Junior Professional Officer Program (JPO)

WIPO shall recruit its JPOs in a near future through the JPO Service Centre in Copenhagen. Detailed information on how to apply to become a JPO, and the conditions of employment of this UN-wide program can be found on its website: http://www.jposc.org.

The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Program within WIPO is a starting point for young professionals who wish to pursue a career within the realm of the intellectual property (IP) system. JPOs are sponsored by their respective governments and some governments also sponsor developing country candidates. JPOs serve at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva. Their assignments vary: under the supervision of a senior staff member, JPOs work with international and national staff and are involved in developing a balanced and accessible intellectual property (IP) system, which rewards creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to economic development while safeguarding the public interest.

Qualifications

Candidates for the JPO Program are selected following a highly competitive process. In order to be considered for the program, the following qualifications are required:

• Usually be under 32 years of age;
• Academic qualifications: Master's degree (or equivalent) in a discipline related to law or management and administration;
• Language skills: written and spoken proficiency in English. Knowledge of another UN languages would be desirable.
• Evidence of ability to think strategically; to express ideas clearly; to work independently and in teams; to demonstrate a sense of self-assuredness combined with cultural and gender sensitivity;
• A strong commitment to the concept of intellectual property, an interest in multi-lateral cooperation, and a desire to work with people with different language, national and cultural backgrounds
• Respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and the participating UN agencies’ Mission Statements.

Contract

JPOs are offered one-year fixed term contracts which are normally renewed for a second year (two years being the usual length of assignment), subject to satisfactory performance. Salaries correspond with those of entry-level UN professional staff (P1 - P2).