Title of Assignment: Consultant (Legal Expert)

Name of unit/sector: Administrative Law Section in the Office of the Legal Counsel

Place of Assignment: WIPO Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland

Expected places of travel (if applicable): None

Expected duration of assignment: February 2 to July 31, 2026 (approximately six months), with a possibility of extension

1. Objective of the assignment

Under the immediate supervision of the Head of the Administrative Law Section and the overall supervision of the Deputy Legal Counsel, the Expert will advise and act on legal aspects of human resources matters, and on cases arising in the Organization’s administration of justice system.

2. Deliverables/services

a) Prepare draft submissions before the WIPO Appeal Board and the ILO Administrative Tribunal, on behalf of the Director General and the Organization, respectively;
b) Draft decisions and other communications in relation to legal challenges filed by staff concerning their terms of appointment and performance appraisals, workplace-related grievances, as well as disciplinary matters;
c) Provide legal advice to diverse internal stakeholders on issues related to WIPO’s human resources legal framework (Staff Regulations and Rules, HR Manual, Office Instructions or other administrative issuances), as well as on potentially litigious cases;
d) Review drafts and/or assist the Human Resources Management Department in the preparation or updating of human resources policies;
e) Perform other related duties as requested.

3. Reporting

The Expert will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Administrative Law Section and the general supervision of the Deputy Legal Counsel, Office of the Legal Counsel.

4. Profile

Education:
University degree in law, preferably with a specialization in international administrative law.

Experience (essential): 
At least nine years of professional experience (or at least seven years with an advanced university degree in law) in a legal department of an international organization, a court or tribunal, and/or a law firm.

At least four years of experience in litigation gained at the domestic or international level.

Experience providing legal and policy advice.

Experience (desirable): 
Experience in the application and interpretation of the staff regulations and rules of intergovernmental organizations or of comparable administrative legislation will be considered as an advantage.

Knowledge (essential): 
Confident user of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint and the Internet. 

Knowledge (desirable):
Knowledge of case law, practices and procedures applicable to UN common system organizations.

Skills (essential): 
Communication and legal drafting skills, including the ability to argue clearly and logically, and formulate legal opinions on complex questions, in written and oral form.

Present well-structured (legal) arguments, using clear and concise language.

Analytical skills, including the ability to properly assess and characterize facts, correctly identifying, applying and interpreting the relevant legal framework and case law.

Ability to conduct comprehensive legal research independently.

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work under pressure and to respect deadlines.

Interpersonal skills with the ability to work well in a multicultural team.

Languages:  
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and good knowledge of French.

Competencies:
1. Communicating effectively.
2. Showing team spirit.
3. Producing results.
4. Showing service orientation.
5. Demonstrating integrity.

5. Duration of contract and payment 
From February 2 to July 31, 2026 based on an activity rate of 100%. There may be a possibility of extension, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory performance and operational needs.

Applicants are requested to provide an indication of their remuneration expectations of a daily rate in either Swiss francs, Euros, British Pounds, or USD.

Payment will be made on a monthly basis, upon submission of satisfactory progress reports and approval by the supervisor.

6. Additional information
ICS contractors fall outside the coverage of employment contracts for WIPO Staff members and are not subject to the WIPO Staff Regulations and Rules. The contractor has no entitlement to vacation or sick leave, except for WIPO official holidays, or to medical insurance or staff pension. Absences from work will be deducted from the contractor’s payment on a pro-rated basis.