Application Deadline: November 23, 2009
Duty Station: Geneva
The position is under the supervision of the Head of the Traditional Creativity, Cultural Expressions and Cultural Heritage Section, Traditional Knowledge Division.
Qualifications required:
• University degree in law, preferably with a post-graduate specialization in intellectual property law, notably in copyright and related (“neighboring”) rights.
• At least six years of relevant professional experience, preferably in the field of intellectual property law, in particular copyright and related (“neighboring”) rights, in private law practice, academia, a non-governmental organization, a national administration or intergovernmental organization, or equivalent.
• A track record in undertaking policy and legal analysis in relation to intellectual property, preferably in relation to copyright and related (“neighboring”) rights, cultural heritage, cultural diversity and TCEs.
• Familiarity with the activities and procedures of the United Nations system desirable.
• Excellent writing and communication skills. A record of publications in relevant areas would be an advantage.
• Discretion, integrity and sound political judgment.
• Proven organizational and interpersonal skills; ability to discharge a diverse work-load under pressure within a multi-cultural team; and,
• Excellent written and spoken English or French, with a working knowledge of at least one other UN language.
The tasks include,
• research in the areas of intellectual property and cultural heritage, cultural diversity and traditional cultural expressions/expressions of folklore;
• assisting in preparations for and participating as a member of the WIPO Secretariat in sessions of the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore, specifically in relation to TCEs;
• assisting in the conceptualization, development and implementation of practical capacity-building projects in relation to IP and cultural heritage, cultural diversity and TCEs, particularly training programs, guides and “best practices” for cultural documentation by indigenous and local communities, the digitization of museum and archival collections, the organization of arts festivals and the protection of handicrafts;
• participating in the conceptualization, development, preparation and field testing of a “Practical Guide on Intellectual Property and Traditional Cultural Expressions”;
• participating in the conceptualization and development of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services in relation to disputes arising from IP claims and issues related to cultural heritage;
• preparing and following up on correspondence and communications in electronic or non-electronic form related to the work of the Section and the Division as a whole;
• attending relevant national and international WIPO meetings and traveling to represent WIPO at meetings of other organizations, including facilitating dialogue and liaison among stakeholders and follow-up to these meetings; undertaking missions to advise stakeholders on IP issues related to cultural heritage, cultural diversity and TCEs;
• organizing and assisting with the preparations for WIPO workshops, seminars and staff missions, including liaison with and providing briefings for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), indigenous and local communities and other entities;
• liaising with consultants commissioned by WIPO and assisting in overseeing interns to undertake studies or other activities;
• assisting in the updating and management of materials placed on WIPO’s website related to cultural heritage, cultural diversity and TCEs; and,
• generally undertaking such other tasks as relate to the activities of the Section and the Division as a whole.
MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON THE WTO WEBSITE.
