Legal Officer

WIPO • Geneva, IL

5h

About The Position

Coordinating with other vertical and horizontal WIPO sectors, the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector (IES) is responsible for helping Member States develop their IP and innovation ecosystems to drive enterprise and economic growth. IES is also responsible for providing support for researchers and innovators, as well as enterprises, including SMEs, in IP commercialization and otherwise using IP for business growth; issues relating to the emergence of IP as an asset class; and the development of advisory expertise in these and related areas, for example, in national IP strategies.
Within IES, the position is located in the External Relations and Planning Section of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, which is a resource center for the resolution of IP disputes between private parties through methods other than court litigation. The Center's areas of activity are covered by the IP Disputes Section, the Business Development and Digital Content Disputes Section, the Internet Dispute Resolution Section, and the External Relations and Planning Section. The External Relations and Planning Section is responsible for providing advice and resources on the Center’s alternative dispute resolution services, and supporting the Center’s outreach, policy development and implementation, planning IT infrastructure, program, budget, and case administration.
The incumbent contributes to the planning and legal work of the Center, including contributing to the development of Center-supported dispute resolution policies, planning IT case management infrastructure and managing related projects.
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the External Relations and Planning Section in the Center's Office in Geneva.
The incumbent will liaise with a wide range of colleagues across the Organization (Legal, IT and Finance/Budget), and with external parties, such as Member State IP Offices and Courts.

Requirements

• First-level university degree in law or another relevant discipline.
• At least six years of relevant professional experience, including experience in intellectual property law or alternative dispute resolution in a law firm and/or department or agency.
• Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.
• Broad understanding of intellectual property and alternative dispute resolution.
• Excellent information technology skills in the context of case management processes.
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Flexibility and team spirit.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.
• Ease and tact in personal contacts at all levels.

Nice To Haves

• University degree including studies in international law.
• Ability to work in other WIPO languages.
• Good understanding of the procedures applicable to the work of the work unit.
• Knowledge of WIPO's Global IP services, particularly the PCT, Madrid, and Hague systems.

Responsibilities

• Promote the mediation, arbitration, domain name services of the Center, and WIPO’s global services as applicable, including organizing and presenting online or in-person events.
• Coordinate the development and initiation of new Center-supported alternative dispute resolution policies for Member State IP Offices and Courts needs and implement such policies.
• Administer mediation, arbitration and expert determination cases filed with the Center, and provide guidance for junior legal staff.
• Provide procedural guidance in relation to WIPO alternative dispute resolution in response to queries received.
• Planning with WIPO Information and Communication Technology Department (ICTD) and Department of Program Planning and Finance (PPBD) colleagues regarding development and integration of new or enhanced applications for efficient case management and improved user experience, including input on project initiation documentation and related reports.
• Manage assigned projects in line with the Center’s program and annual workplans.
• Preparing and coordinating the Center’s General Assemblies documents and related contributions, as well as briefing notes for WIPO senior management.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What This Job Offers

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