Associate 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 approximately 1,000 employees and operates in over 190 countries, making it a key player in the global intellectual property landscape. The organization aims to foster innovation and creativity for the benefit of all, ensuring that intellectual property rights are respected and enforced.

Job Overview:
The Associate Legal Officer position is situated within the Office of the Legal Counsel (OLC) at WIPO. The OLC is tasked with providing legal advice and assistance to the Director General, WIPO Member States, and the Secretariat, ensuring that all activities and operations are conducted in accordance with WIPO's constituent instruments and applicable laws. The incumbent will engage in comprehensive legal research, analysis, and drafting support across the OLC, contributing to the safeguarding of the Organization's legal interests. This role requires agility in providing legal support tailored to constitutional, administrative, and contractual matters, and involves collaboration with various departments and offices within WIPO. The position demands a proactive approach to legal challenges and the ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of key duties, including: conducting legal research and analysis to support the work of the three sections within OLC; assisting with the depository functions of international treaties and agreements; reviewing and processing requests for permanent observer status; contributing to the resolution of legal questions related to Staff Regulations and Rules; preparing pleadings and documents for submission to the WIPO Appeal Board and ILO Administrative Tribunal; supporting annual reporting on WIPO's administration of justice system; reviewing and clearing agreements and memoranda of understanding; providing legal advice on operational activities including IT and digital transformation; and performing other tasks as required in the area of competence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in law, with an advanced degree (master’s or equivalent) in law preferred, particularly with a specialization in public international law, administrative law, or commercial law. Essential qualifications include at least three years of relevant professional experience in legal research, drafting, and providing legal analyses or advice in a law firm, corporate legal department, government agency, or international organization. Experience in public international law, treaty law, administrative law, dispute resolution, or contract law is also required. Desirable qualifications include experience in international organizations, public administration, or judicial institutions, as well as experience in dispute resolution processes and reviewing contracts or governance documentation.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree in law as a minimum. An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) is highly desirable, especially with a focus on public international law, administrative law, or commercial law. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complex legal frameworks and issues that the Associate Legal Officer will encounter in their role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass legal research and drafting, as well as providing legal analyses and advice in various legal settings, including law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, or international organizations. Candidates with experience in public international law, treaty law, administrative law, dispute resolution, or contract law will be particularly well-suited for this role. Additional desirable experience includes working in international organizations or public administration, supporting dispute resolution processes, and reviewing contracts or institutional governance documentation.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is essential for this position. Additionally, the ability to work in other UN languages is desirable, with a good working knowledge of French being particularly beneficial. Proficiency in multiple languages will enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in the multicultural environment of WIPO.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term appointment for an initial duration of two years, with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance and other applicable conditions. The selected candidate's appointment will be subject to an overall term of five years in this position, with limited possibilities for renewal beyond that term. Candidates may apply for other positions at WIPO after this term. The annual salary consists of a net annual salary in US dollars, along with a post adjustment that varies based on the cost of living. Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations. The organization encourages applications from qualified women and nationals from unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions. The vacancy announcement may also be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions.