Associate Program Officer

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 Division for Transition and Developed Countries (TDC), Department for Development Cooperation (DDC), Regional and National Development Sector. The Division provides advisory services, capacity building and technical assistance in support of the development and effective use of intellectual property systems in countries under its responsibility, including countries in Central Europe and the Baltic States, the Mediterranean region, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Eastern Europe and developed countries. The Division also facilitates access to and use of WIPO services, tools and programs by relevant public and private sector stakeholders.

b.    Purpose Statement

The Associate Program Officer assists the Director in the planning, coordination and administration of the Division’s work and contributes to the design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of cooperation programs and projects in countries under the responsibility of the Division. The incumbent also supports activities aimed at strengthening national intellectual property ecosystems and promoting the effective use of intellectual property.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of TDC.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Assist the Director in the planning, coordination and monitoring of the Division’s work program, including the preparation and follow-up of work plans, budget, performance indicators and related reporting requirements.

b.   Coordinate and support the preparation of the Division’s inputs to the biennial WIPO Program and Budget, program performance reports, strategic plans, internal reporting requirements and other planning and evaluation processes.

c.   Support the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of capacity building programs, technical assistance activities and development cooperation projects implemented by the Division.

d.   Participate in meetings and activities organized or co-organized by WIPO, ensure appropriate follow-up actions and contribute to the coordination of Member states participation in division activities.

e.   Provide administrative and technical support for tailor-made specific projects aimed at developing and modernizing national IP systems for the economic, cultural, and social benefit of the countries concerned.

f.    Contribute to the development and establishment of cooperation and partnerships with Member states and external partners including academia, private sector, and non-governmental organizations.

g.   Monitor and analyze intellectual property, innovation and policy developments in countries under the responsibility of the Division; prepare analytical materials reports, presentations and briefing documents.

h.   Support regular coordination and information-sharing within the division and with other WIPO sectors, including the consolidation and dissemination of information on relevant initiatives, activities and WIPO’s committee work.

i.    Perform other related duties, as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, economics, international relations, social sciences or another relevant field.

Experience (Essential)

At least three years professional experience including in the field of IP in a national and/or international context.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in international cooperation, technical assistance, capacity building or stakeholder engagement involving public institutions, academia, the private sector or innovation support organizations.

Language (Essential)

Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other languages from TDC countries.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Knowledge of project management methodologies.

Knowledge of intellectual property systems and their relevance to innovation, creativity, economic development and international cooperation.

Knowledge of the legal, institutional, and cultural environment in transition and developed countries.

Sound judgment: ability to quickly assess complex and fast-moving situations and developments.

Excellent organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast-moving environment.

Excellent drafting and analytical skills, including the ability to prepare briefing notes, reports, official correspondence, presentations and other documentation in a clear and concise manner.

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

Proficiency in digital tools, AI-enabled applications, and online collaboration platforms. Commitment to continuous learning and the adoption of emerging technologies.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of the business and administrative procedures of national IP institutions.

Familiarity with WIPO services, tools and programs, or with the work of an international organization in the field of intellectual property, innovation or development cooperation.

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.

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 June 2026 rate of 86.8%.

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.

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.