World Intellectual Property Organization is looking for a Program Officer (French-speaking)

Organizational Context

Organizational Setting

The post is located in the RNDS 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 RNDS Projects Team ensures the timely and effective implementation of projects of strategic importance requested by Member States.

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.

Reporting Lines

The Program Officer works under the overall supervision of the Manager of the RNDS Projects Team in the Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide substantial input and advice to the design and management of IP initiatives and projects 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.
• Establish and maintain close working relationships with stakeholders including Permanent Missions, IP Offices, IP users and other partner organizations.
• 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.
• 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.
• Promote WIPO’s strategies and initiatives through project activities, where applicable and in consistent with project objectives, to support the effective and increased use of WIPO’s Global IP Services.
• 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.
• Assist in the implementation of the Team's communication strategy, support media outreach efforts. Provide regular updates on the Team's achievements and initiatives.
• Undertake official missions in the context of the delivery of IP-related technical assistance to Member States and stakeholders.
• Perform other related duties as required.

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 cooperation, with at least four years of experience in the management of IP development cooperation projects, preferably at the international level.
• Experience in the production of communication materials and in the use of social media.

Language (Essential)

• Excellent written and spoken English and French.

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.
• Substantive knowledge in project design, implementation and monitoring.
• 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 projects and activities.
• Familiarity with at least one of the WIPO’s international registration systems.
• Discretion and integrity.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), the internet, social media platforms and other relevant digital tools.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

• Knowledge of the UN system.

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.

Information

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.
• 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 November 2025 rate of 90%.
• Annual salary: $64,121
• Post adjustment: $57,709
• Total Salary: $121,830

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

• 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.

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.

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