Head, Policy and Legislative Advice Section - 26134-FT

Department for Trademarks, Designs and Geographical Indications, Brands and Designs Sector

Grade - P5

Contract Duration - 2 years

Duty Station: CH-Geneva

Application Deadline: 21-May-2026, 11:59:00 PM CET

1. Organizational Context

2. Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide policy and legal advice on issues relating to trademarks, designs and geographical indications.
• Supervise the activities related to procedures under Article 6ter of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
• Develop and implement activities furthering the accession of countries to the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks and the Riyadh Design Law Treaty and provide legal advice in this connection.
• Draft and review legal instruments, such as treaty texts, recommendations and other legislative materials.
• Provide Secretariat services to relevant committees and bodies dealing with matters falling within the competence of the Section; prepare notes and statements, formulate and revise texts and proposals, analyze and clarify legal issues and provide authoritative advice.
• Coordinate, approve and undertake research and studies, particularly in relation to intricate and/or sensitive areas as well as legal precedents.
• Lead, plan and control the work of the Section ensuring the effective management and efficient use of all financial, human and other resources; submit planning and budget proposals and activities in conformity with defined outcomes and objectives; supervise, evaluate and monitor individual and team performance levels in accordance with results-based management principles and follow up as appropriate.
• Plan, organize and participate in activities aimed at strengthening Member States' capacity in trademark and design administration, in particular in the area of examination of applications for registration.
• Represent the Organization at specialized meetings and established bodies of the Organization, provide legal expertise on all aspects of trademark, design and geographical indication law within overall policy considerations.

3. Requirements

• Advanced university degree in law with a specialization in intellectual property law. A first-level university degree in law plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the experience requested below may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Experience (Essential)
• At least ten years of relevant professional experience in the field of trademark, design and geographical indication law and policy, including experience at the international level.
• Experience managing a team of professionals.
• Excellent knowledge of English and good knowledge of French or Spanish.
• Knowledge of UN official languages other than the essential language.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

• Excellent knowledge of legal and policy issues in trademark, design and geographical indication law and the respective international treaties.
• Ability to conduct and review comprehensive legal research and to draft complex legal texts.
• Ability to communicate complex legal subject‑matter to a diverse audience and to formulate opinions on complex legal questions.
• Excellent 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.
• Communicating effectively.
• Showing team spirit.
• Demonstrating integrity.
• Producing results.
• Showing service orientation.
• Seeing the big picture.
• Seeking change and innovation.
• Developing yourself and others.