Individual Consultant/Contractor Service (ICS)
Contribute your expertise to WIPO’s mission
We frequently engage external experts for specialized functions that are limited or unavailable within WIPO. These experts may operate from our Geneva headquarters, undertake specific missions globally, or provide services remotely.
In addition to announcing specific assignments, we also regularly establish rosters for various areas of expertise. Interested individuals can apply to these rosters, joining our expert pool and may be contacted when relevant opportunities arise in their respective fields.
Benefits
- Innovative and creative projects
- Hands-on contribution to protect and promote IP
- Multicultural-experiences
- Valuable networks
- Best training to develop and grow
Important info about the program
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland, or remotely
- Duration: up to 12 months
"We’re investing in young, talented persons from diverse backgrounds, giving them the exposure needed to understand IP at both a technical and strategic level, as well as nurture them in leadership and administrative skills. In this way, we are not only providing a pathway to an enriching career, but also allowing them to contribute to the future economic growth of their countries and regions."
Director General Daren Tang
Who are we looking for
ICS profiles encompass a wide range of professions and demonstrate expertise in various areas, including but not limited to:
- Law
- International relations
- Political Science
- Economics
- Statistics
- Information Technology (IT)
- Technical cooperation
- Project management
- Administration
- Translation
- Marketing
- Communications
- Law
- International relations
- Political Science
- Economics
- Statistics
- Information Technology (IT)
- Technical cooperation
- Project management
- Administration
- Translation
- Marketing
- Communications
Conditions
Contract
We have a diverse range of contractual arrangements, spanning from short-term engagements lasting just a few days to framework agreements of up to five years where WIPO can call upon your services for work. In any case, the ICS services are limited to the equivalent of two years full time work.
Pay
Depending on the nature and duration of the assignment, compensation may be provided as a fixed price payable based on deliverables or on an agreed time/rate basis.
Note - An ICS agreement is not a staff contract and is not governed by WIPO Staff Regulations and Rules. It is an independent contractor’s agreement. You are not entitled to payment for holiday and sick leave, medical insurance, or staff pension benefits.
Still have questions?
or
Are you ready to apply?
Frequently asked questions
While there is no specific age limit, the internships are learning and training opportunities for students and fresh graduates.
Yes, you can apply if you graduated within the last two years.
No, former interns cannot apply for another internship regardless of its category. Former interns are however welcome to apply to any of our other professional opportunities.
Yes, prior experience with another UN organization does not disqualify you from applying for a WIPO internship.
Still have questions? Check the FAQs or contact us.
Dear Applicant,
Thank you so much for your interest in our program! If your application is successful, we'll be thrilled to inform you promptly. We strive to get back to everyone, but please understand that due to the fast-paced nature of the program, it might take us a bit longer to reach out to those who haven't moved to the next stage.
We truly appreciate your patience and enthusiasm!
Warm regards,
WIPO Recruitment Team
Meet some of our Interns
Hear firsthand their experience of WIPO’s Internship Program
“It expands your professional horizons and is a life changing experience.”
Magdalena Pisko – Young Expert
“We work together to increase IP rightsholders on the ground.”
Nuraiym Iliiasova – Young Expert