Fellowship IP for Business

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

Fellowships aim to provide fellows with experience to strengthen their knowledge and professional competence, which they can apply in their professional field once they have completed their fellowship with WIPO. Fellowships are awarded for specific activities, which provide the fellows training, within the approved workplan of the employing office.

This fellowship is located in the IP for Business Division, IP and Innovation Ecosystem Sector, responsible for SME-related IP issues, IP Management, IP commercialization by businesses and the use of IP as a key business enabler. The Division empowers enterprises to maximize their potential through intellectual property, including by delivering business-oriented content and targeted tools that help businesses develop and implement IP management strategies. The Division works with SMEs support institutions and other intermediaries and supports the strengthening of innovation ecosystems.

This fellowship provides an opportunity for a young professional to gain knowledge and experience in the practical application of intellectual property to business development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. By contributing directly to WIPO\’s projects and initiatives, the fellow will deepen their understanding of how IP tools and strategies drive economic growth and enhance competitiveness across industries and regions. The role provides hands-on engagement with innovators, entrepreneurs, and supporting institutions, with a focus on maximizing the value of IP as a commercial asset. In addition, the fellowship offers exposure to international policy dialogue and capacity-building activities, enabling the fellow to strengthen analytical, research, and communication skills while working alongside experts and stakeholders worldwide. Ultimately, the program serves as a platform to build both technical expertise and a global professional network, equipping the fellow to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of IP-driven innovation in diverse professional contexts.

(b) Reporting Lines

The Fellow shall work under the supervision of the Director of IP for Business Division, IP and Innovation Ecosystem Sector.

2. Duties and responsibilities

The Fellow will be required to perform the following principal duties:

(i Support the development and implementation of IP management and commercialization programs, including the IP Management Clinic, to help businesses integrate IP into their strategies.

(ii Support the implementation of the WIPO Global Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program.

(iii Promote and deliver IPBD tools, materials, and services through partnerships with national and regional institutions, and contribute to the creation of practical resources such as guides, tutorials, and case studies.

(iv Assist in the organization of events and capacity-building activities to engage businesses, startups, and intermediaries, and to facilitate policy dialogue on IP for business.

(v Collaborate with Member States, regional and international organizations, and other stakeholders to support program implementation and information exchange.

(vi Prepare reports, presentations, and communication materials that highlight the services of the division and how intellectual property can enhance business competitiveness.

(vii Perform other related duties as required by the Director.

3. Requirements

a Education:

Essential:

First-level university degree in law, economics, business management, accounting or finance.

Desirable:

Advanced university degree in law, with a concentration in IP or business law.

b Experience:

Essential:

At least six (6) months up to one year of relevant experience in the area of intellectual property.

Desirable:

Experience in an international environment and the public sector preferably in managing large-scale collaborative projects involving multiple stakeholders.

c Languages:

Essential: Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.

Desirable: Knowledge of any other official United Nations languages.

d Specific skills and competencies:

Essential:

Excellent research and drafting skills.

Excellent analytical and communication skills.

– Sound judgement and integrity.

Excellent organizational skills, including attention to detail; with the ability to work within strict time constraints and to meet deadlines.

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications, Zoom, and ability to adapt quickly to new systems and software.

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.

5. Terms and conditions

a) Term of fellowship: A fellowship may be granted for a period of up to 12 months. The contract may be extended one or more times, provided that the maximum cumulative length of the fellowship does not exceed a period of three years.

b) Anticipated Start Date: April 1, 2026.

c) Location: WIPO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland.

d) Stipend: CHF 5,000 monthly.

e) Travel expenses: WIPO shall contribute towards the cost of the fellow\’s travel on engagement and separation from service. If necessary, WIPO may provide assistance in obtaining an entry visa to Switzerland.

f) WIPO contributes to the medical insurance and provides accident insurance coverage during the course of the fellowship.

g) WIPO will request a \“carte de légitimation\“ for the Fellow, which serves as a residence and work permit, from the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and to the other international organizations in Geneva. Family members of the Fellow are not eligible for a \“carte de legitimation.\“

h) Tax and social security: Fellows shall be solely responsible for meeting any taxation and social security obligations that may arise directly or indirectly from their contract with WIPO.

Additional information

WIPO values diversity among its personnel and is committed to equal employment opportunities. We welcome
applications from qualified candidates from unrepresented Member States of WIPO, and from underrepresented
geographical regions and groups, including people with disabilities. If candidates need any accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, they should contact their HR focal point when they receive an invitation.

Fellows are not staff members of WIPO, and the position does not lead to any employment rights and entitlements beyond the terms of the fellowship.

The Fellowship will take place in Geneva, Switzerland and it cannot be carried out remotely.

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 an identification and of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and these will be reviewed individually.

Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening.