Director, Innovation Impact Division (IID)

The Director leads WIPO's work on the development of legal and policy frameworks, as well as technical assistance and services enabling innovators and creators to leverage IP for sustainable growth, focusing on technology transfer, IP analytics, and commercialization. The role includes setting strategic direction, managing a multidisciplinary team, and engaging with Member States and stakeholders at the highest levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for the Division’s portfolio across technology transfer, IP analytics and IP commercialization, including strengthening innovation infrastructure and pro innovation legal frameworks for universities, public research institutions and countries; enabling Member States to benefit from IP analytics through technology trend and landscaping reports and guidance to the WIPO IP Analytics Community of Practice; and supporting innovators and ventures in maximizing IP as a commercial and financial asset, including through IP based financing strategies and programs that expand use of the IP system.
• Ensure that the Division's programs and activities related to the use of IP by innovators and creators, particularly in the areas of technology transfer, IP analytics and IP commercialization, are effectively coordinated with all programs and activities implemented by the Department and the Organization and aligned with WIPO's strategic direction and goals.
• Direct the Division's portfolio of work and take overall management responsibility for its human and financial resources, determining priorities and allocating resources for the timely and quality delivery of work in accordance with the results-based management framework.
• Lead, elevate and mentor a high-performing multidisciplinary team in sustainably scaling up the services provided, ensuring high-quality delivery, fostering an innovation-oriented performance culture, cultivating complementary skills, and promoting close collaboration and team spirit across the Division.
• Lead strategic engagement with WIPO Member States and other stakeholders on issues related to the use of IP by innovators and creators, and represent the Organization in meetings, conferences and negotiations with government counterparts and other stakeholder representatives at the highest levels.
• Oversee the development of strategies, programs, cooperation and partnerships in the work area to ensure that activities are in line with the Division's mandate. Respond to the priority needs of WIPO Member States and other stakeholders, expand the range, impact and geographical reach of the Division's work in line with the workplan and promote accession to WIPO administrated treaties to contribute to the growing use of WIPO Global IP Services.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in management, business administration, political science, international relations, law, natural science, engineering, or related field.
• Specialization in intellectual property (desirable).
• At least fifteen years of progressively responsible professional experience in intellectual property and/or innovation, including at least seven years of managerial experience at a senior level.
• Experience at senior level in at least two of the following areas as related to intellectual property: technology transfer; IP analytics; IP commercialization.
• Experience working in an international environment.
• Experience leading interdisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration, and driving cultural and operational alignment.
• Experience in strategically engaging with Member States to identify opportunities to strengthen the IP and innovation ecosystems (desirable).
• Experience in all three of the following areas as related to intellectual property: technology transfer; IP analytics; IP commercialization (desirable).
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of other official UN languages (desirable).
• Extensive knowledge of the international IP system.
• Expert knowledge of at least two of the following IP fields: IP analytics, technology transfer, and IP commercialization.
• Sound judgment, tact, discretion and good understanding and appreciation of diplomatic processes and sensitivities.
• Senior stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Confidence in presenting complex ideas and WIPO's vision to global audiences, partners, and stakeholders.
• Excellent managerial skills and ability to advise, lead, motivate and manage diverse and multicultural teams, including senior managers by leveraging their deep expertise and experience and to cultivate innovation and manage change.
• A data-driven mindset and strong business acumen that can inform current and future plans.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to identify strategic opportunities and synergies.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to develop strategies to accomplish objectives and accountability in delivering results.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Digitally savvy, with the ability to embrace technology for business impact.

Skills

• Intellectual Property Management
• Technology Transfer
• IP Analytics
• IP Commercialization
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Strategic Planning
• Team Leadership
• Cross-cultural Team Management
• International Relations
• Policy Development
• Legal Frameworks Knowledge
• Business Acumen
• Data Driven Decision Making
• Innovation Management
• Change Management
• Diplomatic Processes
• Strategic Communications
• Organizational Skills
• Digital Literacy

Languages

English