Director, Innovation Impact Division (IID)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1967, with a mission to promote the protection of intellectual property worldwide through cooperation among states and in collaboration with international organizations. WIPO has a diverse workforce of over 1,000 employees from various countries and operates in multiple regions globally, focusing on the development of a balanced and accessible international intellectual property system.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Innovation Impact Division (IID) at WIPO is responsible for leading the organization's efforts in developing legal and policy frameworks that enable innovators and creators to leverage intellectual property (IP) for sustainable growth. This role involves setting strategic directions for the division, focusing on technology transfer, IP analytics, and commercialization. The Director will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to enhance the services offered to innovators and creators, ensuring that these services align with WIPO's strategic goals and effectively support stakeholders in maximizing the value of IP.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including providing strategic direction for the Division’s portfolio across technology transfer, IP analytics, and IP commercialization. This includes strengthening innovation infrastructure and legal frameworks for universities and public research institutions, enabling Member States to benefit from IP analytics, and supporting innovators in maximizing IP as a commercial asset. The Director will ensure effective coordination of the Division's programs with the Department and Organization's activities, manage human and financial resources, lead a high-performing team, engage with WIPO Member States and stakeholders, oversee the development of strategies and partnerships, and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in management, business administration, political science, international relations, law, natural science, engineering, or a related field. A specialization in intellectual property is desirable. Essential qualifications include at least fifteen years of progressively responsible professional experience in intellectual property and/or innovation, with a minimum of seven years in a managerial role at a senior level. Experience in technology transfer, IP analytics, and IP commercialization is also required, along with a background in working in an international environment and leading interdisciplinary teams.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree is required, preferably in fields related to management, business administration, political science, international relations, law, natural science, or engineering. A specialization in intellectual property is considered an asset and enhances the candidate's profile for this position.

Experience:
The position requires at least fifteen years of relevant professional experience, with a significant portion of that time spent in senior managerial roles. Candidates should have experience in at least two of the key areas related to intellectual property, including technology transfer, IP analytics, and IP commercialization. Additionally, experience in engaging with Member States and leading diverse teams is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable and can enhance a candidate's qualifications for the position.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role with an initial contract period of two years, which is renewable based on satisfactory performance. The annual salary is competitive, consisting of a net annual salary and a post adjustment, with the total salary being subject to change based on the cost of living. The selected candidate may be required to relocate to different duty stations as part of their role. Applications from qualified women and nationals from unrepresented Member States are encouraged, and the organization reserves the right to appoint at a lower grade if necessary. Candidates must provide accurate information during the application process, as any misrepresentation may lead to disqualification.