Legal Counsellor

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 192 member states, making it a global leader in intellectual property matters. The organization focuses on developing a balanced international intellectual property system that fosters creativity and innovation.

Job Overview:
The Legal Counsellor position is situated within the Copyright Law Division of WIPO, which is part of the Copyright and Creative Industries Sector. The primary function of this role is to provide authoritative legal advice and assistance to Member States regarding the implementation of copyright and related rights treaties. The incumbent will coordinate the work of the Division, ensuring that legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks are effectively designed and implemented. This role requires a deep understanding of copyright law and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including other professionals within WIPO and external partners. The Legal Counsellor will also contribute to the substantive work of the Secretariat, providing legal advice as part of cross-sectoral teams. The position demands strong leadership skills, as the incumbent will supervise junior staff and guide external consultants in delivering high-quality legal advice to Member States.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a range of duties, including drafting and commenting on legal texts, providing legal opinions and advice to Member States, and assisting in the adherence to WIPO treaties. They will conduct fundamental research and analysis on the needs of countries regarding copyright law, develop and lead studies related to new legal strategies, and prepare guides and publications. The Legal Counsellor will also supervise junior staff, maintain contacts with national authorities and international organizations, coordinate training and awareness-raising activities, and prepare various administrative documents. Additionally, the incumbent will be expected to perform other related duties as assigned, ensuring that all tasks are completed in a timely and effective manner.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law or related disciplines, combined with two years of relevant experience, may be accepted. Essential qualifications include at least seven years of professional legal experience in intellectual property, particularly in copyright and related rights. Experience in drafting legislative and policy advice is also required. Desirable qualifications include familiarity with copyright legal systems in developing countries and experience in a multilateral intergovernmental organization.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in law is essential for this position. A first-level university degree in law or related disciplines may be accepted if accompanied by additional relevant experience. A postgraduate specialization in intellectual property law, particularly in copyright and related rights, is considered desirable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional legal experience, particularly in the field of intellectual property. Candidates should have specific experience in copyright and related rights, as well as experience in drafting legislative and regulatory advice. Desirable experience includes working with copyright legal systems in developing countries and project management experience within a multilateral intergovernmental organization.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent written and spoken knowledge of English and one other official United Nations language. Good knowledge of an additional official United Nations language is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term appointment for two years, with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance. The annual salary is approximately $142,512, which includes a net salary and post adjustment, and is 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 than advertised. Candidates should be aware that any misrepresentation during the application process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment.