Fellowship (Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, Traditional Cultural Expressions)

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 Traditional Knowledge Division.  The Division facilitates international negotiations on intellectual property (IP) and genetic resources (GRs), traditional knowledge (TK) and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) and undertakes a wide range of complementary capacity-building and technical assistance projects and activities for the benefit of Member States, regional organizations and Indigenous Peoples and local communities. 

      b. Purpose Statement

This fellowship provides an opportunity for a young professional to gain knowledge and experience in multilateral treaty negotiation and diplomacy, specifically in the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) text-based negotiations to finalize an agreement on an international legal instrument(s) for the protection of traditional knowledge (TK), traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) and genetic resources (GRs).

By contributing directly to the Division’s work and activities, the fellow will deepen the understanding of WIPO’s activities related to text-based negotiations, program management, and delivery of programs for the benefit of Member States which focus on genetic resources, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions.

In addition, the fellowship offers exposure to develop greater knowledge and understanding of program management, logistical preparations and Secretariat support work for the IGC and apply substantive knowledge in a practical setting.

 The Fellow will assist with the planning, organizing and coordinating the administration of sessions of the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources (IGC) and related meetings and activities, as well as liaise with participants if needed.  The Fellow also assists in planning, organizing and coordinating the meetings and activities supporting the ratification and accession of the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK Treaty).

c.  Reporting Lines

The Fellow works under the supervision of the Director of the Traditional Knowledge Division and/or her delegate.

The Fellow will perform the following principal duties:

a.     Assist in managing effectively and efficiently the IGC Secretariat’s logistical and technical support provided to the IGC sessions and related meetings, including conceptualization, initiation, execution and finalization of the IGC sessions and related meetings.

b.     Contribute to the preparation of working, information and informal documents for IGC sessions and related meetings, with a particular emphasis on the facilities and mechanisms that ensure representation and participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in the IGC process;

c.     Provide substantive support including on the logistical and administrative side to other IGC-related activities, as appropriate.

d.     Maintain contacts with Member States, and international organizations, as well as other stakeholders, especially the Indigenous Peoples and local communities.   

e.     Assist in managing effectively and efficiently the logistical and technical support provided for the meetings and activities relating to the GRATK Treaty, as appropriate.

f.      Contribute to the preparation of working, information and informal documents for the meetings and activities relating to the GRATK Treaty.

g.     Perform other related duties as required.

Education

Essential:

First-level university degree in international relations, business administration, law, communications, development studies, diplomacy, or a related field.

Desirable:

Project management certification.

Experience

Essential:  

At least six months up to one year of relevant professional experience in the area of intellectual property and preferably related to project management.

Desirable:

Experience in organizing and managing intergovernmental processes.

Experience in communities and community enterprises.

Languages

Essential:

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Desirable:

Working knowledge of other UN official languages would be an advantage. 

Job-Related Competencies

Essential:

Sound knowledge of project management methodologies.

Knowledge of development concerns and needs in various countries.

Excellent analytical and organizational skills.

Excellent drafting skills.

Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the internet.

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

Awareness of the field of IP in relation to Genetic Resources (GRs), Traditional Knowledge (TK) and/or/ Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs).

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 1, 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.