Working at WIPO Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
On this FAQ page, you will find answers to common questions about our recruitment and application process and other useful information about working at WIPO. Please read it thoroughly before submitting an application.
Should you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team. Due to the volume of emails we receive, please allow a few days to process your question.
Thank you for considering a career with WIPO. We look forward to the possibility of working together!
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General
General
WIPO's four core values — Delivering Excellence, Working as One, Acting Responsibly, and Shaping the Future — are central to its mission of leading the development of a balanced and effective international intellectual property system that fosters innovation and creativity for the benefit of all. These values are reinforced by key organizational competencies, including effective communication, team spirit, integrity, diversity, producing results, service orientation, seeing the ‘big picture’, embracing change and innovation, and continuous self-development while supporting others. Together, these competencies provide clear guidance on how we work to achieve WIPO's goals, ensuring a professional, inclusive and forward-thinking environment.
Learn more about WIPO Core Values and Organizational Competencies [PDF].
Please visit our selection process page, where we explain in detail how to apply for our vacancies and the different steps of the process.
Please visit our selection process page, where you will find more information on how to apply for our vacancies.
Make sure your profile highlights the skills, qualifications and experiences that align with the position. Showcase your achievements and the impact of your previous work experience, if relevant.
A cover letter is recommended as it allows you to demonstrate your motivation and highlight why you are the right candidate for the position.
We highly recommend you review your spelling to ensure your application looks professional and meets quality standards. Also, be aware that if you do use AI software to assist you, so are many other candidates - take the time to personalize your information so you stand out.
Ensure you submit your application before the deadline, as late applications are not considered. Also, double check your application details are all correct before the submission, as you will be unable to update it after submission, even if this is before the deadline.
After submission, you will receive a confirmation email.
This tipsheet provides information about what to expect and how to prepare for competency-based interviews.
Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion
Reasonable accommodation is one of the pillars of WIPO’s Disability Inclusion Strategy. If you require reasonable accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us specifying your needs.
Reasonable accommodation is one of the pillars of WIPO’s Disability Inclusion Strategy. It is foundational to our efforts to attract and retain talents working with a disability. Whether it is an adjustable desk, an IT tool, an adaptation of our teleworking policy, or any other reasonable accommodation needed, WIPO is committed to working with employees to find the most effective and beneficial solution. If you are joining WIPO, you may have already received information on how to request reasonable accommodation in the workplace. If you have questions, please contact the recruitment team.
Employee resource groups are integral to WIPO's commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture, providing a supportive space for all personnel. Currently, there are three informal employee groups within the organization.
WIPO has established policies and processes to support its commitment to provide a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, including sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. There are also procedures in place to protect against retaliation for reporting misconduct or for cooperating with an oversight activity. Affected individuals who believe they may have been subject to inappropriate behavior may opt to seek an informal resolution. If so, you may ask for assistance from the Office of the Ombudsperson. Resolving disputes through an informal approach is often quicker and less stressful than formal procedures.
In circumstances where informal resolution is not desired or appropriate, or has been unsuccessful, the affected member of personnel may submit a formal complaint against another member of personnel to the Director of the Internal Oversight Division. Upon completion of the strictly confidential investigative process, the investigation report will be transmitted to the Director of the Human Resources Management Department, who will determine whether to initiate disciplinary proceedings. As a corollary to the duty to report suspected misconduct, WIPO protects personnel against retaliation.
In addition, WIPO has a SpeakUp® online whistleblowing service, which allows anyone to report any suspected violation of rules applicable at WIPO in an anonymous and secure manner. This service is entirely managed and hosted outside of WIPO, it is available in all United Nations working languages and open to any party, either internal or external to the Organization.
While WIPO does not have programs to recruit specific categories, such as people with disabilities, unrepresented nationalities, or women, it is committed to ensure a balanced geographical and gender representation within its workforce, with merit at the center of the recruitment process. If you want to know more, please read WIPO’s Gender Equality Policy [PDF]. In addition, WIPO aims to mainstream disability across initiatives to support greater inclusion in the workplace – please refer to our Disability Inclusion Strategy.
Over the years, we have consistently implemented measures to improve the physical and digital accessibility of our spaces. We remain dedicated to making our buildings, resources, and tools fully inclusive, ensuring they meet the needs of everyone.
Application process
Application Process
Please visit our selection process page, where you will find more information on how to apply for our vacancies.
The documents you will be required to submit vary depending on the job for which you are applying . They may be requested throughout the application process, or once selected. We recommend you have your diplomas, proof of professional experience and letters of recommendation ready so that you can submit them whenever requested in a timely manner. In case you are selected, we may also ask you to provide a medical certificate.
While you can apply for multiple positions at a time, in order to be considered for a position, you need to meet at least the essential requirements as stated in the vacancy announcement. Please ensure you meet the requirements of the vacancy before applying for it.
You can complete the application in different sessions. However, you will need to save each section of your application in order not to lose the information.
You will receive an automatic e-mail notification once your application has been correctly submitted. In case you have not received any notification, please contact us.
You will be notified of the outcome of your application, whether you are selected or not.
The duration of the selection process varies depending on the post and other related factors. On average, it takes 15 weeks from the closing of a job posting to the final decision.
No, but WIPO, as an international organization within the UN system, primarily conducts exchanges in English and/or French, its two working languages. In addition, each position has specific language requirements detailed in the vacancy notice.
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility criteria
Please visit our selection process page, where you will find more information on how to apply for our vacancies.
The qualifications you need will vary according to the post for which you are applying. As a rule of thumb, for posts in the Professional and higher categories (P and D) you must have a minimum number of years of experience as specified in the vacancy announcement and a university degree. For General Services (GS) posts, you must have the minimum number of years of experience as specified in the vacancy announcement and a high school diploma or equivalent. For qualifications related to other programs and/or types of contracts (ICS, Young Experts, Fellows, Interns) please consult the dedicated pages.
Yes, WIPO offers a wide range of opportunities in various sectors, programs, and areas of work beyond intellectual property. We advertise diverse roles that align with different skill sets and professional backgrounds. Positions are available in fields such as IT, human resources, library sciences, economics, finance, translation, and many others.
As a general rule, there are no age restrictions. However, for fixed-term and temporary posts, please note that applications of those who are currently 65 or will reach the age of 65 within the duration of the initial appointment as specified in the vacancy announcement will not be retained, since this is the official retirement age at the United Nations system. Other specific programs for young people may have certain age restrictions. Please refer to the eligibility criteria in the respective pages.
Yes, WIPO offers several opportunities for recent graduates. The Young Expert Program (YEP) and various fellowship programs are designed for early-career professionals. Additionally, P-1 positions generally do not require prior professional experience.
WIPO 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). Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and these will be reviewed individually.
Interview process
Eligibility criteria
Our interviews usually last between 45 to 60 minutes and take place online or in-person. Candidates are assessed against WIPO’s organizational competencies. The competency-based interview follows a structured format, where you are asked to provide examples from past experiences that illustrate your behavior in specific situations. To know more, please read our guide on Preparing for Competency-based Interviews (CBI).
You will be asked to demonstrate your competency through situational questions, where you will be able to explain what you have done or how you have approached various professional challenges. To know more, please read our guide on Preparing for Competency-based interviews (CBI).
Assessment tests
Eligibility criteria
If you are shortlisted, you may be invited to take an anonymous test tailored to the vacancy announcement. Typically, you will have one week to complete a 60-90 minute test using a dedicated platform. Afterward, the board will review your test results and finalize the shortlist for interviews.
Yes, you will need to retake the test, as WIPO tailors the assessment tests to each specific post and they are not valid beyond the competition they are designed for.
Salaries and benefits
Eligibility criteria
WIPO offers jobs in different categories. Within each category, there are different levels, which reflect the required years of experience and other conditions.
Jobs in the Professional and higher categories (P and D) are internationally recruited and are subject to geographical mobility.
Jobs in General Service functions include administrative, secretarial and clerical support, as well as specialized technical functions such as security or buildings maintenance and are locally recruited.
At WIPO, the benefits and tenure of staff appointed at the General Service (GS), Professional (P), or Director (D) levels are determined by the terms of their appointment. WIPO offers three main types of appointments, depending on the nature of the work and budgetary conditions:
Temporary Appointment
Temporary appointments address defined short-term needs, ranging from one to 12 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of two years (or up to three years in exceptional circumstances). Extensions depend on ongoing needs, budget availability and satisfactory performance.
Fixed-term Appointment
Fixed-term appointments are for staff engaged in defined periods of employment to perform functions that are part of the organization’s regular and continuing activities. A fixed-term appointment typically lasts at least one year and may be extended for up to five years, renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and other applicable conditions.
Fixed-term appointments with limited duration
A fixed-term appointment of limited duration typically lasts at least one year and it does not allow for renewal beyond the maximum term of five years.
WIPO offers a competitive compensation package that includes a base salary and a post-adjustment element reflecting the cost of living in Geneva. Each vacancy notice includes an indication of the salary, excluding other benefits and allowances that depend on your personal situation.
To help you estimate your potential earnings, you may find it useful to consult the salary estimation tool provided by our colleagues at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). However, please note that this tool is maintained by UNDP for their internal purposes, and the results may differ from the actual amounts you would receive from WIPO.
For an overview of the different types of benefits that we offer, please refer to the dedicated page.
Our Junior Professional Officer (JPO) opportunities are advertised on the UNDP career website or by the sponsoring countries directly.
As per our Rules and Regulations, you are required to seek prior authorization from the Director General if you wish to engage, in a continuous or intermittent manner, in any occupation or employment, remunerated or not, outside WIPO. Exceptions may be authorized by the Director General to engage in an outside occupation or employment, if such occupation or employment does not conflict with your official functions, your status as an international civil servant, or the interests of WIPO, and if it complies with local laws.
Yes, WIPO offers collective medical insurance to all staff members under the D, P and G categories, as well as to Fellows, YEPs and Interns. Optional coverage is available for certain family members of staff members.
WIPO is committed to fostering a culture of continuous growth and development by providing a comprehensive range of learning opportunities. You can benefit from immersive on-the-job training experiences, such as gigs, job shadowing, job swaps, stretch assignments, and mentoring. To complement this, WIPO Academy offers formal courses in intellectual property, leadership and management and you will have access to a robust learning catalog, including LinkedIn Learning resources. WIPO ensures you have the opportunities for both informal and formal development pathways, to stay versatile and well-prepared for the challenges of an ever-evolving global landscape.
Subject to operational requirements and supervisor approval, you may make use of one or more flexible working arrangement(s), such as compressed work schedule, part-time employment, staggered working hours and teleworking.
You are required to work on premises three days a week, prorated for part-time personnel. In addition, you may work up to 40 days per calendar year outside of WIPO’s location on an ad hoc basis, subject to operational requirements and supervisor’s approval.
Job offers and onboarding
Eligibility criteria
If you are selected for a post, you will be notified via email with details on the next steps in the recruitment process, onboarding, and the contact details of a focal point.
The required documents you need to submit will be outlined in your offer email. Typically, you will need a copy of your passport, educational certificates, any relevant employment documents, a medical certificate, and your bank account information.
The onboarding process begins after you accept the offer and submit the required documents. Once you arrive at WIPO, it also typically includes an onsite induction week program. More detailed information will be provided by your hiring manager’s assistant.
Your start date will be indicated in your letter of appointment.
International applicants
Eligibility criteria
WIPO assists you with the visa application process and related costs as new staff member, and, depending on your type of contract, also your eligible family members. Specific support details will be provided once you accept the offer.
Yes, visa support is available regardless of your country of origin. WIPO will support you through the process to ensure you obtain the necessary documentation.
As per our Staff Regulations and Rules, WIPO will recognize only one official nationality for administrative purposes for each staff member, which, normally, is the country with which you are considered closest. If you have multiple nationalities, please indicate the country with which you consider having closest ties. This may be based on factors such as where you were born and raised, where you studied, where your close family members are established, and/or where you have closest personal or financial interests such where you own a property, etc. WIPO may ask you to complete a form to determine your administrative nationality. Details will be provided as part of the onboarding process.
WIPO will cover the costs of your travel expenses to Geneva – if you are internationally recruited – and those of your eligible family members, depending on your type of contract. Additionally, also based on your type of contract and appointment, WIPO may provide you with a settling-in grant, to contribute to costs incurred in taking up residence in Geneva at the beginning of your contract, as well as the expenses related to the removal of your household goods.
While WIPO does not directly provide housing, we provide resources and guidance to help you find suitable accommodation in Geneva. If you are internationally recruited and hold a fixed-term appointment, WIPO will also provide you with a rental subsidy for a maximum period of seven years from your arrival at the duty station.
Personal information
Eligibility criteria
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) values the privacy of your personal information. We take every precaution to protect the information you provide.
Personal information collected by WIPO will only be used for human resources and recruitment purposes. We will not share personal information with third parties without your permission. While we make every effort to protect the personal information of the user on this site, we do not accept any liability for the security of the information. Your profile is password protected. Please remember never to share your password with anyone, and to change it frequently.
You can access your personal information by logging into your profile from our website. You can then update or modify your personal information.
WIPO will maintain the information indefinitely to facilitate applications to future vacancies. However, should you desire to have your data deleted, please send a request.
Technical issues
Eligibility criteria
If you have problems with your account, please contact the Account Issues Team or send a request including a screenshot.
If you have encountered technical problems while creating your profile or applying to jobs, please document them by taking a screen shot (Ctrl+Print Screen) and send it to us together with a short description of the problem and we will address it as soon as possible.
If you forgot your username or password, click the “Forgot your username” or “Forgot your password” link to retrieve it.
Click the RSS feed link available on the WIPO job openings list (WIPO Career Page > Apply > RSS link).