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.

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

1. Organizational Context

a. Organizational Setting

The post is located in the Division for Africa (DA) in the Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector at WIPO. The Sector provides a diplomatic, political and operational gateway for all Member States (MSs) of the Organization; facilitating two-way communication and cooperation across WIPO; supporting MSs in the development and implementation of policy in the context of effective IP ecosystems; and strengthening the capacity of MSs and stakeholders in the use of IP as a tool for growth and development.

The Division provides and manages the Organization's policy documents and, advisory services, capacity building and technical assistance programs to African Countries at the national, regional, sub-regional and inter-regional levels, in coordination with other Sectors of the Organization.

b. Purpose Statement

The incumbent is responsible for providing technical guidance and support for the development and implementation of project-based initiatives specifically for African countries, Regional Intellectual Property organizations and other relevant stakeholders in the African region as assigned. She or he is expected to meet the expected results and agreed performance indicators at the Division, Department and Sector levels, using a results-based country-specific technical assistance management framework which is aligned to the Organization's biennial and annual work plans and designed to empower the region’s stakeholders to use intellectual property (IP) for development.

c. Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the Division for Africa.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a. Provide support on the budgetary and procurement aspects of project initiation, implementation and closure including by preparing budget proposals, funding requests and project progress reports.

b. Act as a liaison between the Division and other colleagues and assist in coordinating ad hoc projects and initiatives of the Division, identify challenges and provide suggestions for improvement and change to related projects as appropriate.

c. Oversee and contribute to the preparation of briefing material for diplomatic and other engagements with stakeholders, including Member States, ensure logistical arrangements visits are well organized and propose.

d. Undertake necessary preparations for and participate in missions and meetings as required.

e. Support the production of data and information collection and the preparation of DA’s managerial reports including program and budget proposals, program performance reports, and the annual budget and work plan.

f. Monitor the Division’s workplan and budget on a regular basis and suggest improvements to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of delivery.

g. Perform other related duties as required.

3. Requirements

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, economics, international relations, development studies or a related field.

Experience (Essential)

At least three years’ relevant professional experience in program planning, project development and implementation, monitoring and reporting.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in work planning and supporting IP development cooperation activities.

Experience in the field of intellectual property.

Experience working in an international organization and/or in an Executive Office.

Language (Essential)

Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Excellent organizational and coordination skills.

Detail oriented with the ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure.

Good knowledge and experience with program monitoring and reporting.

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

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

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

Discretion and integrity.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of the UN system and its procedures, particularly with respect to the coordination and planning.

Knowledge of the legal and economic systems in Africa.

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

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 March 2025 rate of 73.6%

P2

Annual salary

$50,377

Post adjustment

$37,077

Total Salary

$87,454

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

* 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: 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.