Overview
Job Description - Associate Program Officer (25156-TA)
Global Challenges Division, Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector
Grade - P2
Contract Duration - 1 year
Duty Station: CH-Geneva
Publication Date: 02-Sep-2025
Application Deadline: 23-Sep-2025, 9:59:00 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.
Organizational Context
1. Organizational Context
a. Organizational Setting
The post is located in the Global Challenges Division, whose objectives are to strengthen WIPO's position as the leading intergovernmental forum for addressing the intersection between intellectual property and global public policy issues. The Division engages substantively with other UN and intergovernmental organizations, the private sector and civil society in order to lead and inform policy deliberations. It develops practical contributions to demonstrate the benefits of intellectual property in the search for solutions to major global public policy issues, including trade and global health.
b. Purpose Statement
The incumbent is part of a multi-disciplinary team and supports the responsible officials in managing Global Health and the Trilateral Cooperation with WHO and WTO work streams, particularly relating to the day-to-day management of communications for each work stream, including tasks such as keeping the information current on the web sites, initiating and maintaining communications with partners, identifying opportunities for interaction with stakeholders (e.g. conferences, symposia), preparation and management of communication products and information materials, research and policy analysis, etc.
c. Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Senior Program Officer, Global Challenges Division.
d. Work Relations
The incumbent will also support the responsible officials in the Climate Change and Food Security Unit within the Office of the Assistant Director General (GCPS). The Unit develops practical contributions to demonstrate the benefits of intellectual property in the search for solutions to major global public policy issues, including climate change and food security.
The incumbent will serve as the focal point on the day-to-day management of communications and maintain close coordination with the Information and Digital Outreach Division and the News and Media Division, in support of the Global Challenges Division and the Climate Change and Food Security Unit.
Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
* a. Regularly review the work streams’ databases/websites and generic email accounts and other communication materials, and draft and update texts as necessary to keep the information current and relevant; draft regular communication materials, such as newsletters; report technical problems with the databases/websites and interact with the responsible IT contact point to solve these issues; and contribute to developing and maintaining the work stream’s social media presence;
* b. Assist in the management and further development of the work streams’ multi-stakeholder platforms such as the WIPO GREEN database and webpage and the WHO-WIPO-WTO Trilateral Cooperation Technical Assistance Platform, for example by carrying out research on relevant stakeholders, the interests and needs of potential new members, or best practices of similar initiatives;
* c. In cooperation with publications and communications sections in WIPO, contribute to designing communication strategies for workstreams and case specific products. This can include analysis of the work stream / product in terms of public and other reach and impact, identify opportunities and outlet targets, suggest activities and products (including podcasts, videos etc.) for dissemination, and work with colleagues to produce such material etc.;
* d. Interact with partners and users to share information, resolve issues, offer technical and operational guidance on the platforms, and handle follow-up inquiries;
* e. Undertake research on, and preliminary analysis of, current and emerging public policy issues, such as on global health or global environment issues, with a special focus on interaction with the IP system and in collaboration with WIPO's Divisions which are responsible for the respective IP areas;
* f. Contribute to the drafting and editing of reports and other documentation including policy briefs, background materials and talking points for meetings and conference calls with external stakeholders, capacity building resources and other related materials on IP aspects of health, climate change and food security, and international trade for policymakers and other stakeholders;
* g. Support the planning and organization of seminars, side events and symposia sponsored or organized by the various work streams;
* h. Undertake other tasks as required.
Requirements
First-level university degree in global health or environmental sciences, international relations, political science, law, business management, communications, or a related field.
Experience (Essential)
* At least three years of relevant professional experience, ideally in the field of intellectual property, global health, climate change, or food security, preferably in an international environment.
* Exposure to the private sector and/or a UN organization, preferably in the areas of intellectual property, technology transfer, health, food security, and/or environmental technologies.
* Experience in policy analysis, strategy, communications, digital marketing or content creation.
* Experience with writing and adjusting targeted materials for various settings and audiences and applying the appropriate writing style for different occasions/audiences.
* Experience with social media platforms and content development.
* Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
* Knowledge of other official UN languages.
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
* Ability to develop relevant and up to date content ready for publishing.
* Excellent writing and communication skills.
* Excellent research and analytical skills.
* Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender equality.
* Knowledge of current intellectual property and broader public policy issues relating to global health, climate change and food security.
* Demonstrates a proactive work ethic, demonstrating a high level of initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a strong interest in the key focus areas of the position.
* Sensitivity for the interrelationships between diverse policy fields.
* Excellent time management and organizational skills.
* Ability to handle complex issues, accommodate competing priorities, and deliver high-quality outputs under time pressure.
* Competent user of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint and the internet, and the ability to adapt quickly to new software.
1. Communicating effectively.
2. Showing team spirit.
3. Demonstrating integrity.
5. Producing results.
6. Showing service orientation.
7. Seeing the big picture.
8. Seeking change and innovation.
9. Developing yourself and others.
5. Information
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 August 2025 rate of 88.7%.
P2
$50,377
Post adjustment
$44,684
$95,061
Currency USD
Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.
Temporary appointments are renewable, subject to continuing needs, availability of budget and satisfactory performance with a maximum cumulative length of two years.
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.
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