Associate Legal Officer

WIPO Headquarters, 34, chemin des Colombettes, 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland (GE020)

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

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

a. Organizational Setting

The post is located in the Hague Legal and Treaty Promotion Division of the Hague Registry. The Division plays a lead role towards enhancing the global positioning and wider and more effective use of the Hague System through the expansion of its membership base and the optimal and continuing development of its legal framework, mainly through Hague Working Group meetings. The Division also provides legal advice to existing and prospective Hague members, as well as to design right-holders and the Hague Operations Service.

b. Purpose Statement

The incumbent contributes to the legal development and geographical expansion of the Hague System through legal research, drafting of selected material and preliminary advisory support.

c. Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the Division.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

Hague System Governance and Legal advice:

a. Undertake research and support the preparation of documents and the organization of meetings of the Working Group and the Hague Union Assembly.

b. Prepare initial legal advice to design right-holders and Hague Operations Service.

Accession Support and Representation:

a. Conduct legal research and prepare initial drafts of selected legal material concerning the implementation and legal development of the Hague System; ensure the regular updates of such material.

b. Prepare preliminary legal analysis and advice on the alignment of prospective Hague member domestic laws with the Hague System.

c. Prepare initial drafts of dedicated pre- and post-accession material; support the organization of, and participate in, pre-accession consultations with prospective Hague members and post-accession legal training and activities for Offices of new Hague members.

d. Represent the Organization and participate at the appropriate level in conferences, seminars and other meetings with Offices of Contracting Parties and users of the Hague System; prepare presentations and deliver lectures.

e. Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law, international relations or other related discipline, with a specialization in intellectual property law.

Education (Desirable)

Post-graduate degree in intellectual property law.

Experience (Essential)

At least three years of professional experience in intellectual property law, including experience in industrial design law at the international level.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience of working with the Hague System.

Professional experience working within a national or regional IP office.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Good knowledge of Spanish or French.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Good knowledge of the international IP system.

Knowledge of the Hague system and its procedures.

Excellent analytical skills.

Ability to draft legal texts and communicate complex legal subject-matter to a diverse audience.

Excellent communication, networking 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, databases, information management systems, and online collaboration platforms. Commitment to continuous learning and the adoption of emerging technologies