worldwide.
Embedded within the News and Media Division, the Speech Writer is part of a team and contributes to the broader work of the Division, collaborating with colleagues and leveraging emerging technologies to deliver innovative content that positions the Organization and its Director General as authoritative voices on intellectual property.
c.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director, News and Media Division and has a technical reporting line to the Director General for the work related to DG speeches.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
Speech and Content Development for the Director General
a.
Develop high-impact speeches, presentations, social media posts and multimedia content for the Director General, tailored to diverse audiences and communication platforms.
b.
Demonstrate responsible and accurate use of AI tools in content development, applying appropriate human judgment, fact-checking and editorial oversight to all AI-assisted work.
c.
Collaborate closely with internal subject matter experts to ensure accuracy, coherence and consistent messaging and tone across all channels while optimizing content for each channel and audience.
Research and Strategic Frameworks
d.
Conduct in-depth research and compile factual, analytical and illustrative material to support complex ideas, policy positions and key messages that the Director General needs to convey to specific audiences.
e.
Develop structured frameworks and talking points as the basis for speeches and executive communications.
f.
Leverage AI tools strategically to enhance research efficiency and accelerate content production, while exercising fact-checking and editorial oversight ensuring all outputs meet organizational accuracy and quality standards.
Strategic Awareness
g.
Maintain a strong understanding, interest and curiosity relating to new developments and issues related to innovation, creativity, intellectual property, geopolitical and economic trends, media landscapes and WIPO's organizational priorities ensuring executive communication remain timely, relevant and forward-looking.
Media engagement and Internal Communication
h.
Support media relations activities by preparing briefing materials, talking points, Q&As and notes for media interviews, press conferences, and other public engagements involving the Director General.
i.
Contribute to internal communications initiatives related to executive communications, ensuring alignment with institutional objectives and consistent messaging across the organization.
j.
Perform other related duties as required.
3. Requirements
Education (Essential)
First-level university degree in English, Literature, Communications, Journalism, Creative Writing, International Affairs, Social Sciences or a relevant subject.
Education (Desirable)
Advanced university degree in a relevant subject.
Experience (Essential)
At least six years of progressively responsible experience in executive communications, including demonstrated success in writing speeches for C-suite or senior leaders. Only candidates with substantive speechwriting experience will be considered; strong writing skills in other formats (e.g., journalism, content writing, copywriting, technical writing) do not substitute for at least three years direct speechwriting experience.
Experience (Desirable)
Experience in an international or intergovernmental organization.
Language (Essential)
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
Language (Desirable)
Good knowledge of French.
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to adapt style, tone and messaging for diverse audiences, platforms and high-level executive contexts.
Ability to provide strategic advice on messaging and positioning for senior leadership.
Knowledge or proven interest towards intellectual property, innovation and creativity.
Demonstrated ability to navigate complex cultural and geopolitical considerations in global communications.
Strong conceptual skills and intellectual versatility are required to master the essentials of wide-ranging technical, legal and policy topics.
Excellent research and analytical capabilities with ability to synthesize complex information into accessible content.
Proficiency in digital content creation tools, social media platforms and emerging technologies, including excellent ability to use AI-assisted writing tools and research tools with human oversight.
Sound political judgment and discretion, particularly in handling sensitive issues, institutional positions and executive-level communications.
A good understanding of public speaking, attention to detail and ability to remain resilient and complete multiple revisions under tight time pressures.
Ability to work collaboratively as a strong team player showing commitment to the work of the group in order to complete tasks, manage multiple revisions under tight deadlines with attention to detail and resilience.
Excellent listening skills and ability to respect ideas.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Good knowledge of social media and audience engagement strategies, with the ability to tailor content to maximize reach, impact and relevance across channels.
Job Related Competencies (Desirable)
Familiarity with international diplomacy and cultural sensitivity in global communications.
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.