Associate Program Officer

The Associate Program Officer supports the Deputy Director and Head of Section by investigating and analyzing PCT applications with legal or procedural difficulties, providing legal advice, managing access to files, and engaging in outreach activities to promote the PCT system. The role involves drafting communications, reviewing procedural texts, coordinating distance learning courses, and supporting data analytics initiatives to improve service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, analyze, research and prepare for decision by the Deputy Director and Head of Section on PCT applications with legal and/or processing problems.
• Draft letters and internal memoranda resolving issues of PCT applications raised by applicants, agents and staff of the PCT Operations Division; draft letters and memoranda regarding access to files and issuance of certified copies.
• Review and provide comments on PCT procedures-related texts from various PCT divisions.
• Communicate with the PCT Operations Division on procedural matters and propose data-informed plans for improved handling of PCT applications.
• Provide oral and written information on the PCT procedure to applicants, agents and inventors; provide legal and procedural advice on specific international applications.
• Prepare draft revised and new PCT forms; assist Legal Officers in projects related to amendments to PCT Regulations and guidelines.
• Administer the Basic PCT Distance Learning Course including updates, reviews, translations, coordination with WIPO Academy, and responding to user inquiries.
• Contribute to outreach and promotional activities to increase awareness and understanding of the PCT system through training sessions, webinars, and stakeholder engagement.
• Support data analytics initiatives by collecting and analyzing user feedback, service metrics, and procedural data to inform decision-making and improve service delivery.
• Foster a culture of high quality customer-focused services by identifying customer needs, recommending best practices, and proactively addressing potential issues.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• First-level university degree, preferably in law, natural sciences, or engineering.
• At least three years of relevant professional experience, including experience with the PCT system.
• Experience in a legal or paralegal role (desirable).
• Experience in data analysis (desirable).
• Experience in conducting outreach activities (desirable).
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
• Good knowledge of other PCT publication languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish) (desirable).
• Ability to analyze legal cases and to apply the relevant PCT provisions to cases.
• Ability to present clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Good organizational skills with the ability to work within strict deadlines.
• Client orientation with ability to deliver high quality client services.
• Ability to interpret and use data analytics tools to support decision-making and service improvement.
• Capacity to engage in outreach and promotional activities, including public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Proficiency in digital tools, AI-enabled applications, and online collaboration platforms.
• Commitment to continuous learning and the adoption of emerging technologies.

Skills

• PCT System Knowledge
• Legal Analysis
• Data Analysis
• Outreach Activities
• Legal Advice
• Client Service Delivery
• Written Communication
• Oral Presentation
• Organizational Skills
• Deadline Management
• Data Analytics
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Public Speaking
• Digital Tools Proficiency
• AI-enabled Applications
• Online Collaboration Platforms
• Procedural Text Review
• Distance Learning Coordination

Languages

English