WIPO, the United Nations agency for intellectual property, is recruiting an Associate Program Officer (P-2) on a one-year Temporary Appointment in Geneva, Switzerland. The role sits within the Development Agenda Coordination Division, supporting IP and development programming for WIPO member states. Youth Works Hub reviewed this vacancy: the application deadline is 05 November 2026.
About WIPO: The United Nations Agency for Intellectual Property
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to the use of intellectual property (patents, copyright, trademarks, and designs) as a means of stimulating innovation and creativity. WIPO works with 193 member states to develop balanced and accessible international IP systems, contributing to economic development while safeguarding the public interest.
🏛️ WIPO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, one of the world's leading hubs for multilateral diplomacy and international law. As one of the most financially self-sustaining UN agencies, WIPO administers global IP treaties and services, runs international registration systems for patents, trademarks, and designs, and operates an extensive development assistance program for member states worldwide.
About the Division: Development Agenda Coordination (DACD)
The post is located in the Development Agenda Coordination Division (DACD), part of the Regional and National Development Sector at WIPO.
📋 The DACD coordinates the implementation of the WIPO Development Agenda: a set of 45 recommendations adopted by WIPO member states to ensure that development considerations are integrated into all aspects of WIPO's work.
🏛️ The Division serves as the Secretariat for the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP), facilitating its work in defining and reviewing actions for implementing the Development Agenda. The Division interfaces with both internal and external stakeholders and promotes awareness of the WIPO Development Agenda and its benefits across the organization and among member states.
Purpose of the Role
🎯 The Associate Program Officer contributes to the implementation and mainstreaming of WIPO's Development Agenda by supporting Development Agenda projects and initiatives and the substantive work of the CDIP.
🔁 Through research, analysis, project monitoring, and stakeholder engagement, the incumbent contributes to the effective delivery of the Division's work program and related Development Agenda priorities.
📊 The position reports to the Counsellor of the Division and liaises extensively with internal stakeholders across WIPO, as well as external stakeholders including Member States, IP offices (IPOs), intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), and NGOs.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Associate Program Officer will perform the following principal duties:
📝 Contribute to the preparation of documentation, reports, and other substantive materials for the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP)
🔧 Provide substantive support for the coordination and implementation of Development Agenda projects and activities, including their evaluation and mainstreaming within the work of the organization
🔬 Carry out research and analysis, compile information, and prepare reports, project documentation, and other substantive inputs in support of Development Agenda projects and related activities
📈 Monitor the implementation and progress of Development Agenda projects and activities, analyze relevant information, and document significant developments, decisions, deviations, and follow-up actions
✅ Support the implementation and follow-up of recommendations and action points arising from evaluations and reviews, as well as relevant decisions of the CDIP
🏟️ Provide substantive, organizational, and administrative support for CDIP sessions and other Development Agenda-related meetings and conferences
✈️ Participate in missions and awareness-raising activities, including the preparation of background materials and follow-up activities
🤝 Contribute to communication activities relating to the Development Agenda and maintain effective working contacts with relevant internal and external stakeholders, including Member States and intergovernmental organizations
🗂️ Perform other related duties as required
Requirements
Education
🎓 A first-level university degree in development studies, economics, international relations, law, or a related discipline is required.
Essential Experience
🌐 At least three years of relevant professional experience in the field of intellectual property, including experience obtained at the international level
🏢 Experience in supporting intergovernmental processes at an international level
📋 Experience in supporting project implementation, monitoring, reporting, and follow-up
Desirable Experience
💡 Experience in capacity building and technical assistance
Language
🗣️ Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English (Essential)
💬 Knowledge of other official UN languages, in particular Spanish (Desirable)
Core Competencies
🗒️ Excellent organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks within established timeframes
🤝 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
🗂️ Good knowledge of project management principles, practices, monitoring, and reporting
🧠 Sound judgment: ability to quickly assess complex and fast-moving situations and developments
📊 Excellent research and analytical skills: ability to synthesize information from different sources and prepare clear and concise reports
💻 Good digital literacy, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the ability to effectively use internet-based tools and other digital technologies relevant to project implementation, information management, and communication
🔒 Discretion and integrity: ability to handle sensitive information and matters appropriately
Organizational Competencies
WIPO evaluates all professional staff against nine organizational competencies:
🗨️ Communicating effectively
🤲 Showing team spirit
✊ Demonstrating integrity
🌍 Valuing diversity
🏆 Producing results
🛎️ Showing service orientation
🔭 Seeing the big picture
💡 Seeking change and innovation
📚 Developing yourself and others
Salary and Compensation
This position carries the P-2 grade salary under the UN common system. All figures are estimates based on the October 2026 cost-of-living rate for Geneva.
💵 Net annual salary: $50,377 (net of taxes, before deductions for medical insurance and pension fund)
📍 Post adjustment (Geneva, 80.3%): $40,453 (variable cost-of-living allowance, subject to change without notice)
🧾 Total estimated annual compensation: $90,830 USD
Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official UN rate of exchange. For full details, refer to WIPO's Staff Regulation and Rules.
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Contract and Appointment Details
📌 Grade: P-2 (UN common salary scale, Professional category)
📄 Contract type: Temporary Appointment (TA)
⏱️ Initial duration: 1 year
🔄 Renewal: Renewable, subject to continuing needs, available budget, and satisfactory performance, with a maximum cumulative length of two years
🗺️ Duty station: Geneva, Switzerland
🏛️ Organizational unit: Development Agenda Coordination Division (DACD), Regional and National Development Sector, WIPO
Selection Process
WIPO uses a multi-step selection process for all professional positions:
🔍 Additional testing and interviewing may be used as a form of screening in addition to the initial application review
📋 Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references
🔎 Additional background checks may be required
📄 Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of their identification and the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position
🎓 WIPO recognizes higher educational qualifications from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) and UNESCO
📌 Applications from qualified women and from qualified nationals of unrepresented WIPO member states and underrepresented geographical regions are particularly encouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WIPO Development Agenda?
The WIPO Development Agenda is a set of 45 recommendations adopted by WIPO member states to ensure that development considerations are embedded across WIPO's work programs. It addresses the relationship between IP, development, and technology transfer. The Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP) oversees its implementation and meets regularly in Geneva to review progress. The DACD serves as the Secretariat for the CDIP, making this role central to one of WIPO's core mandates.
Is this role open to all nationalities?
Yes. WIPO has 193 member states and actively encourages applications from all nationalities, with particular emphasis on candidates from unrepresented member states and underrepresented geographical regions. No nationality restriction applies beyond standard UN eligibility requirements.
Is a Master's degree required?
No. The official WIPO vacancy states a first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) as the essential educational requirement. The key qualification beyond education is at least three years of relevant professional experience in the field of intellectual property, including at the international level.
Can a Temporary Appointment lead to a longer-term contract?
Temporary Appointments at WIPO are renewable, subject to continuing needs, available budget, and satisfactory performance, with a maximum cumulative length of two years. Beyond two years, continuation would require a different contract type. While a TA is not a direct pathway to a Continuing Appointment, it provides substantive UN work experience and can support applications for Fixed-Term or Continuing Appointments in the future.
What language skills does this role require?
Excellent written and spoken English is required. The desirable second language for this specific role is Spanish, listed as particularly relevant for the DACD given the committee's work with developing country member states in various regions.
What is the P-2 grade in the UN system?
P-2 is the second level in the Professional category of the UN common salary scale. It is designed for entry-to-mid professional staff with a first-level university degree and around three or more years of relevant experience. P-2 staff carry substantive programmatic responsibilities including research, analysis, reporting, and coordination, and work under the supervision of more senior staff.
Is this role based on-site in Geneva?
Yes. The duty station is CH-Geneva, meaning the post is physically based at WIPO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The role also involves participation in missions and awareness-raising activities, which may require travel.
Deadline
⏳ 05 November 2026
Link
https://wipo.taleo.net/careersection/wp_2_pd/jobdetail.ftl?job=26309-TA&lang=en
