Program Officer

Program Officer-26059-TAIP for Business Division (IPBD), IP and Innovation Ecosystems SectorGrade-P3Contract Duration-1 year

Duty Station

:CH-Geneva

Publication Date

:25-Feb-2026

Application Deadline

:26-Mar-2026, 6:59:00 PM

The deadline for applications has been extended until March 26, 2026.

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

The post is located in the IP for Business Division (IPBD), in the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector. The IPBD acts as the central reference point within WIPO for SME-related IP issues, IP Management, IP commercialization by businesses and the use of IP as a key business enabler. The Division empowers enterprises to maximize their potential through intellectual property, including by delivering business-oriented content and targeted tools that help businesses develop and implement IP management strategies. The Division works with SMEs support institutions and other intermediaries and supports the strengthening of innovation ecosystems.

b.Purpose Statement

The incumbent is providing expert support to the work of the IP for Business Division in the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that assist businesses exploit the IP system in their business strategies; responsible for promoting the IP for Business Division tools and materials through partnerships with key regional and national institutions and stakeholders.

c.Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the IP for Business Division.

d.Work Relations

The incumbent will regularly work across the Division and Sector, as well as with a broad range of WIPO colleagues in other Sectors. The incumbent will also work extensively with external partners as required, including National IP Offices, support institutions, innovation agencies, incubators, accelerators, trade organizations and other third parties with whom the division collaborates in the course of deploying its programs and services.

2.Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.Ensure the implementation of business-friendly tools and materials for using the IP system to support business competitiveness developed and designed in collaboration with the division.

b.Manage the delivery of projects and training programs that help businesses build IP strategies and develop and implement monitoring and evaluation mechanisms including carrying out an assessment of identified needs and an analysis of gaps and challenges.

c.Contribute to the development of initiatives and programs on IP Management, IP Commercialization by businesses and the integration of intellectual property considerations into businesses strategies.

d.Contribute to the design, development and implementation of advanced IP management and IP commercialization tools and materials for businesses.

e.Contribute to the creation of guides, studies, reports, and training materials on various aspects of Intellectual Property (IP) for businesses, with a focus on IP-intensive sectors and relevant topics.

f.Promote the IP for Business Division’s tools, materials and accession to WIPO administrated treaties to contribute to the growing use of WIPO Global IP Services through partnerships with key regional and national institutions and stakeholders.

g.Participate in the organization of events for showcasing the programs and services of the Division, to engage with businesses, startups and business intermediary organizations and for facilitating policy discussions on mechanisms to support businesses in making better use of the intellectual property system.

h.Engage with Member States, regional and international organizations and relevant national institutions and appropriate internal organizational units so as to facilitate the implementation of programs of assistance, exchange information and promote the services of the Division.

i.Support the Organization’s engagement with SMEs by providing information to the relevant internal stakeholders.

j.Perform other related duties as required.

3.Requirements

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, economics, business management, accounting or finance.

Completed studies or courses related to Intellectual Property.

Education (Desirable)

Second university degree in a field related to Intellectual Property.

Master’s degree in Innovation or IP management or strategy.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of experience in the area of intellectual property management including supporting the development and implementation of intellectual property strategies.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in working directly with businesses - particularly startups, SMEs, or innovation-driven projects.

Exposure to governmental or UN organizations, preferably in managing large-scale collaborative projects involving multiple stakeholders.

Experience in an area related to IP Management and Strategy such as: IP due diligence, licensing agreements, brand management, IP audits, IP transactions or IP litigation.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official United Nations languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Good knowledge of various fields of IP including their practical application in a business setting.

Good knowledge of the business needs and dealings of key stakeholders on IP such as national and regional IP offices, supporting institutions, policy makers, developments banks, universities and industry associations, particularly those that support SMEs.

Ability to represent the Organization towards a wide range of stakeholders of different level and to provide information and guidance.

Excellent analytical and organizational skills.

Good project management skills.

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

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

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of assisting businesses build IP strategies.

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 February 2026 rate of 93.8%

P3

Annual salary

$64,121

Post adjustment

$60,145

Total Salary

$124,266

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 thelist of unrepresented Member States and thelist 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 WIPOat 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.