Program Officer

Overview

Manage and coordinate WIPO's Build Back Fund and related activities.

You have:

• A first-level university degree in law, economics, geography/politics, international relations or relevant discipline.
• At least six years of relevant professional experience, including in the field of IP technical assistance.
• Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.
• Knowledge of other UN official languages.
• Solid project management skills and understanding of project methodologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to cultivate innovation and manage change.
• Understanding of the United Nations system and organizations.

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 139,444 USD and 182,591 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

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.

1. Organizational Context

a. Organizational Setting

WIPO’s Build Back Fund was introduced as part of WIPO’s Program of Work and Budget 2024/25 to deliver targeted and impact-driven support upon request of member states, promoting the effective use of intellectual property (IP) to positively impact the lives and livelihoods of individuals, communities and societies.

The Build Back Fund ensures the continuation of projects launched under WIPO’s COVID-19 Response Package along with new projects.

b. Purpose Statement

The incumbent is responsible for developing, managing and coordinating the work related to the WIPO Build Back Fund, and developing and ensuring the organization of monitoring, reporting and briefing sessions on the implementation of the Fund.

c. Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Deputy Director General, RNDS.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a. Plan, initiate and coordinate the effective implementation by WIPO Sectors of the Build Back Fund. In coordination with relevant Sectors, ensure timely responses to requests from Member States and maintain a record of such requests and the responses provided. Analyze needs and appraise the suitability of proposed activities.

b. Promote and support cross-sectoral activities related to the Build Back Fund and related technical assistance. Advise on the implications of established policies, plans, priorities and strategic objectives of the Fund.

c. Identify and support the development of partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders to promote the effective implementation of the Build Back Fund.

d. Coordinate with the Program Performance and Budget Division to ensure effective monitoring and reporting on WIPO's implementation of the Build Back Fund and related technical assistance and the impact of this work. Ensure the reflection and integration of new modalities, policies and practices, and methods for evaluation, into technical assistance and other relevant formulation processes to improve effectiveness and the planning and delivery processes.

e. Develop and ensure the organization of regular briefing sessions for Member States in coordination with the Department for Development Cooperation and the Diplomatic Engagement and Assemblies Affairs Division.

f. Prepare briefing notes, statements, position papers and presentations related to the Build Back Fund activities.

g. Design and provide presentations to staff and externally on the work undertaken by the Build Back Fund.

h. Develop criteria and SOPs for the delivery of projects under the new Development Acceleration Fund.

i. Develop and manage WIPO's effective communication of its work in this area in consultation with News and Media Affairs Division and Information and Digital Outreach Division, including the redesign and maintenance of the Build Back Fund webpage the use of relevant regular and social media channels, and the development of content.

j. Perform other duties as required.

3. Requirements

Education (Essential)

A first-level university degree in law, economics, geography/politics, international relations or relevant discipline.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience, including in the field of IP technical assistance.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UN official languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Solid project management skills and understanding of project methodologies.

Sound political judgment and capacity to work well with a range of actors including WIPO stakeholders.

Good understanding of principles and best practices regarding communication strategies.

Ability to cultivate innovation and manage change; proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives and accountability in delivering results.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint and the internet.

Ability to work with databases and adapt quickly to new systems and software.

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.

Understanding of the United Nations system and organizations.

4. Organizational Competencies

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.

5. Information

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 January 2025 rate of 67.6%

P3

Annual salary

$64,121

Post adjustment

$43,346

Total Salary

$107,467

Currency USD

Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.

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.

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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.

Potential interview questions