Director, Division of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

 

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.

 

 

1. Organizational Setting

    

   The position is located in the Division of Artificial Intelligence (Al) Policy in the Office of the Director General (ODG) and Related Programs. The Division is responsible for the intellectual property (IP) policy concerning artificial intelligence (Al).

    

2. Purpose Statement

    

   In the context of WIPO’s response to the digital transformation of the Organization and in order to lead the promotion of innovation that is increasingly driven by artificial intelligence (Al) and data (used for training Al algorithms), WIPO will lead a process of consultations with Member States and other stakeholders on the understanding of the role of the IP policy response to AI.

    

   The main role of the Director will be to direct the work and manage the assets of the Division of Artificial Intelligence (Al) Policy; and to provide leadership in relation to the development of IP policy concerning Artificial Intelligence.

    

3. Reporting Lines

    

   The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director General.

4. Work Relations

         As AI affects all elements of IP, the Director of the Division will liaise with different units of the Organization and with external stakeholders.

  

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties\:

 

a.  Lead and define the work of the Division, including formulating key objectives and frameworks, exercising strategic asset management and deploying resources into value-added activities, managing and empowering staff and setting strategic direction for IP policy responses to Al.

 

b.  Assess the impact of Al on the IP system and policy to inform and facilitate WIPO's ability to evaluate the benefits of applying and using new technologies to improve the operational efficiency of IP Offices.

 

c.  Liaise with Member States and relevant industries and other external stakeholders in relation to policy formulation of Al and data, and identifying the important next steps for policymakers in creating an effective IP policy framework around Al and data.

 

d.  Deliver competitor intelligence and coordinate research on policy developments on Al and data as they relate to IP;  and keep abreast of emerging industry trends on the interaction between Al technologies and policies to govern the use of Al.

 

e.  Establish and develop relationships and/or partnerships with Member States, relevant industries and external stakeholders in relation to policy formulation of Al and data.

 

f.   Oversee the development and formulation of the process of consultation led by WIPO in relation to policy on Al and data, in the context of WIPO's mandate for promotion of innovation and efficient use of the IP system, in close cooperation with other units of the Organization.

 

g.  Coordinate and participate in conferences, meetings seminars and workshops organized by Member States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations focusing on Al and data and ensure communications with related stakeholders.

 

h.  Perform other related duties as required.  

 

 

Education

Essential

Advanced university degree in law, science, engineering or related field.  A first-level university degree plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the experience requested below may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

 

Desirable

Specialization or further qualification in industrial property law.

 

Experience

Essential

At least 15 years of relevant professional experience in the field of intellectual property, including in managerial or supervisory capacity.  Experience in the practice of industrial property at national or international level and in the development of IP policies in the public or private sectors.

 

Desirable

Experience in the organization of or participation in formal meetings between representatives of governments, intellectual property offices or similar bodies.

 

Experience working in an international environment.

Experience working with public sector organizations.

 

Language

Essential

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

 

Desirable

Knowledge of other official UN languages.

 

Job Related Competencies

Essential

Excellent managerial skills.

 

Excellent political judgement and capacity to work well with a range of actors, including WIPO stakeholders.

 

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to a wide and varied audience.

 

Excellent negotiating, communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

 

Excellent analytical skills relating to legal and technology related subjects. Good knowledge of the international IP system.

 

Good understanding of Al and data, in particular the IP issues relating to Al and data.

 

Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.

 

Ability to cultivate innovation and manage change. Proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives and accountability in delivering results.

 

Ability to assess risks and factor in contingencies when planning.

 

 

 

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 January 2020 rate of 77.4%

 

D1
Annual salary	$100,800
Post adjustment	$78,019
Total Salary	$178,819
Currency USD

 

 

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 an identification and of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link\: http\://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and these will be reviewed individually.

 

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.