Client Advisor

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 multiple countries, providing services in various languages to support the global intellectual property system.

Job Overview:
The Client Advisor position is situated within the PCT Client Service Team, which is part of the PCT Operations Division. This role is crucial as it serves as a focal point for small and medium-sized clients, ensuring that they receive high-quality customer service. The incumbent will be responsible for complex processing and examination duties related to international patent applications, requiring proficiency in at least two languages. The position demands a proactive approach to customer service, with the expectation of analyzing frequent defects and providing dedicated training to clients. The role also involves liaising with external customers and specialists in legal and IT fields, ensuring that all communications and services are delivered effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties including:

• Liaising with Intellectual Property Offices such as the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) to enhance cooperation with WIPO.
• Acting as the primary contact for small and medium-sized clients, analyzing common issues, and providing proactive advice and training to ensure high customer service standards.
• Examining the formality requirements of international applications and related documents, particularly those filed in Chinese, ensuring compliance with established standards and timely follow-up.
• Monitoring fee payments and taking necessary actions for late or non-payments.
• Responding to complex queries and providing solutions, particularly regarding ePCT, while maintaining high levels of customer service.
• Assisting in the organization and prioritization of team workloads, ensuring deadlines are met and proposing improvements to workflows.
• Preparing and reviewing publication materials for international publication, ensuring all assignments are completed on time.
• Participating in the testing of PCT electronic systems and tools, suggesting enhancements for better functionality.
• Engaging in presentations about PCT operations and keeping updated on procedural changes, while also training junior staff and contributing to ongoing developments in the PCT system.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree. Essential qualifications include excellent written and spoken knowledge of English and Chinese, along with at least three years of relevant professional experience in the field of patents, ideally within an intellectual property office or a similar environment. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills, particularly in technical and business contexts, and have a solid understanding of the PCT system, including the ability to explain and train others on relevant rules and procedures. Proficiency in IT tools and systems for data management and customer service is also essential, along with a client-oriented approach to service delivery.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree is required for this position. This educational background should ideally be in a field related to intellectual property, law, or a similar discipline that provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of patent applications and the PCT system.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in the field of patents. This experience should ideally include work within an intellectual property office or a comparable environment where they have gained practical knowledge of patent processes and client service.

Languages:
The position requires excellent written and spoken proficiency in English and Chinese as mandatory languages. Additional language skills may be considered advantageous, particularly in the context of serving a diverse client base and enhancing communication with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a total annual salary of approximately $90,830, which includes a net annual salary and a post adjustment based on the cost of living. Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official exchange rate of the United Nations. The appointment is temporary but renewable, subject to ongoing needs and satisfactory performance, with a maximum cumulative length of two years. WIPO encourages applications from qualified women and nationals from unrepresented Member States and underrepresented geographical regions. The organization reserves the right to appoint at a lower grade than advertised if necessary. Candidates should be aware that any misrepresentation during the application process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment.