Python Job: Young Experts Program (YEP)

1. Introduction and Organizational Context

a. Introduction

WIPO’s Young Experts Program aims at forging the next generation of intellectual property leaders. The two-year program hosted at WIPO is designed to expose young people with high potential, particularly from developing and least developed countries, as well as countries in transition, to the technical and policy aspects of IP. YEP selectees will enjoy a wide-ranging and cohesive WIPO working experience, focused on on-the-job learning and exposure to different sectors, focus areas and colleagues. The YEP will also include regular networking opportunities with top and senior leadership at WIPO.

b. Organizational Context

The selected Young Experts will be allocated to assignments in accordance with organizational needs and priorities and based on the profile and expressed interest of the candidates.

c. Reporting Lines

The Young Expert will be assigned a direct supervisor and be under the general guidance of the relevant Sector Lead.

d. Work Relations

The Young Expert will work with colleagues in Divisions and Departments across the whole of WIPO, as well as external partners.

2. Assignments 2023 - 2024 (12)

Assignment 1 (YEP 1)

2023 - Customer Experience Section, Infrastructure and Platforms Sector

2024 - The Hague Registry, Brands and Designs Sector

Assignment

Working in the Customer Experience Section (Year 1), you will start understanding the overall experience perceived by WIPO’s customers. You will learn the practical industry-standard CX tools and techniques and apply them. In Year 2 (the Hague Registry), you will contribute to the Hague Registry’s marketing strategy, including business analytics and communication materials.

First-level university degree in business, industrial design, UX/UI design, service design or related fields.

Knowledge of user experience design, service design, digital marketing or customer services.

Knowledge of the Hague system.

Assignment 2 (YEP 2)

2023 - PCT Legal and User Relations Division, Patents and Technology Sector

2024 - Customer Experience Section, Infrastructure and Platforms Sector

Assignment

Working in the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Legal and User Relations Division (Year 1), you will start your assignment with a thorough training on one of the most successful international treaties in the IP world. You will participate in the preparation of PCT information materials and in projects relating to the presentation of those materials to PCT users. In Year 2 you will apply the acquired knowledge to projects relating to the marketing of and raising awareness about the PCT and other WIPO services. You will learn practical CX tools and techniques and apply them.

First-level university degree in Law, engineering, science or closely related fields.

Exposure to the field of patents, and ideally, patent law.

Assignment 3 (YEP 3)

2023 - IP and Competition Policy, Office of the Assistant Director-General, Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector

2024 - Copyright Management Division, Copyright and Creative Industries Sector

Assignment

You will work in close cooperation with colleagues from both the IP & Competition Policy Area (Year 1) and Copyright Management Division (Year 2). In the IP and Competition Policy Area, you will research the current regulatory framework in which Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) operate as well as the competition case law in various jurisdictions concerning CMOs. In the Copyright Management Division, you will assist in preparing and implementing technical assistance projects, initiatives and tools, to the benefit of WIPO Member States and CMOs worldwide.

First-level university degree in Law, IP economics, international relations, or other closely related field.

Basic knowledge of collective management of copyright and related rights.

Basic knowledge of competition law and policy.

Assignment 4 (YEP 4)

2023 - Patents and Technology Law Division, Patents and Technology Sector.

2024 - Division for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Regional and National Development Sector.

Assignment

Working in the Patent and Technology Law Division (Year 1), you will acquire essential knowledge and expertise on patent and technology law. You will assist with implementing projects providing legislative advice on patent-related issues, as well as a substantive and procedural review of the methodology used by the Division in delivering such advice. Working in the Division for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) (Year 2), you will be involved in technical assistance projects providing legislative and policy support on patent-related issues for the beneficiary LDCs within the framework of the WIPO Deliverables for Least Developed Countries for 2022-2031, as well as WIPO’s Graduation Support Package for LDCs.

First-level university degree in Law.

Assignment 5 (YEP 5)

2023 - Copyright Law Division, Copyright and Creative Industries Sector

2024 - Division for Latin America and the Caribbean, Regional and National Development Sector

Assignment

Working in the Copyright Law Division and the Division for Latin America and the Caribbean, you will support the preparation, execution and follow-up of events and projects aimed at promoting and strengthening the protection and management of IP, including the related legal aspects of IP and Sports. You will support the development of the WIPO cross-sectoral initiative on IP, with a focus on IP and Sports, contributing to the development of related substantive knowledge material in IP law as well as to the implementation of development initiatives. Year 1 will cover a broad range of IP and Sports topics and focus on building legal frameworks and designing projects, while Year 2 will focus directly on implementation of specific projects and partnerships in different areas of IP with countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Advanced level university degree in either Intellectual Property Law or Development Studies

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English and Spanish

Assignment 6 (YEP 6)

2023 - Youth Engagement, Office of the Assistant Director General, Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector

2024 - Copyright Law Division, Copyright and Creative Industries Sector

Assignment

Working in the Youth Engagement area (Year 1) and the Copyright Law Division (Year 2), you will support the preparation, execution and follow-up of events and projects aimed at sensitizing youth in IP. You will contribute to the production of substantive knowledge material in IP law in relation to various thematic areas such as sports, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, education, the arts and innovation. Year 1 will cover a broad scope of IP and youth issues, while Year 2 will focus more directly on youth and IP in relation to sports.

Written and spoken proficiency in both English and French.

Demonstrated interest in sports.

Competence in social media.

Legal experience/knowledge.

Assignment 7 (YEP 7)

2023 - Building Respect for IP Division, Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector.

2024 - WIPO Academy, Regional and National Development Sector.

Working in the Building Respect for Intellectual Property Division (Year 1) and the WIPO Academy (Year 2), you will assist in designing and implementing technical assistance projects and programs, initiatives and tools for law enforcement officials, including the development of a distance learning course on IP enforcement.

Demonstrated knowledge of IP enforcement.

Advanced level university degree in Law.

Assignment 8 (YEP 8)

2023 – Department for Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications, Brands and Designs Sector.

2024 – National IP Strategies Section, Innovation and Ecosystems Sector.

In Year 1 you will be involved in different events including: the WIPO Standing Committee on the Law of Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications (SCT), the 2023 edition of the Worldwide Symposium on Geographical Indications, as well as in a preparatory conference for the 2024 Diplomatic Conference for the Adoption of a Design Law Treaty. Working in the National IP Strategies Section (Year 2), you will be exposed to a number of National IP Strategies with developing countries at various phases of development.

Knowledge of trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications.

Practical experience in the IP and innovation ecosystem.

Assignment 9 (YEP 9)

2023 - Advanced Technology Applications Center (ATAC), Infrastructure and Platforms Sector

2024 – Copyright Management Division, Copyright and Creative Industries Sector

In Year 1 you will contribute to the development of innovative practical tools using recent AI techniques applied to intellectual property. You will participate in new developments with a special focus on their applications in intellectual property and, more specifically on copyright. In Year 2, you will support projects involving the use of new technologies for the management of copyright and related rights.

IT knowledge: ability to develop new algorithms (ideally confident with python/linux/cloud environments, e.g. AWS).

Knowledge of machine learning technique and libraries.

Knowledge of distributed ledger technologies.

Assignment 10 (YEP 10)

2023 – IP Commercialization Section, IP for Business Division, IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector

2024 – Division for Transition and Developed Countries (TDC), Regional and National Development Sector

Working in the Division for Transition and Developed Countries and the IP Commercialization Section, you will start by assisting with the design and implantation of initiatives, tools and skill building programs on IP commercialization, patent drafting, and the Inventor Assistance Program. In Year 2, you will promote and support the execution of these programs in Transition and Developed Countries.

None.

Assignment 11 (YEP 11)

2023 – Office of the Controller, Administration, Finance and Management Sector

2024 – IP Commercialization Section, IP for Business Division, IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector

You will work on initiatives related to business and process improvement, business analysis and emerging issues related to intangibles. This includes research and consultation on financial policy matters such as finance, risk management and internal controls, as well as emerging policy issues like accounting standards on the valuation of intangible assets. A significant part of this assignment will involve supporting WIPO’s efforts to move intangible asset finance from the margins to the mainstream.

Additional Essential Requirements

None

Additional Desirable Requirements

Knowledge of IP commercialization.

Experience in a global accounting or consulting firm.

Professional designation in the areas of finance or accounting.

Interest and/or experience in business analysis, policies on emerging financing and valuation models, corporate finance, valuation of intangible assets and related international accounting standards (IFRS and/or IPSAS).

Assignment 12 (YEP 12)

2023 – News & Media Division, Sector of the Director General

2024 – Diplomatic Engagement & Assemblies Affairs Division, Sector of the Director General

Assignment

In Year 1 you will participate in the development and distribution of externally focused content on WIPO’s social media channels and be involved in other communications projects. You will acquire a broad understanding of WIPO and how to effectively communicate on complex technical issues in layperson style, on different platforms and through a variety of communications assets. This will prepare you for Year 2 where you will acquire an in-depth understanding of how WIPO interacts with its government stakeholders. In 2023/24, two diplomatic conferences are expected to culminate in two new international treaties. You will be closely involved in the organization of these high-level diplomatic events.

Additional Essential Requirements

Excellent diplomatic skills and sensitivity to geopolitical issues.

Knowledge and experience in managing social media platforms (namely: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram).

Creative writing and content development skills.

3. Requirements

To be eligible to apply candidates must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.

Candidates must be available to participate in the two-year program 2023-2024 and explicitly confirm this in their application.

Candidates must express interest in one or two YEP assignments listed under section 2. Candidates must meet at least the essential requirements for their selected YEP assignments in addition to at least the essential requirements listed below.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree

Experience (Essential)
At least 2 years of relevant experience.

Experience (Desirable)
Experience in the area of Intellectual Property.
Experience in project management.

Language (Essential)
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Language (Desirable)
Knowledge of any other United Nations official languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment.

Excellent organizational skills.

Excellent research, analytical skills and drafting.

4. Organizational Competencies

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. Information

• WIPO provides medical and accident insurance coverage during the course of the program.

• Contribution toward travel expenses will be provided. If necessary, WIPO may provide assistance in obtaining an entry visa to Switzerland.

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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.