Associate Program Officer

World Intellectual Property Organization; Genf; On-site; CHF 42,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva seeks an Associate Program Officer to advance the Development Agenda coordination and CDIP work. The role focuses on research, project monitoring, reporting and stakeholder engagement to deliver outcomes aligned with WIPO's Development Agenda.

The candidate should have a first-level degree and at least three years of international IP experience, strong English, and the ability to collaborate across multicultural teams within a dynamic UN system.

Qualifications

• First-level university degree in development studies, economics, international relations, law or related discipline.
• At least three years of relevant professional experience in IP at the international level.
• Experience in supporting intergovernmental processes at international level.
• Experience in supporting project implementation, monitoring, reporting and follow-up.
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English; knowledge of other UN languages, especially Spanish.
• Strong organizational, planning and multi-stakeholder collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare documentation, reports and materials for CDIP.
• Support coordination and implementation of Development Agenda projects.
• Carry out research, analysis and reporting for projects.
• Monitor progress of Development Agenda projects and document developments.
• Follow up on evaluations and CDIP decisions.
• Provide support for CDIP sessions and related meetings.
• Participate in missions and awareness-raising activities.
• Contribute to communication with Member States and IGOs.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Organizational skills

Planning skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Research skills

Digital literacy

Discretion & integrity

Team work

Education

First-level university degree in development studies, economics, international relations, law or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Internet research tools

Job description

Job Description - Associate Program Officer (26309-TA)

Associate Program Officer - 26309-TA

Development Agenda Coordination Division, Regional and National Development Sector

Grade - P2

Contract Duration - 1 year

Duty Station

CH-Geneva

Publication Date

21-Oct-2026

Application Deadline

04-Nov-2026, 10:59:00 PM

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

1. Organizational Context

The post is located in the Development Agenda Coordination Division (DACD), which is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the WIPO Development Agenda.

The Division serves as the Secretariat for the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP), and facilitates its work in defining actions for the implementation of the Development Agenda and review of its implementation. For this purpose, the Division also interfaces with internal and external stakeholders and promotes a better understanding of the WIPO Development Agenda and its benefits.

Purpose Statement

The incumbent contributes to the implementation and mainstreaming of WIPO's Development Agenda by supporting Development Agenda projects and initiatives and the substantive work of the CDIP. Through research, analysis, project monitoring and stakeholder engagement, the incumbent contributes to the effective delivery of the Division’s work program and related Development Agenda priorities.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Counsellor of the Division.

Work Relations

The incumbent liaises extensively with internal stakeholders throughout the Organization, as well as external stakeholders, such as Member States, IPOs, and IGOs and NGOs.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a. Contribute to the preparation of documentation, reports and other substantive materials for the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP).

b. Provide substantive support for the coordination and implementation of Development Agenda projects and activities, including their evaluation and mainstreaming in the work of the Organization.

c. Carry out research and analysis, compile information and prepare reports, project documentation and other substantive inputs in support of Development Agenda projects and related activities.

d. Monitor the implementation and progress of Development Agenda projects and activities, analyze relevant information, and document significant developments, decisions, deviations and follow-up actions.

e. Support the implementation and follow-up of recommendations and action points arising from evaluations and reviews, as well as relevant decisions of the CDIP.

f. Provide substantive, organizational and administrative support for CDIP sessions and other Development Agenda-related meetings, conferences.

g. Participate in missions and awareness-raising activities, including the preparation of background materials and follow-up activities.

h. Contribute to communication activities relating to the Development Agenda and maintain effective working contacts with relevant internal and external stakeholders, including Member States and intergovernmental organizations.

i. Perform other related duties as required.

3. Requirements

First-level university degree in development studies, economics, international relations, law or related discipline.

Experience (Essential)

At least three years of relevant professional experience in the field of IP, including experience obtained at the international level.

Experience in supporting intergovernmental processes at an international level.

Experience in supporting project implementation, monitoring, reporting and follow-up.

Experience in capacity building and technical assistance.

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Knowledge of other official UN languages, in particular Spanish.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Excellent organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple work within established timeframes.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Good knowledge of project management principles, practices, monitoring and reporting.

Sound judgment; ability to quickly assess complex and fast-moving situations and developments.

Excellent research and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize information from different sources and prepare clear and concise reports .

Good digital literacy, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) and the ability to effectively use internet-based tools and other digital technologies relevant to project implementation, information management and communication.

Discretion and integrity with the ability to handle sensitive information and matters appropriately.

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.

5. Information

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment.Please note that this estimate is for information only. The post adjustment multiplier (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change (increase or decrease) without notice. The figures quoted below are based on the October 2026 rate of 80.3%

P2

$50,377

Post adjustment

$40,453

$90,830

Currency USD

Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.

Temporary appointments are renewable, subject to continuing needs, availability of budget and satisfactory performance with a maximum cumulative length of two years.

Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged.

The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.

By completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this web site, or on any other documents submitted to WIPO during the application, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process, or termination of employment with WIPO at a later date, if that employment resulted from such willful misrepresentations.

In the event that your candidature is shortlisted, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of your identification and the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO recognizes higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed here: http://www.whed.net/ . Some higher educational qualifications may not be listed in WHED, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening. Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.

Additional background checks may be required.