WIPO JPO - Associate Program Officer

Job Title: WIPO JPO - Associate Program Officer (National IP Strategies)

Organization: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

Job Identification: 12122

Location: Geneve, Switzerland

Apply Before: 09/08/2023, 05:59 PM

Degree Level: First Terminal University Level Qualification 3/4 years

Job Schedule: Full time

Grade: P2

Vacancy Type: Fixed Term

Practice Area: Management

Contract Duration: 1 Year with Possibility for extension

Education & Work Experience: Bachelor's Degree - 3 year(s) experience

Other Criteria: This position is open only to nationals of the Republic of Korea

Required Languages: English and Korean

Desired Languages: Knowledge of any other UN official language

Vacancy Timeline: 6 Weeks

Mobility required/no mobility: no mobility required

Job Category: Management

Job Description

Important: Under the JPO programme framework, the following position is open only to nationals of the Republic of Korea. For detailed information on the JPO Programme and recruitment criteria, please visit https://www.undp.org/jposc

The  Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme is intended to provide on-the-job training for young professionals who wish to obtain practical experience in development assistance.  It gives them an opportunity to acquire professional knowledge in population projects in a developing country. For more information, please visit: https://www.undp.org/jposc

Organizational Setting

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the global forum for intellectual property policy, services, information and cooperation. The post is located in the Office of the Assistant Director General, IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector (IES).  Coordinating with other vertical and horizontal WIPO sectors, IES is responsible for helping Member States develop their IP and Innovation ecosystems to drive enterprise and economic growth. This Sector is responsible for working with key partners and intermediaries in the innovation ecosystems to provide support to researchers, innovators and enterprises, including SMEs.  Other key focus areas include IP commercialization for business growth, emergence of IP as an asset class, development of expertise on national IP strategies and related policies, economic analysis on IP and innovation and creativity, strengthening ADR and the services provided by the Arbitration and Mediation Center, and providing technical assistance to the judiciary, as well as services related to the legal databases.

Purpose Statement

The main role of the incumbent is to contribute to the project management, coordination and advisory expertise and supporting tools and methodologies and research to assist Member States to develop and implement national IP strategies in the broader context of the country's national innovation and economic development goals.

Learning and Training

• Use of yearly JPO duty-related travel and training allocation (DTTA), as per the online DTTA guide 
• Orientation Programme and other training and learning opportunities provided by WIPO

Reporting Lines

The incumbent works in the small team of the National IP Strategies team, under the supervision of the Senior Counsellor (National IP Strategies) and the Program Officer (National IP Strategies), and under the direction of the Senior Policy Advisor, IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector. 

Work Relations

The incumbent interacts with colleagues within the Sector, with those in substantive Sectors, and with those in the Regional and National Development Sector (RNDS). Colleagues in RNDS are the key interlocutors with Member States throughout the process of engaging and developing national IP strategies. 

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

1. Assist the Senior Counsellor and Program Officer by contributing to the research and preparation of documents and analysis of best practices and policy trends relating to national IP Strategies and  innovation policies worldwide. 
2. Participate in specific projects relating to the coordination of WIPO input into the process of the development of national IP strategies. 
3. Contribute to develop project schedules and consultations plans; gather and edit comments; and verify accuracy of information. 
4. Assist in the preparation of quarterly status reports on the implementation of national IP Strategies.
5. Assist in developing internal documents and external tools for Member-States such as guides and checklists, as well as developing and maintaining a repository of knowledge and best practices. 
6. Assist in maintaining a database of national IP Strategies and related information such as a repository of outside experts; and respond to and coordinate requests for information. Maintain and update information on the website as needed. 
7. Analyze data, produce reports, and propose adjustments to the methodology, indicators and processes as required. 
8. Provide logistical support with regards to the coordination of meetings and contacts with relevant internal and external stakeholders as directed. 
9. Perform other related duties and projects, as required. 

Organizational Competencies

• Communicating effectively.
• Showing team spirit.
• Demonstrating integrity.
• Valuing diversity.
• Producing results.
• Showing service orientation.
• Seeing the big picture.
• Seeking change and innovation.
• Developing yourself and others.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

• Excellent research and data analytical skills, to support the development of strategies and project implementation.
• Excellent organizational skills, including attention to detail; with the ability to work within strict time constraints and to meet deadlines. 
• Excellent communications skills and interpersonal skills, and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. 
• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications, (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the internet. 
• Sound knowledge of project management methodologies.

Education (required)

• Bachelors' Degree or equivalent in law, economics, social sciences, business management, international relations or another relevant discipline.

Experience (required)

• At least 3 years of relevant and paid professional experience in the field of innovation and intellectual property.

Experience (Desirable)

• Experience in contributing to the development of  policies, studies and analysis in the field of innovation and intellectual property. 
• Experience in project management tools and methodologies.
• Experience in data analysis tools and methodologies.

Languages (required): Fluency in Korean and English. Applicants should submit a certificate to prove a minimum of (1) TOEFL iBT 100 or (2) TEPS 430 or (3) IELTS 7 or (4) TOEIC 900 * Note: TOEFL ‘MyBest Scores’ are not accepted, and test scores are valid for 2 years after the test date.

Age Requirement (required): Not older than 32 years of age as of 31 December, 2023 (born after 1 January, 1991). The maximum age limit for those who served in the military will be extended accordingly: 

1. One year will be extended for those who served for less than one year;
2. Two years will be extended for those who served for more than one year and less than two years; 
3. Three years will be extended for those who served for two years or more. 

Military service: Male applicants shall have completed the Korean military service or be exempted from it. Those who will be discharged from military service in the year of the application may also apply.

 Attachments needed (please note that once the application is submitted in the system, you cannot go back to upload documents or edit information)

• A brief motivation letter in English that explains why you're the perfect candidate for the position by using examples of your interests and achievements 
• A scanned copy of applicant’s Resident Register in English 
• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your University degree
• Copy of English proficiency test certificate. Please check the minimum requirements/scores above.
• Only for male applicants who have completed the national military service: A certificate of Korean Military Service in English: The maximum age limit for those who served in the military will be extended in accordance with the Support for Discharged Soldiers Act and the Military Service Law. 
• Only for low-income applicants: A scanned copy of a certificate of National Basic Livelihood Security Recipients issued in Korean and its unofficial translation in English.
• Only for persons with disability: A scanned copy of a certificate of person with disability issued in Korean and English.

Applicants can apply for a maximum of two JPO positions sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea during the year of application

For general information on the JPO Programme of the Republic of Korea, please visit the website of the International Organizations Recruitment Center, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea: https://UNrecruit.mofa.go.kr 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) 

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

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