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

 Fellowships aim to provide fellows with experience to strengthen their knowledge and professional  

 competence, which they can apply in their professional field once they have completed their fellowship with 

 WIPO. Fellowships are awarded for specific activities, which provide the fellows training, within the approved 

 workplan of the employing office.

The fellowship is hosted by the Department for Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications. 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, industrial designs and geographical indications, as well as for supporting Member States in the implementation and use of these IP categories in accordance with their socio-economic objectives. The Department is also responsible for the administration of the Lisbon Registry for Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications.

(b)  Purpose Statement

The fellowship aims to allow the selected fellow to gain practical experience with regard to the facilitation of normative outcomes for the international law of trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications.  The Fellow will assist the servicing of the WIPO Standing Committee on the Law of Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications (SCT), and in advising Member States in the development of balanced legislative, regulatory and policy frameworks for those intellectual property rights.  Moreover, she/he contributes to the work of the Department in supporting Member States in the implementation of projects for the use of trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications in accordance with their socio-economic objectives.

The learning objectives of the fellowship focus on the legislative and policy advice activities of the DTIDGI.  More specifically, the fellow will be able to increase his or her knowledge and skills with regard to providing legislative and policy assistance to WIPO Member States in the area of trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications, facilitating international policy dialogue among WIPO Member States and ensuring cooperation and coordination between the work of WIPO and other stakeholders in the same area. 

(c) Reporting lines

The Fellow will work under the supervision of the Senior Director of the Department and of colleagues designated by the Senior Director.

The Fellow will be required to perform the following principal duties:

(a)   Assist in the preparation of legislative advice to Member States and other stakeholders in the fields of trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications.

(b)   Contribute to the preparation of working documents for WIPO relevant committees and bodies in the fields of trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications.

(c)   Carry out research and prepare background papers and reports dealing with specific topics in the law of trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications.

(d)   Reply to general correspondence and inquiries and provide advice on general legal questions concerning the law of trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications.

(e)   Contribute to the organization of seminars, workshops and training courses, in liaison with other work units in WIPO, and deliver presentations in those activities.

(f)    Participate in the implementation of projects in the fields of trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications.

(g)   Perform other related duties as required.

Education

Essential

A first‑level university degree in Law.

Desirable

An advanced university degree in Law, including studies in intellectual property.

Experience

Essential

At least six months up to one year of relevant professional legal experience in the public or private sector.

Demonstrated knowledge of intellectual property (IP) law.

Desirable

Working experience with intellectual property law in the public or private sector.

Languages

Essential

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English, including the ability to draft legal provisions and documents.

Desirable

Knowledge of any other UN languages would be an advantage.  

Job-related competencies

Essential

Ability to design and conduct research and analyze defined aspects of legal issues, including the ability to examine

legal provisions and determine the operational and practical implications of their implementation.

Excellent communication skills, in particular, ability to draft legal provisions and documents and to present complex

legal concepts clearly and logically in written and oral form.

Sound judgment and integrity.

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural

environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, and ability to learn 

and adapt quickly to new software. 

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

5. Terms and conditions

 a)    Term of fellowship:  A fellowship contract may be granted for a period of up to 12 months. The contract may be extended one or more times, provided that the maximum cumulative length of the fellowship does not exceed a period of three years. 

 b)    Anticipated Start Date: March 15, 2026.

 c)     Location: WIPO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland.

 d)    Stipend: CHF 5,000 monthly.

 e)   Travel expenses: WIPO shall contribute towards the cost of the fellow’s travel on engagement and separation from service. If necessary, WIPO may provide assistance in obtaining an entry visa to Switzerland.

 f)   WIPO contributes to the medical insurance and provides accident insurance coverage during the course of the fellowship.

 g) WIPO will request a “carte de légitimation” for the Fellow, which serves as a residence and work permit, from the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and to the other international organizations in Geneva. Family members of the Fellow are not eligible for a “carte de legitimation.”

 h)  Tax and social security: Fellows shall be solely responsible for meeting any taxation and social security obligations that may arise directly or indirectly from their contract with WIPO.  

Additional information
 

WIPO values diversity among its personnel and is committed to equal employment opportunities. We welcome applications from qualified candidates from unrepresented Member States of WIPO, and from underrepresented geographical regions and groups, including people with disabilities. If candidates need any accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, they should contact their HR focal point when they receive an invitation.

Fellows are not staff members of WIPO, and the position does not lead to any employment rights and entitlements beyond the terms of the fellowship.

The Fellowship will take place in Geneva, Switzerland and it cannot be carried out remotely.

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.