Speech Writer for the Director General

World Intellectual Property Organization; Genf; Vor Ort; CHF 51’000 - 98’000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A global intellectual property agency is seeking a Speech Writer for the Director General. This role involves developing impactful speeches and communications, conducting thorough research, and engaging with media to shape organizational messaging. The ideal candidate will have at least six years of relevant experience, strong proficiency in English and French, and the ability to craft narratives that enhance the agency's influence. Flexibility in working hours is required, as the role involves accommodating urgent communication needs.

Qualifikationen

• Minimum six years of experience in executive communications, with demonstrated speechwriting for C-suite leaders.
• Experience in an international organization.
• Excellent knowledge of English and good knowledge of French.

Aufgaben

• Develop high-impact speeches and presentations for the Director General.
• Conduct in-depth research for complex messaging.
• Support media relations by preparing briefing materials and talking points.

Kenntnisse

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Ability to adapt style for diverse audiences

Strong conceptual skills

Excellent research and analytical capabilities

Ausbildung

First-level university degree in relevant subjects

Advanced university degree in relevant subjects

Tools

Digital content creation tools

AI-assisted writing tools

Jobbeschreibung

Job Description – Speech Writer for the Director General (26008-FT_LT)

Speech Writer for the Director General – 26008-FT_LT

News and Media Division, Sector of the Director General

Grade – P3

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

Duty Station

CH-Geneva

Publication Date

12-Jan-2026

Application Deadline

11-Feb-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.

This post is a limited-term fixed‑term post.

1. Organizational Context

Organizational Setting

The post is located in the News and Media Division in the Sector of the Director General. The Division is responsible for delivering news and media strategies and content that explain the intellectual property system in an engaging and informative way and contribute to better understanding worldwide of WIPO’s role and services. The News and Media Division is responsible for overseeing the Organization’s press and media‑related activities, including photographic and video productions, as well as producing engaging content to promote awareness and understanding of intellectual property and WIPO’s activities.

Purpose Statement

The Speech Writer plays a pivotal role in amplifying WIPO’s global influence by crafting compelling, high‑impact speeches and executive communications for the Director General. This position transforms complex ideas into clear, impactful narratives, showcasing WIPO’s strategic messages and reinforcing its leadership in intellectual property worldwide.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director, News and Media Division and has a technical reporting line to the Director General for the work related to DG speeches.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

Speech and Content Development for the Director General

a. Develop high‑impact speeches, presentations, social media posts and multimedia content for the Director General, tailored to diverse audiences and communication platforms.

b. Demonstrate responsible and accurate use of AI tools in content development, applying appropriate human judgment, fact‑checking and editorial oversight to all AI‑assisted work.

c. Collaborate closely with internal subject‑matter experts to ensure accuracy, coherence and consistent messaging and tone across all channels while optimizing content for each channel and audience.

Research and Strategic Frameworks

d. Conduct in-depth research and compile factual, analytical and illustrative material to support complex ideas, policy positions and key messages that the Director General needs to convey to specific audiences.

e. Develop structured frameworks and talking points as the basis for speeches and executive communications.

f. Leverage AI tools strategically to enhance research efficiency and accelerate content production, while exercising fact‑checking and editorial oversight ensuring all outputs meet organizational accuracy and quality standards.

Strategic Awareness

g. Maintain a strong understanding, interest and curiosity relating to new developments and issues related to innovation, creativity, intellectual property, geopolitical and economic trends, media landscapes and WIPO’s organizational priorities ensuring executive communication remain timely, relevant and forward‑looking.

Media Engagement and Internal Communication

h. Support media relations activities by preparing briefing materials, talking points, Q&A and notes for media interviews, press conferences, and other public engagements involving the Director General.

i. Contribute to internal communications initiatives related to executive communications, ensuring alignment with institutional objectives and consistent messaging across the organization.

j. Perform other related duties as required.

3. Requirements

First‑level university degree in English, Literature, Communications, Journalism, Creative Writing, International Affairs, Social Sciences or a relevant subject.

Advanced university degree in a relevant subject.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of progressively responsible experience in executive communications, including demonstrated success in writing speeches for C‑suite or senior leaders. Only candidates with substantive speechwriting experience will be considered; strong writing skills in other formats (e.g., journalism, content writing, copywriting, technical writing) do not substitute for at least three years direct speechwriting experience.

Experience in an international or intergovernmental organization.

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Good knowledge of French.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to adapt style, tone and messaging for diverse audiences, platforms and high‑level executive contexts.

Ability to provide strategic advice on messaging and positioning for senior leadership.

Knowledge or proven interest towards intellectual property, innovation and creativity.

Demonstrated ability to navigate complex cultural and geopolitical considerations in global communications.

Strong conceptual skills and intellectual versatility are required to master the essentials of wide‑ranging technical, legal and policy topics.

Excellent research and analytical capabilities with ability to synthesize complex information into accessible content.

Proficiency in digital content creation tools, social media platforms and emerging technologies, including excellent ability to use AI‑assisted writing tools and research tools with human oversight.

Sound political judgment and discretion, particularly in handling sensitive issues, institutional positions and executive‑level communications.

A good understanding of public speaking, attention to detail and ability to remain resilient and complete multiple revisions under tight time pressures.

Ability to work collaboratively as a strong team player showing commitment to the work of the group in order to complete tasks, manage multiple revisions under tight deadlines with attention to detail and resilience.

Excellent listening skills and ability to respect ideas.

Excellent 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 social media and audience engagement strategies, with the ability to tailor content to maximize reach, impact and relevance across channels.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

• Familiarity with international diplomacy and cultural sensitivity in global communications.
• Communicating effectively.
• Showing team spirit.
• Demonstrating integrity.
• Producing results.
• Showing service orientation.
• Seeing the big picture.
• Seeking change and innovation.
• Developing yourself and others.

5. Information

Working Hours

Given the unique nature of the role, the incumbent will be required to maintain flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends as needed, to accommodate urgent speech requests, last‑minute revisions and executive scheduling demands inherent to the role.

Mobility

WIPO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director General and may be assigned to any activities, office or duty station of the Organization. Accordingly, the selected candidate may be required to move from time to time to new functions and/or to another duty station.

Salary and Allowances

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 December 2025 rate of 91.1 %.

P3

$64,121

Post adjustment

$58,414

$122,535

Currency USD

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

* Initial fixed‑term appointment of two years, renewable subject to 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 normally no possibility of renewal beyond that term. S/he may, however, apply and be considered for other positions at WIPO.

This is not applicable to WIPO staff members on fixed‑term, continuing or permanent appointments, who were recruited following a competition under Staff Regulation 4.10 (“Appointment Boards”).

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions in accordance with Staff Rule 4.9.5.

Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and under‑represented geographical regions are encouraged. Please click on the following links for the list of unrepresented Member States and the list of underrepresented regions and the WIPO Member States in these regions.

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.