Associate Legal Editor

WIPO • Geneva, IL

1d • $50,377 - $93,046

About The Position

The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, coherence and timely publication of PCT legal texts, thereby supporting the evolving needs of global stakeholders and the effective functioning of the PCT system, and for contributing to the preparation and review of legal and other informational materials published by the Section. The post is located in the PCT Legal Publication Unit, PCT User Resources Section, PCT Legal and User Relations Division, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, Patents and Technology Sector. The PCT Legal Publication Unit is responsible for the maintenance and publication of Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) legal texts and related documents in all the languages in which they are produced and for the publication of Official Notices (PCT Gazette).

Requirements

• First-level university degree, preferably in intellectual property law.
• At least three years of relevant professional experience, preferably including experience in editing, drafting or reviewing legal texts in an international and multilingual environment.
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and a good knowledge of French.
• Good knowledge of procedures under the PCT.
• Excellent time management and work organization skills, and ability to work accurately within strict time limits and respecting deadlines.
• 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.
• Proficiency in digital tools, including Microsoft Office applications, AI-enabled applications, and online collaboration platforms, together with a commitment to continuous learning and the adoption of emerging editing and publication technologies.
• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills, with demonstrated attention to detail in handling complex legal or multilingual content.
• Ability to coordinate multiple text preparation and publication workflows in a multilingual working environment, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in preparing and editing PCT-related texts, with regard both to substance and to form.
• Knowledge of other PCT publication languages.
• Excellent understanding of the policies and procedures applicable to the work of the Section.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head of the Unit in the development, updating, and maintenance of PCT legal texts, legal resources, and information materials; contribute to the continuous improvement and modernization of publication processes.
• Prepare, edit, review, and update PCT legal and related texts to ensure accuracy, clarity, coherence, and conformity with editorial standards and the Organization’s policies and practices, particularly the Patent Cooperation Treaty, the Regulations under the PCT, the PCT Administrative Instructions, the PCT Receiving Office Guidelines, and the PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines, in both English and French.
• Coordinate the preparation, consultation, editing, and publication of the official translations of PCT legal and related texts in all other languages in which they exist; where necessary, request further review by legal experts and/or relevant parties to help resolve any questions relating to the official translations.
• Prepare, edit, update, and coordinate the provision and publication of other legal-related and official texts relating to the PCT, including certified copies of amendments to the PCT and its Regulations, the Agreements between the International Bureau and the International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authorities under the PCT, and the History of the PCT Regulations.
• Upon request, assist in checking the spelling, language, and accuracy of other publications issued by the Section, such as Official Notices (PCT Gazette) and the PCT Newsletter; contribute to the preparation, provision, and updating of PCT information materials managed by the Section to support and encourage the wider use of the PCT.
• Serve as the Division’s focal point for requesting translations and reviewing translations of PCT-related materials and content prepared in one language into other PCT publication languages.
• Contribute to the provision of high-quality, customer-focused services by identifying varying customer needs, recommending best practices to improve customer interactions and, where appropriate, adopting a customer-centric approach to promote PCT growth.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• 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.
• The post adjustment multiplier (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change (increase or decrease) without notice.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree