PCT Legal and User Support Section, PCT Legal and User Relations Division, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, Patents and Technology Sector
The deadline for applications has been extended until June 15, 2026.
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 post is in the PCT Legal and User Support Section, PCT Legal and User Relations Division, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, Patents and Technology Sector. The PCT Legal and User Support Section provides legal advice on PCT matters to users of the PCT system (in particular applicants, their agents and the PCT Contracting States), implements changes to the PCT Regulations and other changes within the PCT system and reaches out to PCT users and potential PCT users through various training activities.
b. Purpose Statement
The main role of the incumbent is to provide information, advice, and assistance to PCT applicants and agents, PCT Contracting States, industrial property Offices and PCT Authorities, on the implementation of the PCT. The incumbent monitors and analyzes statistics on cases received by the Section for resolution to make informed decisions and propose improvements. The incumbent also engages in outreach and promotional activities to raise awareness and understanding of the PCT system.
c. Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Deputy Director and Head of the Section.
d. Work Relations
The incumbent liaises regularly with colleagues from PCT Operations, and responds to communications from PCT users and PCT Authorities.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
a. Provide information, advice and assistance to PCT applicants and agents, PCT Contracting States, industrial property Offices and PCT Authorities, on the implementation of the PCT.
b. Provide information, advice and assistance to PCT Operations and other parts of WIPO on PCT matters.
c. Draft and provide input to legal work connected with improvements of the PCT System, including, in particular, the preparation and implementation of amendments to the Regulations, and modifications to the Administrative Instructions and the Guidelines under the PCT.
d. Promote the increased use of the PCT among companies by analyzing market studies and identifying growth opportunities; evaluating industry-specific trends, assessing companies’ innovation portfolios, and providing tailored legal and strategic guidance to encourage the increased use of the PCT in close cooperation with the PCT Marketing Specialist.
e. Design and develop training courses, seminars and information meetings, for users and potential users of the PCT, including internal training for WIPO staff members; conduct outreach to key stakeholders and collaborate with internal teams to align legal recommendations with marketing strategies. Prepare and update educational material on the PCT.
f. Foster a culture of providing high quality customer-focused services by identifying varying customer needs, recommending best practices which can improve customer interactions and, proactively addressing potential issues before they impact the customer experience.
g. Engage in data analytics initiatives by monitoring and analyzing user feedback, service metrics, and procedural data to inform decision-making, improve service delivery, and identify trends in legal and procedural issues and propose improvements and best practice.
h. Perform other related duties as required.
Education (Essential)
A first-level university degree in law is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in engineering, science and information technology may be accepted if accompanied by a valid certification as a patent agent (e.g., registration with a recognized national or regional patent office).
Education (Desirable)
Specialization in patent law.
Experience (Essential)
At least six years of relevant professional experience, including experience in the field of patents, either in the public or private sector.
Experience with the PCT.
Experience (Desirable)
Experience with using the PCT system and applying the PCT legal framework, for example, in a national or regional patent office, an intergovernmental organization or the private sector on PCT matters.
Experience in a legal or paralegal role.
Experience in data analysis.
Experience in conducting outreach activities.
Language (Essential)
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
Language (Desirable)
Good knowledge of other PCT publication languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish).
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Good knowledge of the PCT.
Ability to analyze legal questions, and draft legal texts.
Ability to interpret and use data analytics tools to support decision-making and service improvement.
Capacity to engage in outreach and promotional activities, including public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Strong client orientation with ability to deliver high quality client services.
Familiarity with working with artificial intelligence tools.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural 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.
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.
