Title of Assignment: Climate Change Technology Expert

Name of unit/sector: WIPO GREEN / Climate Change and Food security Unit

Place of Assignment: Geneva, Switzerland, Hybrid or full remote

Expected duration of assignment:  June 1 to December 31, 2024

1. Background 

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the global forum for intellectual property policy (IP), services, information, and cooperation.
A specialized agency of the United Nations, WIPO assists its member states in developing a balanced international IP legal framework to meet society’s evolving needs. It provides business services for obtaining IP rights in multiple countries and for resolving disputes. It delivers capacity-building programs to help developing countries benefit from using IP, and it provides free access to unique knowledge banks of IP information.

WIPO GREEN as an initiative was launched in 2013 to promote the diffusion of green technology by facilitating connections between green technology “seekers” and “providers,” i.e. those looking for green technology solutions, and those developing and/or providing them.
At the heart of WIPO GREEN is its online matchmaking and knowledge hub (often referred to as “platform” and “database” interchangeably), which hosts a wide range of green technologies from a worldwide pool of contributors, ranging from small enterprises to Fortune 500 companies. It has now surpassed 120.000 entries.

WIPO GREEN has launched a new WIPO flagship publication with the aim of providing the general public with a new, regularly updated, neutral, and high-quality source on current and trending technologies which may provide solutions to challenges in relation to climate change, food security, and the environment. The publication, named Wipo Green Technology Book, provides an overview of major relevant technological areas, explore recent developments and trends, and showcase selected technologies available for deployment. The publication hence has the character of a mix between a technology trends report and catalogue of solutions.

The WIPO GREEN database of needs and technologies is the anchor point for the preparation of the publication as new technologies and needs are collected and published here as work progresses. The WIPO Green Technology Book is based on analyses of technologies from a variety of public sources, mostly accessible through the internet. This could be technology databases, relevant reports, news items, company homepages, scientific journals, Best Available Technology Reference Documents (BREFs) etc.

The WIPO Green Technology Book is an annual publication and was first launched at the UNFCCC COP27 in November 2022. The scope of the first edition was climate change adaptation technologies. The 2nd edition was launched at COP28 in 2023 focusing on climate change mitigation technologies. The 3rd edition currently being produced focuses on energy technology in climate change. The publication has generated significant interest publicly in terms of website visitors and download metrics. 

Japan hosts the World Expo 2025 in Osaka in 2025. In relation to this, WIPO GREEN wishes to produce a special Expo 2025 edition of the Green Technology Book on topics similar to the third edition. This special edition will primarily focus on climate change related energy challenges and solutions in the Asian region. The candidate will be working as main analyst and writer for the Expo25 edition (this TOR). The special edition will be elaborated in parallel with the 3rd edition and the technology expert will be part of the team elaborating the Green Technology Book 3rd edition.

2. Objective of the assignment

Perform analyst and writing tasks for the WIPO Green Technology Book publication, Expo 2025 edition with special focus on Asia.

Collect relevant technologies from a variety of sources, analyze them for their relevance for publication, and write in complete form for inclusion in the publication. Relevant technologies should be uploaded to the database, and the WIPO Green Technology Book section of the database should be maintained.

Perform research and analyses of technology trends in various relevant fields and write trends analyses, possibly in cooperation with third parties.

Assist in promotion of the Green Technology Book and the significance of the database as a go-to source for climate change technologies.

3. Tasks & Deliverables

All tasks and deliverables are contributing to and time-bound by the planned publication of the WIPO Green Technology Book Expo 2025 edition. In cooperation with other WIPO GREEN staff, the following tasks are expected to be performed several of which with a specific Asian focus:

a) Collect relevant technologies from a variety of sources, analyze for relevance for the publication, and write in complete form for inclusion in the publication;
b) Ensure user upload of relevant technologies to the WIPO GREEN database of needs and technologies or prepare and upload the technologies on behalf of the owner; 
c) Analyze technology trends in relevant areas based on collected technologies and other sources, possibly in cooperation with other sectors of WIPO and external partners;
d) Contribute to the overall development of the publication (ideas for content and design, technology taxonomy etc.);
e) Provide input (e.g. technology examples, case studies and success stories, visual material etc.) to support the PR activities of the publication;
f) Liaise with stakeholders in relation to the publication as relevant;
g) Contribute to the daily management and maintenance of the database;
h) Other related tasks as required.

Deliverables:

a) Relevant technologies collected and added to the database;
b) Inputs to various sections of the WIPO Green Technology Book Expo 2025 edition notably technology field description and trends sections, and technology showcases;
c) Input to the digital presence of the WIPO Green Technology Book;
d) Uploads to the WIPO Green Technology Book section of the WIPO GREEN database;
e) Other deliverables as agreed.

3. Reporting

The incumbent reports to the WIPO Green Technology and Research Manager. 

4. Profile

• Advanced university degree (minimum masters level) in a relevant field such as technology oriented studies, climate change, environment, engineering etc.;
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience, including in the Asian region;
• Experience in high-quality technical analyses and writing;
• Experience in producing academic or other technical publications;
• Extensive relevant network, especially in Asia;
• Excellent English writing skills; able to formulate complex technological information in an accessible, interesting, and competent way;
• Thorough knowledge and overview of current technology trends in relevant fields, especially in Asia;
• Thorough understanding of climate change issues, especially in relation to energy in the Asian region. 
• Good understanding of food security and environmental issues in general an advantage;
• Well organized and systematic approach to work.

When applying, please provide examples of your relevant published material.

5. Duration of contract and payment

The contract will start on June 1 to December 31, 2024, working rate can be flexible but should be no less than 80%.

he applicant shall provide an indication of their remuneration expectations in Swiss Francs (daily rate). The contract may be renewed upon satisfactory performance and availability of funds.