Program Officer - 26224-FT_LT

Office of the Deputy Director General, Brands and Designs Sector

Grade - P3

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

Duty Station: CH-Geneva

Application Deadline: 20-Aug-2026, 11:59:00 PM CET

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

1. Organizational Context

a. Organizational Setting

The post is located in the Office of the Deputy Director General, Brands and Designs Sector (BDS). The Brands and Designs Sector has responsibility for international law development in the framework of the WIPO Standing Committee on the Law of Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications (SCT). The Sector is also responsible for the administration of the international registration systems of trademarks (Madrid Agreement and Protocol), industry designs (Hague Agreement) and appellations of origin (Lisbon Agreement). The Deputy Director General of BDS is also responsible for the WIPO Office in China (WOC) and the China Funds-in-Trust (FIT/CN).

b. Purpose Statement

The incumbent provides support to the Deputy Director General, Brands and Designs Sector in engagements and communications with internal and external stakeholders by actively contributing to stakeholder relationship development, formulation and implementation of programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the international registration systems in key major markets, particularly China.

c. Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director General.

d. Work Relations

The incumbent works in close coordination with the various Registries, Departments and Divisions of Organization, as well as with the WIPO Office in China, to ensure coordinated delivery of the work of the Sector.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a. Support the Deputy Director General in engaging with Member States, particularly China, and contribute to the formulation and implementation of programs and activities that promote the use of intellectual property and WIPO services. In consultation with the relevant BDS Registries, Departments and the WIPO Office in China, participate in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the work of the Sector activities, including initiatives aimed at promoting WIPO’s global IP services and policy priorities in China.

b. Develop and coordinate institutional relationships with Chinese authorities, institutions, industry associations, and regional or sub-regional organizations in the field of trademarks, industrial designs and geographic indications to improve communication on policy matters, to promote cooperation in various areas of IP, and contribute to strengthening WIPO’s engagement and visibility in China.

c. Contribute to the preparation of a broad range of information and promotion materials based on the relevant policy framework and guidance aimed at internal and external audiences at all levels. This includes senior-level briefing materials, executive briefing notes, presentations and speaking points/notes and correspondence to support the Deputy Director General’s engagement with Chinese counterparts and other stakeholders.

d. Provide logistical, and substantive support to facilitate the Deputy Director General's diplomatic engagement with China, maintaining stakeholder contacts and supporting follow-up actions with internal and external partners.

e. Participate in international, regional, and national events as part of WIPO's delegation as requested by the Deputy Director General and contribute to the Sector's outreach activities to support the promotion of WIPO's work and engagement with stakeholders, particularly China.

f. Perform other related duties as required.

3. Requirements

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, economics, social sciences, business management, international relations or another discipline.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience at the national and international level, including in the areas of international diplomacy and outreach.

Experience with cooperation programs and policy development at the national level in China.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in working with senior management or in a front office environment, dealing with a range of governmental and non-governmental organizations and the business community.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Chinese.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Agility and motivation to work in a fast-paced role, with a proven ability to master new subjects rapidly across a diverse range of subjects.

Excellent research and data analytical skills, and the ability to support effective governance and program implementation.

Sound political judgment and ability to anticipate potential sensitivities.

Discretion and integrity.

Excellent organizational skills, including attention to detail; with the ability to work within strict time constraints and to meet deadlines.

Proficiency in digital tools, AI-enabled applications, and online collaboration platforms. Commitment to continuous learning and the adoption of emerging technologies.

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.

4. Organizational Competencies

1. Communicating effectively.

2. Showing team spirit.

3. Demonstrating integrity.

4. Valuing diversity.

5. Producing results.

6. Showing service orientation.

7. Seeing the big picture.

8. Seeking change and innovation.

9. Developing yourself and others.

For more information, including on the salaries and benefits, please check the WIPO Careers website.