Associate Legal Officer - 26205-FT_LT

Patents and Treaties Law Section, Patent and Technology Law Division, Patents and Technology Sector

• Contract Duration - 2 years (maximum cumulative length of 5 years) *
• Duty Station: CH-Geneva
• Application Deadline: 17-Aug-2026, 11:59:00 PM CET

This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.

1. Organizational Context a. Organizational Setting

The position is located in the Patents and Treaties Law Section (PTLS) of the Patent and Technology Law Division (PTLD), Patents and Technology Sector (PTS).

The Section is responsible for facilitating the international discourse on matters of global importance and emerging trends, as well as the administration of certain patent-related treaties (Budapest Treaty, Patent Law Treaty, Paris Convention).

With the goal of the progressive development of the international patent system, it provides the Secretariat for the Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP) and participates in the coordination of the implementation of the WIPO Strategy on Standard Essential Patents.

The Section carries out awareness raising and education on trade secrets, and provides capacity building, training and materials on specific aspects of patent law and policy.

Through the provision of comprehensive and reliable information, the Section also assists Member States in the development of balanced legislative and policy frameworks.

b. Purpose Statement

The Associate Legal Officer supports the advancement of balanced and forward‑looking international legal frameworks in the areas of patents, utility models, trade secrets and technology.

Through rigorous legal research, analysis and collaboration on key initiatives, the role supports informed decision‑making by Member States and strengthens the effectiveness, coherence and accessibility of intellectual property systems in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

c. Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of and reports directly to the Head of the PTLS.

• 2. Duties and Responsibilities
• Undertake research on various topics in the assigned work area, perform comparative analyses of national/regional legislations and practices, and contribute to the preparation of initial drafts of working documents for WIPO technical committees and bodies, guides, legal opinions and other documents pertaining to the functions and activities of the work unit.
• Assist in organizing and implementing training and awareness‑raising activities, seminars and workshops, in particular, in the area of patents, trade secrets and intersections of IP law and technology.
• Participate as a member of the Secretariat of WIPO technical committees, in meetings and other bodies, including the drafting of summary records.
• Participate in conferences and meetings organized by Member States, intergovernmental organizations and non‑governmental organizations.
• Respond to general correspondence and inquiries and provide advice on general legal questions concerning the law of patents, utility models, trade secrets and layout designs (topographies) of integrated circuits.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• 3. Requirements
• First‑level university degree in law.
• Specialization in intellectual property law.
• Education in a technical or scientific background.

Experience (Essential)

• At least three years of relevant professional experience in the field of intellectual property law, and practice in the public or private sector.
• Experience in the field of patent law and practice.
• Excellent knowledge of English.
• Working knowledge of any other official UN language.
• Job Related Competencies (Essential)
• Ability to design and conduct research and analyze defined aspects of legal issues.
• Knowledge of legal principles of intellectual property law.
• Ability to draft legal texts in a clear, concise and logical manner.
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues in written and oral forms.
• Organizational skills with the ability to work within strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective 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.
• Communicating effectively.
• Showing team spirit.
• Demonstrating integrity.
• Producing results.
• Showing service orientation.
• Seeing the big picture.
• Seeking change and innovation.
• Developing yourself and others.
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