Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Job Reference: 26310-FT_LT
Grade: P2
Contract Duration: 2 years (renewable up to a maximum cumulative period of 5 years)
Contract Type: Limited-term fixed-term appointment
Application Deadline: 26 November 2026 at 12:59 AM
Organizational Context
The position is located in the Hague Legal and Treaty Promotion Division of the Hague Registry. The Division plays a leading role in enhancing the global positioning and wider and more effective use of the Hague System through the expansion of its membership base and the continued development of its legal framework, mainly through Hague Working Group meetings.
The Division also provides legal advice to existing and prospective Hague members, design right-holders and the Hague Operations Service.
The incumbent will contribute to the legal development and geographical expansion of the Hague System through legal research, drafting selected materials and providing preliminary advisory support.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
Hague System Governance and Legal Advice
- Undertake research and support the preparation of documents and organisation of meetings of the Working Group and the Hague Union Assembly.
- Prepare initial legal advice for design right-holders and the Hague Operations Service.
Accession Support and Representation
- Conduct legal research and prepare initial drafts of selected legal materials concerning the implementation and legal development of the Hague System, ensuring regular updates.
- Prepare preliminary legal analysis and advice on the alignment of prospective Hague members’ domestic laws with the Hague System.
- Prepare initial drafts of dedicated pre- and post-accession materials.
- Support the organisation of, and participate in, pre-accession consultations with prospective Hague members and post-accession legal training and activities for Offices of new Hague members.
- Represent the Organization and participate in conferences, seminars and other meetings with Offices of Contracting Parties and users of the Hague System.
- Prepare presentations and deliver lectures.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Requirements
Education (Essential)
- First-level university degree in Law, International Relations or another related discipline, with a specialisation in intellectual property law.
Education (Desirable)
- Postgraduate degree in intellectual property law.
Experience (Essential)
- At least three years of professional experience in intellectual property law, including experience in industrial design law at the international level.
Experience (Desirable)
- Experience working with the Hague System.
- Professional experience working within a national or regional intellectual property office.
Language
- Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English is essential.
- Good knowledge of Spanish or French is desirable.
Job-Related Competencies
- Good knowledge of the international intellectual property system.
- Knowledge of the Hague System and its procedures.
- Excellent analytical skills.
- Ability to draft legal texts and communicate complex legal subject matter to diverse audiences.
- Excellent communication, networking and interpersonal skills, with the ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
- Proficiency in digital tools, AI-enabled applications, databases, information management systems and online collaboration platforms.
- Commitment to continuous learning and the adoption of emerging technologies.
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 Information
The annual salary for Grade P2 is based on the October 2026 post adjustment rate of 80.3%.
- Annual net salary: USD 50,377
- Post adjustment: USD 40,453
- Total annual salary: USD 90,830
Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official United Nations exchange rate. The post adjustment is variable and subject to change.
Additional Information
The initial fixed-term appointment is for two years and may be renewed subject to satisfactory performance and other applicable conditions. The selected candidate’s appointment will be subject to an overall term of five years in this position, normally with no possibility of renewal beyond that term. The selected candidate may, however, apply and be considered for other positions at WIPO.
The five-year overall term does not apply to WIPO staff members on permanent, continuing or regular fixed-term appointments.
This vacancy announcement may also be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions.
Applications from qualified women, nationals of unrepresented WIPO Member States and nationals of underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged.
WIPO reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than advertised. Shortlisted candidates may be required to provide scanned copies of identification and relevant academic qualifications. Additional testing or interviews may be used as part of the selection process. Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references, and additional background checks may be required.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications online through the WIPO recruitment portal before the closing date.
Apply Online: Click here to apply
Application Deadline: 26 November 2026 at 12:59 AM (applicant’s local time).