Legal Officer

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 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 and operates in more than 190 countries, providing a global forum for intellectual property services, policy, information, and cooperation.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is situated within the Legislative, Policy and Technology Advice Section (LPAS) of the Patent and Technology Law Division, which is part of the Patents and Technology Sector at WIPO. This role is pivotal in supporting Member States to develop effective and balanced intellectual property frameworks that foster innovation. The Legal Officer will provide high-quality legislative and policy advice in areas such as patents, utility models, trade secrets, and integrated circuit layout designs. The position requires a strong legal background, particularly in patent law, and involves conducting legal analysis, drafting legislative documents, and engaging with Member States to enhance their legislative capabilities. The incumbent will also contribute to the continuous improvement of legislative advice procedures and methodologies, ensuring that the services provided are responsive to the evolving needs of Member States.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: reviewing and revising legislative provisions and policy documents submitted by Member States; conducting comprehensive legal and policy research on substantive patent law topics; preparing advisory papers and legislative drafting aids; contributing to the development of LPAS's legislative advice procedures; promoting legislative assistance services through proactive engagement with Member States; conducting consultations, seminars, and workshops; and ensuring high-quality, customer-focused advisory services. Additionally, the Legal Officer will be expected to perform other related duties as required, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of the organization and its stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in law, with a specialization in patent law being desirable. Essential qualifications include at least six years of relevant professional experience in patent law, encompassing areas such as policy design, law-making, legislative drafting, prosecution, litigation, or transactional work. Desirable qualifications include experience in trade law, familiarity with IP office procedures, and research experience in emerging IP policy topics such as artificial intelligence or public health.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first-level university degree in law as a minimum educational qualification. A specialization in patent law is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's suitability for the role and their ability to provide informed legal advice in the relevant fields.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of six years of professional experience in patent law, which should include practical experience in policy design, legislative drafting, or related areas. Experience in trade law and familiarity with IP office procedures are also beneficial, as they contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape surrounding intellectual property.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is essential for this position. Additionally, a good knowledge of either Arabic, Russian, or Portuguese is desirable, along with familiarity with other UN official languages, which would enhance communication and collaboration within the international context of WIPO's work.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term appointment for two years, with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance. The role is classified at the P3 level, with an annual salary of approximately $64,121, plus a post adjustment of around $54,310, leading to a total estimated salary of $118,431, paid in Swiss francs. WIPO encourages applications from qualified women and nationals from unrepresented Member States. The organization reserves the right to appoint at a lower grade if necessary. Candidates should be aware that any misrepresentation during the application process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment. Background checks and professional references will be required for shortlisted candidates.