Team Head, PCT Client Service

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 truly global organization. WIPO's work encompasses various aspects of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and related rights, and it aims to foster innovation and creativity for economic, social, and cultural development.

Job Overview:
The position of Team Head in the PCT Client Service Teams is crucial for the effective administration and operation of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) services. The incumbent will be responsible for leading a team that ensures the smooth functioning of PCT operations, which includes managing the receipt, examination, and communication of international patent applications. The role requires a strong focus on delivering high-quality customer service to PCT users, ensuring that all activities meet the established standards of quality, timeliness, and efficiency. The Team Head will also be expected to develop and implement strategies that enhance client relations and improve service delivery, aligning the team's objectives with the overall goals of the PCT Operations Division.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to: leading and managing the team's work by setting priorities and allocating resources effectively; overseeing client advising activities and ensuring effective communication with clients; organizing training sessions for clients to enhance their understanding of PCT processes; providing guidance to team members on complex issues and developing training plans; managing team dynamics, including conflict resolution and absence management; collaborating with other service heads to improve operational efficiency; preparing routine reports on team performance; fostering a positive work environment; participating in training seminars and missions as required; and performing any other related duties as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be acceptable. Essential qualifications include at least seven years of relevant experience, with a minimum of three years in an intellectual property office or a similar environment. Experience in supervising a large team and in the formalities examination of patent applications is also required. Additionally, experience in customer service and training is essential, while experience in customer experience management is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree is required for this position. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they must also have two additional years of relevant professional experience to be considered equivalent to an advanced degree. The educational background should be in a field related to intellectual property, law, or a similar discipline that supports the functions of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically at least seven years in relevant fields. This includes three years of experience in an intellectual property office or a comparable working environment. Candidates should have a proven track record of supervising large teams and managing complex patent application processes. Experience in customer service and training is also essential, as the role involves direct interaction with clients and the need to provide effective training and support.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent written and spoken knowledge of English and at least one of the following PCT publication languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish, depending on business needs. Knowledge of additional PCT publication languages is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at the P4 level, with an initial contract duration of two years, which is renewable based on satisfactory performance. The total annual salary is approximately $142,512, which includes a net salary and a post adjustment based on the cost of living. Salaries are paid in Swiss francs at the official UN exchange rate. The organization encourages applications from qualified women and nationals from unrepresented member states. The selected candidate may be required to relocate or take on new functions as part of their role. WIPO emphasizes integrity and confidentiality in handling sensitive data and requires candidates to provide identification and educational qualifications upon being shortlisted.