Internal Oversight Division
The Internal Oversight Division (IOD) is an independent internal oversight body. It provides Management of WIPO with independent, objective assurance, analyses, appraisals, recommendations, lessons learned, advice, insights, and relevant information, through the undertaking of audits and advisory services, evaluations, and investigations.
IOD’s work plan is aligned with the Organization’s key strategic initiatives as outlined in the WIPO Medium Term Strategic Plan [PDF].
Important: Final Internal Oversight Reports must be published on the WIPO public website no later than one month after they are issued. If required to protect security, safety or privacy, the Director, IOD may, at her/his discretion, withhold a report in its entirety or redact parts of it. However, Member States may request access to reports withheld or to the original version of the redacted reports; such access will be granted under the condition of confidentiality at the offices of IOD.
IOD's mission
The IOD's mission is to provide independent and objective oversight services that enhance WIPO’s operations, governance, risk management, and internal controls and support the achievement of the Organization’s mission, goals, and objectives.
IOD's mission
The IOD's mission is to provide independent and objective oversight services that enhance WIPO’s operations, governance, risk management, and internal controls and support the achievement of the Organization’s mission, goals, and objectives.
IOD's functions
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Internal Audit
Assessing the adequacy of management controls to ensure cost-efficient and accountable operations.
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Evaluation
Analyzing and assessing program results to improve current implementation and performance as well as future planning.
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Investigation
Examining possible wrongdoing and identifying vulnerable areas where fraudulent activity might occur.
What IOD provides
Assurance
Through audits, reviews, and investigations, IOD safeguards transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in WIPO’s operations.
Insights
IOD turns evidence from audits, evaluations, and investigations into actionable insights—supporting learning, resilience, and better governance.
Foresights
IOD provides forward-looking advice to protect WIPO’s value and guide long-term success.
Quality Assurance and Improvement Program
Internal Audit function assessment [PDF]
An independent external quality team assessed the Internal Audit function and gave it the highest possible rating of generally conforms with the standards.
Evaluation function assessment [PDF]
The Evaluation function undertook its first peer review in accordance with the provisions of the UNEG Guidelines for Professional Peer Reviews.
Investigation function assessment [PDF]
An independent external team assessed the Investigation function and concluded that overall, the Investigation function is generally conformed to the standards set forth in the Uniform Guidelines for Investigations endorsed by the Conference of International Investigators (CII).
IOD reports
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IOD annual reports
As per Paragraph 51 of the Internal Oversight Charter, the Director of IOD shall submit an Annual Report to the WIPO General Assembly through the Program and Budget Committee, summarizing oversight activities and progress on recommendations.
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IOD quarterly oversight recommendations dashboards
A snapshot of progress in implementing oversight recommendations to strengthen risk management and internal controls.
- Oversight Recommendations Status as of March 2, 2026 [PDF]
- Oversight Recommendations Status as of November 24, 2025 [PDF]
- Oversight Recommendations Status as of September 17, 2025 [PDF]
- Oversight Recommendations Status as of May 27, 2025 [PDF]
- Oversight Recommendations Status as of March 14, 2025 [PDF]
- links to dashboards to be added
Assurance
Through audits, reviews, and investigations, IOD safeguards transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in WIPO’s operations.
Insights
IOD turns evidence from audits, evaluations, and investigations into actionable insights—supporting learning, resilience, and better governance.
Foresights
IOD provides forward-looking advice to protect WIPO’s value and guide long-term success.
Who oversees IOD?
The WIPO Independent Advisory Oversight Committee (IAOC) is an external expert advisory body that assists member states with oversight of WIPO’s operations.
The Committee’s mandate [PDF] includes the promotion of internal controls, reviewing the effectiveness and operational independence of the internal oversight function, and reviewing and advising on the ethics function.
IOD reports to IAOC Quarterly.