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.

This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.

a.    Organizational Setting

The post is located in the Office of the Deputy Director General, Brands and Designs Sector (BDS).  The Brands and Designs Sector has responsibility for international law development in the framework of the WIPO Standing Committee on the Law of Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications (SCT).  The Sector is also responsible for the administration of the international registration systems of trademarks (Madrid Agreement and Protocol), industry designs (Hague Agreement) and appellations of origin (Lisbon Agreement).  The Deputy Director General of BDS is also responsible for the WIPO Office in China (WOC) and the China Funds-in-Trust (FIT/CN).

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent provides support to the Deputy Director General, Brands and Designs Sector in engagements and communications with internal and external stakeholders by actively contributing to stakeholder relationship development, formulation and implementation of programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the international registration systems in key major markets, particularly China.

c.     Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director General.

d.    Work Relations

The incumbent works in close coordination with the various Registries, Departments and Divisions of Organization, as well as with the WIPO Office in China, to ensure coordinated delivery of the work of the Sector.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Support the Deputy Director General in engaging with Member States, particularly China, and contribute to the formulation and implementation of programs and activities that promote the use of intellectual property and WIPO services. In consultation with the relevant BDS Registries, Departments and the WIPO Office in China, participate in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the work of the Sector activities, including initiatives aimed at promoting WIPO’s global IP services and policy priorities in China.

b.   Develop and coordinate institutional relationships with Chinese authorities, institutions, industry associations, and regional or sub-regional organizations in the field of trademarks, industrial designs and geographic indications to improve communication on policy matters, to promote cooperation in various areas of IP, and contribute to strengthening WIPO’s engagement and visibility in China.

c.   Contribute to the preparation of a broad range of information and promotion materials based on the relevant policy framework and guidance aimed at internal and external audiences at all levels. This includes senior-level briefing materials, executive briefing notes, presentations and speaking points/notes and correspondence to support the Deputy Director General’s engagement with Chinese counterparts and other stakeholders.

d.   Provide logistical, and substantive support to facilitate the Deputy Director General's diplomatic engagement with China, maintaining stakeholder contacts and supporting follow-up actions with internal and external partners.

e.   Participate in international, regional, and national events as part of WIPO's delegation as requested by the Deputy Director General and contribute to the Sector's outreach activities to support the promotion of WIPO's work and engagement with stakeholders, particularly China.

f.    Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, economics, social sciences, business management, international relations or another discipline.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience at the national and international level, including in the areas of international diplomacy and outreach.

Experience with cooperation programs and policy development at the national level in China.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in working with senior management or in a front office environment, dealing with a range of governmental and non-governmental organizations and the business community.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Chinese.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Agility and motivation to work in a fast-paced role, with a proven ability to master new subjects rapidly across a diverse range of subjects.

Excellent research and data analytical skills, and the ability to support effective governance and program implementation.  

Sound political judgment and ability to anticipate potential sensitivities.

Discretion and integrity.

Excellent organizational skills, including attention to detail; with the ability to work within strict time constraints and to meet deadlines.

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

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.

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 July 2026 rate of 84.7%

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

Additional Information

* Initial fixed-term appointment of two years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and other applicable conditions.  The selected candidate’s appointment will be subject to an overall term of five years in this position, with normally no possibility of renewal beyond that term.  S/he may, however, apply and be considered for other positions at WIPO.

This is not applicable to WIPO staff members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointments, who were recruited following a competition under Staff Regulation 4.10 (“Appointment Boards”).

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.