Associate Legal Officer

WIPO • Geneva, IL

6d • $50,377 - $93,046

About The Position

The Associate Legal Officer supports the advancement of balanced and forward-looking international legal frameworks in the areas of patents, utility models, trade secrets and technology. Through rigorous legal research, analysis and collaboration on key initiatives, the role supports informed decision-making by Member States and strengthens the effectiveness, coherence and accessibility of intellectual property systems in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Requirements

• First-level university degree in law.
• At least three years of relevant professional experience in the field of intellectual property law, and practice in the public or private sector.
• Excellent knowledge of English.
• Ability to design and conduct research and analyze defined aspects of legal issues.
• Knowledge of legal principles of intellectual property law.
• Ability to draft legal texts in a clear, concise and logical manner.
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues in written and oral forms.
• Organizational skills with the ability to work within strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Proficiency in digital tools, AI-enabled applications, and online collaboration platforms.
• Commitment to continuous learning and the adoption of emerging technologies.

Nice To Haves

• Specialization in intellectual property law.
• Education in a technical or scientific background.
• Experience in the field of patent law and practice.
• Working knowledge of any other official UN language.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research on various topics in the assigned work area, perform comparative analyses of national/regional legislations and practices, and contribute to the preparation of initial drafts of working documents for WIPO technical committees and bodies, guides, legal opinions and other documents pertaining to the functions and activities of the work unit.
• Assist in organizing and implementing training and awareness-raising activities, seminars and workshops, in particular, in the area of patents, trade secrets and intersections of IP law and technology.
• Participate as a member of the Secretariat of WIPO technical committees, in meetings and other bodies, including the drafting of summary records.
• Participate in conferences and meetings organized by Member States, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations.
• Respond to general correspondence and inquiries and provide advice on general legal questions concerning the law of patents, utility models, trade secrets and layout designs (topographies) of integrated circuits.
• 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.
• 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.
• Overall term of five years in this position, with normally no possibility of renewal beyond that term.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level