Associate Program Officer TA

Division for Transition and Developed Countries (TDC), Department for Development Cooperation, Regional and National Development Sector

Contract Duration - 1 year

Duty Station: CH-Geneva

Final date to receive applications: 20-Jul-2026, 11:59:00 PM CET

Organizational Setting

The post is located in the Division for Transition and Developed Countries (TDC), Department for Development Cooperation (DDC), Regional and National Development Sector. The Division provides advisory services, capacity building and technical assistance in support of the development and effective use of intellectual property systems in countries under its responsibility, including countries in Central Europe and the Baltic States, the Mediterranean region, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Eastern Europe and developed countries.

The Division also facilitates access to and use of WIPO services, tools and programs by relevant public and private sector stakeholders.

Purpose Statement

The Associate Program Officer assists the Director in the planning, coordination and administration of the Division’s work and contributes to the design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of cooperation programs and projects in countries under the responsibility of the Division. The incumbent also supports activities aimed at strengthening national intellectual property ecosystems and promoting the effective use of intellectual property.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of TDC.

• Assist the Director in the planning, coordination and monitoring of the Division’s work program, including the preparation and follow-up of work plans, budget, performance indicators and related reporting requirements.
• Coordinate and support the preparation of the Division’s inputs to the biennial WIPO Program and Budget, program performance reports, strategic plans, internal reporting requirements and other planning and evaluation processes.
• Support the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of capacity building programs, technical assistance activities and development cooperation projects implemented by the Division.
• Participate in meetings and activities organized or co-organized by WIPO, ensure appropriate follow-up actions and contribute to the coordination of Member states participation in division activities.
• Provide administrative and technical support for tailor‑made specific projects aimed at developing and modernizing national IP systems for the economic, cultural, and social benefit of the countries concerned.
• Contribute to the development and establishment of cooperation and partnerships with Member states and external partners including academia, private sector, and non‑governmental organizations.
• Monitor and analyze intellectual property, innovation and policy developments in countries under the responsibility of the Division; prepare analytical materials reports, presentations and briefing documents.
• Support regular coordination and information‑sharing within the division and with other WIPO sectors, including the consolidation and dissemination of information on relevant initiatives, activities and WIPO’s committee work.
• Perform other related duties, as required.

• First‑level university degree in law, economics, international relations, social sciences or another relevant field.

• At least three years professional experience including in the field of IP in a national and/or international context.
• Experience in international cooperation, technical assistance, capacity building or stakeholder engagement involving public institutions, academia, the private sector or innovation support organizations.
• Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.
• Knowledge of other languages from TDC countries.

• Knowledge of project management methodologies.
• Knowledge of intellectual property systems and their relevance to innovation, creativity, economic development and international cooperation.
• Knowledge of the legal, institutional, and cultural environment in transition and developed countries.
• Sound judgment: ability to…