JOB DESCRIPTION

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 WIPO Singapore Office (WSO).

 

The WSO is part of a network of WIPO External Offices (EOs) that add clear value, efficiency and effectiveness to the delivery of WIPO’s programs, in line with its Strategic Goals and Results Framework, in a coordinated and complimentary way with WIPO Headquarters.

 

The WSO acts as WIPO Service Center for the 10 Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprising Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.  As such, the WSO promotes the wider and more effective use of WIPO’s Global intellectual property (IP) Services, tools, knowledge and data.  The Office engages with stakeholders across ASEAN to raise awareness of and increase knowledge about the potential of IP to improve the lives of everyone, everywhere.  The WSO also promotes the more effective use of balanced IP systems as well as the development of balanced and effective IP, innovation and creativity ecosystems to support growth and development.  The Office connects with innovators, creators, small and medium-sized enterprises, universities, research institutions and communities, helping them to successfully leverage IP.  The WSO also fosters increased IP knowledge and skills among stakeholders in the ASEAN region.  In doing this, the Office works closely with the ASEAN Secretariat and other regional institutions, including supporting regional processes concerning IP, innovation and creativity, such as the ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Action Plan 2016 – 2030.

b.        Purpose Statement

In close collaboration with the Director and other WSO team members, the Program Officer contributes to the effective implementation of WSO programs and projects, ensuring strong coordination and integration with WIPO Headquarters. The Program Officer also assists in designing and delivering targeted activities and initiatives, while supporting engagement with Member State authorities and a broad range of stakeholders across the ASEAN region. Additionally, the incumbent provides both operational and programmatic support to the Director of WSO to ensure the efficient functioning of the Office and the successful execution of its work program.

 

c.    Reporting Lines

 

The incumbent works under the overall supervision of the Director of the WSO.

 

d.        Work Relations

 

The incumbent will liaise and work closely with colleagues, both in the WSO and across units at Headquarters, including the Division for Asia and the Pacific, the Division for External Offices Coordination.

 

The Program Officer will also work closely with stakeholders in ASEAN, including with representatives of the Host Government and Governments in the region.

 

 

2.     Duties and Responsibilities

 

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

 

a.  Support the monitoring and reporting of programs and projects that promote the use of intellectual property (IP) for business growth and development across the ASEAN region, ensuring activities are aligned with program objectives and contribute to measurable outcomes for innovators, creators, and relevant stakeholders.

 

b.  Assist in the design and implementation of the capacity-building activities for innovators, creators, and other stakeholders, including the creative industries, with a focus on raising awareness and building practical skills in IP management, commercialization, valuation, and the use of IP in emerging areas such as digital technologies and data.

 

c.  Research, analyze and report on the latest developments and trends on IP, innovation and creativity in the ASEAN region and provide recommendations as to how these developments and trends impact mandate implementation and identify opportunities and mobilize collaboration to extend mandate implementation.

 

d.  Create communication materials, case stories, and key messages to promote understanding of the value of IP for development and support the dissemination of these messages through digital platforms including websites and social media.

 

e.  Engage with a wide range of stakeholders across ASEAN – including government agencies, donors, private sector entities, SMEs, innovation hubs, creative industry associations, academia, women entrepreneurs, youth groups, and communities – to coordinate and scale-up projects, enhance capacity-building efforts, and ensure synergies and complementarity across programs.

 

f.   Liaise with representatives of the host country, Singapore, to ensure the smooth and effective functioning of the WSO and delivery of the joint activities under the WIPO-Singapore MOU

 

g.  Coordinate with WIPO colleagues in the Singapore Office to ensure alignment and smooth implementation of joint activities, particularly in areas related to IP business solutions and dispute resolution services.

 

h.  Represent WIPO at regional and national meetings and participate in missions and briefings to identify opportunities and mobilize collaboration for further mandate implementation.

 

i.   Perform other related duties as required.

3.     Requirements

 

Education (Essential)

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

 

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience in IP management and commercialization.

 

Experience in providing advisory services and in collaborating with private-sector entities, SMEs, women, young people, and/or other communities, including national or regional institutions, in the ASEAN region.

 

Experience in project and activity design and management.

 

Experience in the production of communications materials and in the use of social media.

 

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

 

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UN languages preferably of languages spoken in the ASEAN region (i.e., Malay, Khmer, Indonesian, Lao, Burmese, Filipino, English, Thai, Vietnamese).

 

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Sound political judgement, discretion and integrity.

 

Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision and to take initiative while respecting Organizational regulations and rules.

 

Ability to coordinate full project/program lifecycles, including administration of budget and financial resources.

 

Strong understanding of the regional landscape related to intellectual property, innovation, and creative industries.

 

Excellent diplomatic, representation and communication skills, including in an international context, and an ability to deliver messages effectively to diverse audiences.

 

Tact and discretion.

 

Excellent drafting skills.

 

Excellent coordination skills.

 

Ability to leverage traditional and digital communication platforms, including social media, to promote IP knowledge, visibility, and stakeholder engagement.

 

Excellent 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 new and emerging opportunities, trends, and risk management in key fields such as business and/or marketing, digital technology, innovation, creativity.

 

 

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.

 

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 2025 rate of 65.5%

 

P3

 

Annual salary

$60,962

 

Post adjustment

$39,930

 

Total Salary

$100,892

 

Currency USD

 

 

 

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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements