Head, Policy and Legislative Advice Section

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 post is located in the Policy and Legislative Advice Section, which forms part of the Department for Trademarks, Designs and Geographical Indications, Brands and Designs Sector. The Department is responsible for the formulation of policies and the provision of strategic direction to preserve and strengthen the role of WIPO as the principal international forum for trademarks, designs and geographical indications, as well as for supporting Member States in their implementation and use of these IP categories in accordance with their socio-economic objectives.

b.    Purpose Statement

The Section is responsible for facilitating normative outcomes and providing expert policy and legal advice to Member States in the field of trademarks, designs and geographical indications, and for supporting Member States in creating an enabling environment for the development and practical use of trademarks, designs and geographical indications.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Senior Director, Department for Trademarks, Designs and Geographical Indications.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties\:

a.   Provide policy and legal advice on issues relating to trademarks, designs and geographical indications.

b.   Supervise the activities related to procedures under Article 6ter of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.

c.   Develop and implement activities furthering the accession of countries to the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks and the Riyadh Design Law Treaty and provide legal advice in this connection.

d.   Draft and review legal instruments, such as treaty texts, recommendations and other legislative materials.

e.   Provide Secretariat services to relevant committees and bodies dealing with matters falling within the competence of the Section; prepare notes and statements, formulate and revise texts and proposals, analyze and clarify legal issues and provide authoritative advice.

f.    Coordinate, approve and undertake research and studies, particularly in relation to intricate and/or sensitive areas as well as legal precedents.

g.   Lead, plan and control the work of the Section ensuring the effective management and efficient use of all financial, human and other resources; submit planning and budget proposals and activities in conformity with defined outcomes and objectives; supervise, evaluate and monitor individual and team performance levels in accordance with results-based management principles and follow up as appropriate.

h.   Plan, organize and participate in activities aimed at strengthening Member States' capacity in trademark and design administration, in particular in the area of examination of applications for registration.

i.    Represent the Organization at specialized meetings and established bodies of the Organization, provide legal expertise on all aspects of trademark, design and geographical indication law within overall policy considerations.

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in law with a specialization in intellectual property law. A first-level university degree in law plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the experience requested below may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience (Essential)

At least ten years of relevant professional experience in the field of trademark, design and geographical indication law and policy, including experience at the international level.

Experience managing a team of professionals.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of English and good knowledge of French or Spanish.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of UN official languages other than the essential language.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of legal and policy issues in trademark, design and geographical indication law and the respective international treaties. 

Ability to conduct and review comprehensive legal research and to draft complex legal texts. 

Ability to communicate complex legal subject-matter to a diverse audience and to formulate opinions on complex legal questions. 

Excellent organizational skills. 

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. 

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

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.

Mobility\:  WIPO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director General and may be assigned to any activities, office or duty station of the Organization.  Accordingly, the selected candidate may be required to move from time to time to new functions and/or to another duty station.

Annual salary\:

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment.  Please note that this estimate is for information only.  The post adjustment multiplier (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change (increase or decrease) without notice.  The figures quoted below are based on the April 2026 rate of 89.4%.

Please refer to WIPO’s Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.

Additional Information

Initial period of two years, renewable, subject to satisfactory performance.  No fixed-term appointment or any extension hereof shall carry with it any expectancy of, nor imply any right to, (further) extensions or conversion to a permanent appointment.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions in accordance with Staff Rule 4.9.5.

Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged. Please click on the following links for the list of unrepresented Member States and the list of underrepresented regions and the WIPO Member States in these regions.

The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.

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By completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this web site, or on any other documents submitted to WIPO during the application, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process, or termination of employment with WIPO at a later date, if that employment resulted from such willful misrepresentations.

In the event that your candidature is shortlisted, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of your identification and the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO recognizes higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed here\: http\://www.whed.net/. Some higher educational qualifications may not be listed in WHED, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening.  Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.

Additional background checks may be required.