Internship Roster

Job Posting Organization:
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that was established in 196

• Its mission is to promote innovation and creativity for the economic, social, and cultural development of all countries through a balanced and effective international intellectual property system. WIPO operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce that values inclusion and equal opportunities. The organization is committed to fostering a culture of diversity among its personnel and encourages applications from candidates from underrepresented Member States and geographical regions.

Job Overview:
The WIPO Internship Program is designed to provide interns with an opportunity to gain practical experience in an international environment while contributing to WIPO's mission. Interns will have the chance to learn about the core values and initiatives of WIPO, enhancing their educational experience and developing professional skills. The program is open to individuals pursuing or having obtained university degrees, with specific categories based on their educational status. Interns will work in various fields such as law, economics, information technology, and project administration, among others. The internships are structured to last between two to twelve months, depending on the category, and interns will receive a monthly stipend to support their living expenses during their time at WIPO.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be assigned specific Terms of Reference by the Hiring Office, which will outline their duties and responsibilities. These may include conducting research, assisting in project administration, supporting legal and technical cooperation services, and contributing to communications and conference services. Interns are expected to engage actively in their assigned tasks, collaborate with WIPO staff, and bring fresh perspectives to the organization. They will also be involved in various administrative functions, including finance, human resources, and procurement, depending on their area of focus.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be pursuing or have obtained a university degree. For those pursuing a first-level university degree, they should be in their third or fourth year of study or in a program that requires an internship. Graduates are eligible to apply for internships within two years of completing their most recent degree. Additionally, candidates should possess good analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, and be competent users of Microsoft Office applications. The ability to adapt quickly to new systems and software is also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the internship varies by category. Category I is for individuals pursuing a first-level university degree in their third or fourth year or those who have obtained their degree within the last two years. Category II is for individuals pursuing an advanced university degree who have completed coursework but not the final thesis, or those who have obtained their degree within the last two years. Candidates must demonstrate their educational qualifications through relevant documentation during the application process.

Experience:
While specific prior work experience is not mandatory, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic knowledge and skills applicable to the internship position they are applying for. The program is designed to provide practical experience, so a willingness to learn and adapt is crucial. Interns should be prepared to engage in various tasks that may require different levels of expertise depending on the field of work.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English and/or French is required for most internships, with excellent drafting skills in English being particularly important. Knowledge of additional WIPO working languages such as Arabic, Chinese, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
Candidates must submit a cover letter or letter of motivation along with their application. Interns are expected to work full-time and are responsible for their travel and accommodation expenses. However, interns from developing or least developed countries may be eligible for reimbursement of travel expenses up to a maximum of 1,500 Swiss francs. It is important to note that internships at WIPO cannot be conducted remotely, and participation does not guarantee future employment with the organization. The selection process involves reviewing profiles against internship opportunities, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Due to the high volume of applications, only those selected for interviews will be notified, and candidates are encouraged to reapply for future opportunities if they remain eligible.