Senior Director, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, D2

Senior Director, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department, D2

WIPO – World Intellectual Property Organisation

Geneva, Switzerland

Organizational Context

Organizational Setting

The post is in the PCT Legal and International Affairs Department of the Patents and Technology Sector. This Department is responsible for the development of policies and the provision of strategic direction to preserve and strengthen the role of the PCT as the central node in the international patent system, and to support the PCT system stakeholders, including Member States (receiving Offices, International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authorities, and designated and elected Offices), the user community, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. The Department’s optimal functioning is paramount to the international patent system and to supporting and encouraging the many users of that system, as well as States considering accession to the PCT.

Purpose Statement

As Senior Director of the Department, the incumbent takes full responsibility for the management and development of PCT stakeholder relations, the PCT legal framework, systemic standards and improvements, training and capacity building, PCT marketing and customer service, information sharing and associated resources, and information and communication technology (ICT) tools and systems. With significant delegation, the Senior Director leads a team of managers in diverse operational and service areas who share decision-making on program priorities and policy initiatives, leveraging the organizational position of the PCT with rapidly evolving technologies and diverse client communities and beneficiaries.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Deputy Director General responsible for the Patents and Technology Sector.

Work Relations

The Senior Director liaises frequently with senior-level representatives of PCT and non-PCT Member States, national and regional IP Offices, NGOs, IGOs, applicants and their representatives and Geneva-based Missions to ensure stakeholder needs are met.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

• Chart the strategic direction for PCT legal and international development and delivery. Strengthen WIPO’s current position in the international patent system by driving initiatives that will maintain and enhance the PCT system as the premier global IP service. Lead change and develop improved organizational response capacities. Anticipate future challenges and adjust to changes in the international innovation, IP and patent environment;
• Sustain, expand, improve and create PCT products and services to meet and exceed client expectations while anticipating new requirements to maintain the platform as a cutting-edge resource;
• Direct the Department’s portfolio of work, exercise strategic asset management focusing on efficiencies and deploy resources into value-added activities and initiatives in accordance with results-based management principles;
• Manage and provide strategic direction to the entire spectrum of the Department’s highly visible areas of work and activities. Empower an integrated management team to act creatively and deliver a world-class PCT system with critical operational and financial consequences within a scrutinized and dynamic environment;
• Ensure that all relevant stakeholders continue to rely upon the PCT system as the world’s leading route for obtaining patent protection at the international level;
• Lead the development and execution of a Strategic Marketing Plan (SMP) for PCT. Determine the most effective way to reach target audiences to encourage PCT stakeholders to choose the PCT international route when deciding on filing a patent application;
• Lead and motivate the Department’s staff, and foster an organizational culture oriented towards the continual search for innovative approaches to complex PCT challenges and quality service delivery in a constantly evolving operational environment. Promote cross-divisional and cross-sectoral work and staff mobility for the benefit of WIPO, staff, Member States, and stakeholders;
• Lead strategic engagement with the WIPO Member States and Geneva Missions. Advance understanding, and build confidence, and enthusiasm for the Organization’s state-of-the-art PCT system to expand the user base;
• Represent WIPO at high-level international, regional and national meetings. Provide strategic and authoritative advice regarding organizational position, opportunities and risks, demonstrating the highest value to clients, stakeholders and beneficiaries in relation to their interest and investment;
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

Education (Essential)

• Advanced university degree in Law, Science, Engineering or related field. A first-level university degree plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the experience required below may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience (Essential)

• At least fifteen years of progressively responsible professional experience in intellectual property, preferably in both public and private sectors, preferably at least twelve years, as a subject matter expert, in an international environment in the field of substantive PCT procedures and programme management or administration, including in a senior managerial capacity;
• Experience creating and promoting a resilient workforce that can adapt to unforeseen challenges, building an agile and responsive team.

Experience (Desirable)

• Experience working with national IP offices and in the private sector;
• Experience using the PCT system.

Language (Essential)

• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Language (Desirable)

• Ability to work in other PCT languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish).

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

• Excellent understanding of the strategic priorities of WIPO;
• Excellent knowledge of, and experience with, the PCT from either the perspective of an intellectual property office, a corporate or individual user of the system or an intergovernmental organization; skills in formulating policy and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures; skills in managing change;
• Ability to gain and advance organization traction among clients and stakeholders by demonstrating innovation, effectiveness and value;
• Ability to instill a customer focused culture with a view to enhancing service delivery;
• Strategic planning skills; results-based and ability to anticipate constraints in the delivery of services and identify solutions; accountability in delivering results;
• Proven managerial and leadership skills; ability to advise and lead large and diverse work teams, motivating staff, promoting interest and engagement; empowering teams by involving them in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of ownership, and encouraging individual growth;
• Ability to lead by example and demonstrate proactive behaviors by staying updated on industry trends, seeking continuous improvement, and taking initiative;
• Excellent decision-making, problem-solving skills and diplomacy skills;
• Excellent and proven knowledge of operational, administrative and financial procedures, practices and rules in stakeholder organizations;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain strong partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Ability to leverage data and technology to inspire, innovate and drive departmental success and growth;
• Proficiency in managing diverse teams and leveraging diversity to foster inclusive group dynamics and inclusive outcomes.

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