Associate Legal Officer - 26299-FT_LT

World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO; Genf; On-site; CHF 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO in Geneva seeks a legally proficient professional to provide comprehensive legal research, analysis and drafting support across its Office of the Legal Counsel. You will work on public international law, treaty and contract matters, liaising with multiple sections and partners within the Organization.

The role requires a first-level law degree, plus an advanced degree and at least three years of relevant experience, with fluency in English and

Qualifications

• First-level university degree in law
• Advanced university degree in law, preferably with a specialization in public international law, administrative law, or commercial law
• At least three years of relevant professional experience
• Experience in public international law, treaty law, or contract law
• Experience in international organizations
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English; ability to work in other UN languages; good French

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis to support the work of all three Sections in public international law, treaty law, administrative law and contract law.
• Assist with treaty-action notifications, updating information, and record maintenance for depository functions.
• Assist in reviewing requests for observer status and prepare admission documents.
• Contribute to resolving issues related to Staff Regulations and Rules and their application.
• Prepare pleadings and other documents for the WIPO Appeal Board and ILO Administrative Tribunal.
• Support annual reporting on matters pertaining to WIPO's administration of justice.
• Review and clear agreements, MOUs and partnerships with governments, IGOs, NGOs and other entities.
• Provide legal advice on IT, data governance, procurement, property management and financial matters.
• Perform other tasks in the area of competence as required.

Skills

Legal research

Legal analysis

Drafting

English proficiency

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in law

Master's degree in law

Tools

Legal databases

Document management systems

Contract management software

Job description

Office of the Legal Counsel, Sector of the Director General

Contract Duration - 2 years (maximum cumulative length of 5 years) *

Duty Station: CH-Geneva

Application Deadline: 09-Nov-2026, 11:59:00 PM CET

1. Organizational Context

a. Organizational Setting

The position is located in the Office of the Legal Counsel (OLC). OLC is responsible for providing legal advice and assistance to the Director General, the bodies of WIPO Member States, and the Secretariat to ensure that WIPO's activities and operations are conducted in accordance with its constituent instruments and applicable laws. The Office comprises three distinct sections: the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Section, the Administrative Law Section, and the Contracts and General Legal Section.

b. Purpose Statement

The incumbent provides comprehensive legal research, analysis, and drafting support across OLC. Operating in a highly dynamic environment, the incumbent assists in safeguarding the legal interests of the Organization by providing agile legal support to all three Sections, tailoring legal solutions to constitutional, administrative, and contractual matters.

c. Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the immediate supervision of the Deputy Legal Counsel.

d. Work Relations

The incumbent will routinely work with all OLC colleagues and, as part of the Office's mandate, will also liaise with other departments and offices in the Organization.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

• a. Conduct legal research and analysis to support the work of all three Sections in providing legal advice in the areas of public international law, treaty law, administrative law and contract law.
• b. Assist with tasks relating to the depository functions of international treaties and agreements administered by the Organization, through the preparation of treaty-action notifications, the updating of information relating thereto, and the maintenance of records.
• c. Assist with the review and processing of requests by intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations for permanent observer status in the Organization and the provision of requisite information to Member States, including the preparation of documents for the admission of new observers.
• d. Contribute to the resolution of legal questions relating to the interpretation and application of the Staff Regulations and Rules and to disputes as to their application.
• e. Assist in the preparation of pleadings and other documents for submission to the WIPO Appeal Board and the ILO Administrative Tribunal.
• f. Support the process of annual reporting on matters pertaining to WIPO's administration of justice system.
• g. Contribute to the review and clearance of agreements, memoranda of understanding and partnership arrangements concluded between the Organization and governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations as well as other public or private entities.
• h. Support the provision of legal advice relating to operational activities of the Organization, including information technology and digital transformation initiatives, data governance, procurement, property management and financial matters, to ensure compliance of WIPO's activities with its regulatory framework.
• i. Perform other tasks in the area of competence as required.

3. Requirements

• First-level university degree in law.
• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law, preferably with a specialization in public international law, administrative law, or commercial law.

Experience (Essential)

• At least three years of relevant professional experience, including experience in legal research and drafting, and providing legal analyses and/or advice in a law firm, corporate legal department, government agency, or international organization.
• Relevant professional experience in one or more of the following areas: public international law, treaty law, the law of international organizations, administrative law, dispute resolution, or contract law.
• Experience working in an international organization, public administration, or judicial institution.
• Experience reviewing contracts, partnership agreements or institutional governance documentation.
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
• Ability to work in other UN languages.
• Good working knowledge of French.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Digital Literacy and Technology Adaptability

• Proficiency in legal research databases, document management systems and digital productivity tools.
• Ability to leverage technology to support legal research, analysis and drafting, and adapt to emerging technologies while maintaining accuracy, sound judgment and confidentiality.

Legal Knowledge and Subject Matter Expertise

• Broad understanding of public international law, administrative law, and contract law.
• Good knowledge of the legal issues related to the governance and constitutional/treaty basis of international organizations and/or their internal justice systems.

Legal Research, Analysis and Problem Solving

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a strong ability to conduct comprehensive legal research independently.

Legal Drafting and Communication

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, precise, and well-reasoned legal texts and opinions.

Adaptability and Results Orientation

• Flexibility and team spirit.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure, adapt to shifting priorities across the three Sections and respect deadlines.

Interpersonal Effectiveness and Collaboration

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective working relations in a multicultural team with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of International Organizational Legal Frameworks

• Good understanding of the legal procedures and regulatory frameworks applicable to the United Nations common system or similar international organizations.

• 1. Communicating effectively.
• 2. Showing team spirit.
• 3. Demonstrating integrity.
• 5. Producing results.
• 6. Showing service orientation.
• 7. Seeing the big picture.
• 8. Seeking change and innovation.
• 9. Developing yourself and others.

For more information, including on the salaries and benefits, please check the WIPO Careers website.