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.

a.    Organizational Setting

The post is located in the Madrid Operations Division of the Madrid Registry, Brands and Design Sector.  The Madrid System, the second largest global IP system at WIPO bringing in 18% of WIPO's fee-paying income, offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for registering and managing trademarks worldwide. 

The Madrid Operations Division is responsible for receiving, processing and translating international trademark applications and associated requests, and for publishing and notifying data concerning those processes to the Offices of the Madrid Union, to applicants and holders of international registrations.  In addition, the Division is responsible for providing guidance and support to applicants and holders on how best to navigate the Madrid System.

b.    Purpose Statement

The Director of the Madrid Operations Division provides leadership in planning and managing the Division during a period of major transformational change of the Madrid System.  The incumbent plays a pivotal role in driving the digital transformation of the Division, introducing and implementing advanced policies, tools, and workflows - including AI-powered and data-driven operations - to ensure that the Madrid System remains simple, efficient, flexible, user-friendly, and cost-effective.  By strategically enhancing the Division's operational capabilities, the Director contributes to WIPO's revenue growth through increased customer satisfaction and broader utilization of the Madrid System.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to the Senior Director of the Madrid Registry.

d.    Work Relations

The incumbent works with a wide variety of internal WIPO stakeholders including in the areas of IT, Marketing and Customer Support.  The incumbent also works closely with external stakeholders including member states, the private sector, and a variety of external organizations.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Lead strategic and change management initiatives to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the Madrid Operations Division, with a particular focus on digital transformation and the integration of AI in examination and operational processes.

b.   Promote the increased use of the Madrid System to support WIPO's financial sustainability by delivering state-of-the-art customer service and fostering broader recognition, acceptance, and effective utilization of the System among current and potential users.  Oversee the enhancement of customer service for Madrid users, including the effective deployment of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.

c.   Build, establish and maintain active and strategic partnerships with IP Offices and engage with key internal and external stakeholders, including Member States, to improve the operational functioning of the Madrid System.  Develop and maintain contact with national and regional offices of Madrid System members to obtain feedback on services, provide new ideas, concepts and advice on operational improvements, and strengthen the foundation for WIPO as a trusted partner.

d.   Determine priorities, allocate resources for the timely and quality delivery of work products per results-based management principles, ensuring that key risks are identified, assessed and managed for the achievement of agreed KPIs, ensuring that program objectives are met.

e.   Lead, motivate, and develop a large, diverse team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, digital literacy, and innovation.  Upskill the Division's teams to increase the value proposition of the Division's services through best quality of examination of all transaction types, communication expertise, proficiency in IT tools, research and analysis, process design, and documentation.

f.    Advise the Senior Director on innovative and strategic operational improvements and represent WIPO at international meetings and conferences, providing authoritative advice on all matters related to the Madrid System and advocating WIPO's position.

g.   Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in engineering, law, business or public administration or other relevant fields.  A first-level university degree plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the experience requested below may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience (Essential)

At least 15 years' relevant professional experience, including international experience in leading positions in the field of protection of intellectual property rights.

Demonstrated experience leading digital transformation initiatives, including the integration of IT and data-driven solutions to improve operational efficiency, customer experience, and service delivery.

Track record of managing complex operational environments, optimizing processes, and ensuring delivery of high-quality services in dynamic, technology-driven contexts.

Experience managing large, diverse, and interdisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement. 

Experience engaging with high-level stakeholders.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Proven ability to develop and implement strategies that drive customer satisfaction preferably within the context of global IP services or similar sectors.

Strong leadership, people, and resource management skills, with the ability to effectively manage and direct diverse teams.

Strong management skills to ensure thorough and smooth implementation of changes and realization of lasting benefits.

Excellent skills in driving business simplification, automation, and efficiency through digital transformation.

Ability to exercise sound and expert judgment and initiative.

Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Demonstrates strong digital literacy and a commitment to continuous learning by actively adopting and promoting emerging technologies and digital solutions to enhance efficiency, innovation, and informed decision-making.

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.

Mobility:  WIPO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director General and may be assigned to any activities, office or duty station of the Organization.  Accordingly, the selected candidate may be required to move from time to time to new functions and/or to another duty station.

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.  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 December 2025 rate of 91.1%

Please refer to WIPO’s Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.

Additional Information

* Initial period of two years, renewable, subject to satisfactory performance.  No fixed-term appointment or any extension hereof shall carry with it any expectancy of, nor imply any right to, (further) extensions or conversion to a permanent appointment.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions in accordance with Staff Rule 4.9.5.

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.

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.