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 position is located in the Patent and Technology Law Division (PTLD) within WIPO’s Patents and Technology Sector. The Division supports the balanced evolution of the international patent framework, administers certain patent-related treaties, and assists Member States with legislative, policy and normative advice in patent related fields, including trade secrets. PTLD also coordinates WIPO’s work on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs).
b. Purpose Statement
The position supports the implementation and coordination of WIPO’s initiatives on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) by conducting legal research, managing projects and contributing to policy and analytical outputs. The role assists in translating the WIPO Strategy on SEPs into practical activities and deliverables, as well as devising its continuation, in close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. It also contributes to SEP related discussions in international fora, including the SCP, and supports divisional work in other areas of patent law and related IP fields as required.
c. Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of PTLD. Occasionally, in agreement with the Director, specific tasks can be assigned by the Head of PTLS or the Head of LPAS, and in these cases, the deliverables are first reviewed by the respective Head.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
a. Implementation and Coordination of SEP Initiatives
Support the implementation of WIPO’s initiatives on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) in line with the WIPO SEP Strategy and subsequent activities, serving as a focal point within PTLD and managing assigned projects where the Division is the lead.
b. Research, Analysis and Documentation
Conduct legal and policy research on SEP-related issues, including management, licensing, enforcement and relevant case law, and draft strategic, substantive and informational documents to support WIPO’s SEP-related work and discussions.
c. Strategic Support and Planning
Contribute to the planning and development of future SEP-related activities by identifying emerging issues, supporting internal strategic discussions and assisting in the design of the next phase of WIPO’s SEP initiatives.
d. Internal and External Coordination
Coordinate SEP-related activities with other WIPO Divisions and contribute to maintaining and updating SEP-related information, including content on the WIPO website and the WIPO Lex Case Law Collection.
e. Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach
Liaise with Member States and relevant stakeholders, including industry representatives, academic institutions and Standard Developing Organizations, and support the organization of thematic events, panels and capacity-building activities relating to SEPs.
f. Participation in International Fora
Contribute to SEP-related work in international meetings and fora, including the Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP), by drafting meeting documents, preparing presentations and participating as a speaker or moderator, as appropriate.
g. Support to Divisional Work
Assist PTLD Sections, as required and based on business needs, in research and capacity-building activities in other areas of patent law and related fields of intellectual property, including trade secrets.
h. Perform other related tasks.
Education (Essential)
First-level university degree in law. A first-level university degree in another field in combination with an advanced university degree in law may also be accepted.
Education (Desirable)
Advanced university degree in law, with a specialization in intellectual property law.
Specialization in technology law.
Experience (Essential)
At least six years of relevant professional experience, including experience in patent law. Patent law experience may either be in policy design and law making, or in drafting, prosecution, licensing or litigation of patents.
Proven experience of at least two years with Standard Essential Patents, either from a policy perspective or from a transactional or litigation angle.
Experience (Desirable)
Relevant professional experience at the international level and/or in the private sector.
Experience in patent, innovation and/or standardization policy.
Experience in competition law.
Proven track record in managing projects.
Language (Essential)
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
Language (Desirable)
Good knowledge of French and knowledge of other UN official languages.
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Good understanding of legal and policy issues of patent law and the respective international treaties.
Ability to draft complex legal texts.
Ability to conduct comprehensive legal research independently and present results in a clear and logical form.
Ability to communicate complex legal subject-matter to a diverse audience.
Excellent time management and organizational skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Proficiency in digital tools, AI-enabled applications, and online collaboration platforms. Commitment to continuous learning and the adoption of emerging technologies.
Ability to foster and maintain a customer-focused culture.
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.
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 April 2026 rate of 89.4%
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. No fixed-term appointment or any extension hereof shall carry with it any expectancy of, nor imply any right to, (further) extensions or conversion to a permanent appointment.
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.
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 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.
