Associate Program Officer

WIPO • Geneva, IL

4d • $50,377 - $96,069

About The Position

The Associate Program Officer position is within the PCT Legal and User Support Section, PCT Legal and User Relations Division, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, Patents and Technology Sector. This section provides legal advice on PCT matters, implements changes to PCT Regulations, and conducts outreach and training for PCT users. The incumbent will assist the Deputy Director and Head of the Section by investigating and analyzing PCT applications with legal or procedural difficulties, maintaining case statistics, responding to user queries, providing access to International Bureau files, and issuing certified copies. The role also involves outreach activities to enhance understanding of the PCT system.

Requirements

• First-level university degree, preferably in law, natural sciences, or engineering.
• At least three years of relevant professional experience, including experience with the PCT system.
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
• Ability to analyze legal cases and apply relevant PCT provisions.
• Ability to present clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Good organizational skills with the ability to work within strict deadlines.
• Client orientation with the ability to deliver high-quality client services.
• Ability to interpret and use data analytics tools to support decision-making and service improvement.
• Capacity to engage in outreach and promotional activities, including public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations 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

• Experience in a legal or paralegal role.
• Experience in data analysis.
• Experience in conducting outreach activities.
• Good knowledge of other PCT publication languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish).

Responsibilities

• Investigating, analyzing, researching, and preparing PCT applications with legal and/or processing problems for decision by the Deputy Director and Head of Section.
• Drafting letters and internal memoranda to resolve issues concerning PCT applications with legal and processing problems, and regarding access to file and issuance of certified copies.
• Reviewing and commenting on PCT procedures-related texts from various PCT divisions.
• Communicating with the PCT Operations Division on procedural matters and analyzing data to propose improved handling of PCT applications.
• Providing information and legal/procedural advice on the PCT procedure to applicants, agents, and inventors.
• Preparing draft revised and new PCT forms and assisting Legal Officers with projects related to amendments to PCT Regulations.
• Administering the 'Basic PCT Distance Learning Course', including updates, reviews, translations, and responding to user inquiries.
• Contributing to outreach and promotional activities to increase awareness of the PCT system through training, webinars, and stakeholder engagement.
• Supporting data analytics initiatives by collecting and analyzing user feedback, service metrics, and procedural data.
• Fostering a culture of high-quality customer-focused services by identifying customer needs and recommending best practices.
• Performing other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars.
• Post adjustment (cost of living allowance).
• 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