Overview
Program Officer – 25301-FT at World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO. The role is located in the Cooperation on Examination and Training Section of the PCT International Cooperation Division, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, Patents and Technology Sector.
Contract Duration: 2 years*
Duty Station: CH-Geneva
Application Deadline: 31-Oct-2025
Responsibilities
* Manage and implement technical assistance activities for IP Offices of developing, least‑developed countries, and countries with economies in transition related to the substantive examination of patent applications, including training preparation, facilitation, and promotion.
* Monitor the ICE dedicated email account, oversee the preparation of search and examination reports by donor offices, and coordinate the maintenance of the ICD website/webpage and update ICE forms.
* Engage with beneficiary countries to assist in fostering legislative foundations supporting substantive patent examination, drafting/updating search and examination manuals and guidelines.
* Coordinate the development of eLearning management tools and infrastructure, including competency frameworks, model training components, and distance learning courses for substantive patent examiners.
* Participate in and contribute to international discussions relating to substantive patent examination.
* Coordinate with the Customer Experience Section of WIPO for evaluation surveys for webinars and prepare corresponding reports, identifying relevant metrics and tools to measure the impact.
* Prepare regular progress and/or performance reports on activities undertaken.
* Foster a culture of providing high‑quality customer‑focused services by identifying varying customer needs and addressing potential issues proactively.
* Perform other related duties as required.
Requirements
First‑level university degree in natural sciences, engineering, computer and/or information science, law, intellectual property law or intellectual property management.
Essential Experience
* At least six years of relevant professional experience including patent search and examination at national or international levels.
* Experience in planning, coordinating or delivering training on substantive patent examination.
* Experience in international cooperation, coordination and liaising with intellectual property offices.
* Experience in patent drafting, office actions and opposition procedures.
* Experience in establishing PCT International Search Reports and Written Opinions.
* Experience in prior art search and examination of patent applications in biotechnology, pharmaceutical engineering, computer implemented inventions or artificial intelligence.
* Experience of working in an international environment.
* Experience in competency‑based learning management and/or with learning management systems.
* Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
* Knowledge of other PCT publication languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish).
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
* Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and ability to maintain effective internal and external partnerships.
* Tact and discretion.
* Proven ability to design, implement, and monitor global initiatives, platforms, and partnerships.
* Strong analytical, decision‑making and problem‑solving skills.
* Strong organizational skills, meticulous planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Extensive knowledge of patent search and examination strategies and relevant tools.
* Extensive knowledge of patent information, publication policies and standards, examination, publication, and other legal status.
* Excellent political judgment and capacity to work well with a range of stakeholders.
* Excellent presentation skills.
* Ability to cultivate innovation and manage change; proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives and accountability in delivering results.
* Familiarity with WIPO’s mandate and work.
* Client‑orientation, and ability to engage with stakeholders.
Job Related Competencies (Desirable)
* Knowledge of the international patent system.
* In‑depth knowledge of the PCT and other international agreements related to IP protection.
* Understanding of project management processes.
* Good knowledge of e‑learning resources and platforms.
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