Intellectual Property and Commercialization

International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is an international non-profit, research for development organization that works with governments, civil society and private sector organizations to solve water related issues in developing countries and scale up solutions. IWMI is headquartered in Colombo Sri Lanka is a CGIAR research Center with offices in 15 countries and a global network of researchers operating in about 56 countries.

The consultant is to provide expert advice to develop a strategy for IWMI’s approach to commercialization and licensing of IWMI Intellectual Assets in alignment with CGIAR IA Management Principles.

This assignment requires analysis of IWMI IP/IA portfolio and CGIAR IA Management Principles. The consultant needs to undertake Key Informant Interviews with the CGIAR IP commercializing unit, CGIAR IP office, IWMI researchers, other relevant staff and IWMI legal Office.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Comprehensive review of IWMI IP/IA portfolio.  

• Review/categorize different intellectual assets/IP with IWMI research deliverables and their status (if in use/ abandoned after project term/ in development/ need additional improvements etc.)
• Prepare a list of products/tools that have IP value and identify suitable IP/IA for commercialization.

Market Analysis and valuation of IA/IP:

• Analyze the market for each IP/IA and identify potential partners/licensees.
• Conduct a valuation to understand the market value of each IP/IA category.

Advise on legal/regulatory compliance:

• Provide guidance on contractual aspects to safeguard IWMI interests in IP/IA commercialization.

Develop a commercialization strategy:

• Considering IWMI’s non-profit nature and the compliance requirements from the CGIAR IA management Principles, noting challenges of a non-profit entity, develop a step-by-step road map for commercialization.
• Different commercialization methods (making IP applications/licensing agreements/ appropriate creative comms licensing/joint development/spin-offs)
• Identify potential risks and challenges associated with the commercialization process and provide strategies to mitigate these risks.

Capacity building:

• Provide 2 training sessions to IWMI staff on IP/IA commercializing while in compliance with CGIAR requirements.

Reporting :

• Separate reporting on 1-5 above and a final report summarizing the findings of IP/IA assessment with recommendations for commercializing and an implementation plan.

Requirements:

Educational Qualifications Required:

Essential:

• Degree/advance degree in Law together with qualifications/experience in Intellectual Property Law / commercializing / licensing.

Knowledge & Experience Required:

Essential:

• Relevant Experience in working with non-profit organizations and/or universities.
• Good understanding on IP/IA valuation, contractual aspects of IP/IA sharing, licensing and data sharing.

Skills & Abilities:

Essential:

• Excellent oral written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• The ability to effectively establish priorities and plan, organize, implement, and monitor work activities with limited supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Able to deal with sensitive and confidential information in a professional manner.
• Personal attributes include high standards of conduct, respect, flexibility, and a sound work ethic.

Source: https://apply.workable.com/international-water-management-institute/j/E3DC242CF5/