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.

a. Organizational Setting

The position is located in the Office of the Legal Counsel (OLC). OLC is responsible for providing legal advice and assistance to the Director General, the bodies of WIPO Member States, and the Secretariat to ensure that WIPO's activities and operations are conducted in accordance with its constituent instruments and applicable laws. The Office comprises three distinct sections: the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Section, the Administrative Law Section, and the Contracts and General Legal Section.

b. Purpose Statement

The incumbent provides comprehensive legal research, analysis, and drafting support across OLC. Operating in a highly dynamic environment, the incumbent assists in safeguarding the legal interests of the Organization by providing agile legal support to all three Sections, tailoring legal solutions to constitutional, administrative, and contractual matters.

c. Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the immediate supervision of the Deputy Legal Counsel.

d. Work Relations

The incumbent will routinely work with all OLC colleagues and, as part of the Office's mandate, will also liaise with other departments and offices in the Organization.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a. Conduct legal research and analysis to support the work of all three Sections in providing legal advice in the areas of public international law, treaty law, administrative law and contract law.

b. Assist with tasks relating to the depository functions of international treaties and agreements administered by the Organization, through the preparation of treaty-action notifications, the updating of information relating thereto, and the maintenance of records.

c. Assist with the review and processing of requests by intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations for permanent observer status in the Organization and the provision of requisite information to Member States, including the preparation of documents for the admission of new observers.

d. Contribute to the resolution of legal questions relating to the interpretation and application of the Staff Regulations and Rules and to disputes as to their application.

e. Assist in the preparation of pleadings and other documents for submission to the WIPO Appeal Board and the ILO Administrative Tribunal.

f. Support the process of annual reporting on matters pertaining to WIPO's administration of justice system.

g. Contribute to the review and clearance of agreements, memoranda of understanding and partnership arrangements concluded between the Organization and governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations as well as other public or private entities.

h. Support the provision of legal advice relating to operational activities of the Organization, including information technology and digital transformation initiatives, data governance, procurement, property management and financial matters, to ensure compliance of WIPO's activities with its regulatory framework.

i. Perform other tasks in the area of competence as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law.

Education (Desirable)

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law, preferably with a specialization in public international law, administrative law, or commercial law.

Experience (Essential)

At least three years of relevant professional experience, including experience in legal research and drafting, and providing legal analyses and/or advice in a law firm, corporate legal department, government agency, or international organization.

Relevant professional experience in one or more of the following areas: public international law, treaty law, the law of international organizations, administrative law, dispute resolution, or contract law.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience working in an international organization, public administration, or judicial institution.

Experience supporting dispute resolution processes.

Experience reviewing contracts, partnership agreements or institutional governance documentation.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.