Overview
Associate Legal Officer – 26182-FT Jobs in Geneva, Switzerland at World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO
Title: Associate Legal Officer – 26182-FT
Company: World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Internet Dispute Resolution Section, WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector
Contract Duration – 2 years *
Duty Station: CH-Geneva
Application Deadline: 30-Jul-2026, 11:59:00 PM CET
1. Organizational Context
a. Organizational Setting
Coordinating with other vertical and horizontal WIPO sectors, the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector (IES) is responsible for helping Member States develop their IP and innovation ecosystems to drive enterprise and economic growth. IES is also responsible for providing support for researchers and innovators, as well as enterprises, including SMEs, in IP commercialization and otherwise using IP for business growth; issues relating to the emergence of IP as an asset class; and the development of advisory expertise in these and related areas, for example, in national IP strategies.
Within IES, the position is located in the Internet Dispute Resolution Section of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, which is a resource center for the resolution of IP disputes between private parties through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods. The Center's areas of activity are covered by the Internet Dispute Resolution Section, the External Relations and Planning Section, the IP Disputes Section, and the Business Development and Digital Content Disputes Section. The Internet Dispute Resolution Section is responsible for the administration of disputes filed under different policies such as the Uniform Domian Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) for which it is the global leader, and various related aspects of the Internet Domain Name System (DNS), as well as selected policy developments and services as they relate to Internet dispute resolution.
b. Purpose Statement
The purpose of the role is to support the resolution of global Internet domain name disputes by reviewing panel decisions for legal and jurisprudential consistency, coordinating case administration, and contributing to WIPO's leadership in digital IP protection.
c. Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Internet Dispute Resolution Section’s Senior Legal Officer.
d. Work Relations
The incumbent works, where appropriate, with colleagues within the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector and other Sectors. The incumbent will also, where required, work with external partners, including national authorities and IP-related organizations. The incumbent liaises regularly and extensively with the Supervisory Team as well as with the Legal Case Managers. Externally, the incumbent liaises with WIPO Domain Name Panelists, domain name registrars, and case filing parties.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
a. Provide input for the development and implementation of Internet dispute resolution policies.
b. Assign work to and review the work of Legal Case Managers (Fellows). Provide guidance on issues arising in the management of cases. Continuously explore the potential role of IT in the administration of legal cases.
c. Review decisions with a view to providing input to Senior Legal Officers for the purpose of inclusion in WIPO's publicly available case-related legal resources such as the WIPO Overview. Understand the potential role of IT (in particular AI) in changing the way legal work-products are reviewed.
d. Evaluate cases and make proposals to Senior Legal Officers on the selection of WIPO panelists based on case requirements.
e. Maintain relations with and provide information to users, relevant organizations and registrars on Internet dispute resolution and operational matters.
f. Represent the Organization at national and international meetings, participate in seminars, workshops and training courses, and deliver training and presentations on Internet dispute resolution matters.
g. Keep abreast of legal and technical developments and undertake legal research on Internet dispute resolution with a view to maintaining and developing WIPO's role in this area.
h. As applicable, promote and contribute to the growing use of WIPO Global IP Services.
i. Perform other related duties as required.
3. Requirements
Education (Essential)
First-level university degree in law or another relevant discipline.
Education (Desirable)
Advanced university degree in law.
Experience (Essential)
At least three years of relevant professional experience including in intellectual property law or alternative dispute resolution in a law firm and/or department or agency.
Language (Essential)
Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English
Language (Desirable)
Knowledge of other UN official languages.
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Knowledge of and ability to work within the policies and procedures applicable to the activities of the work unit.
Understanding of the use of information technology in the context of dispute resolution processes.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent time management and work organization skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Highly adaptable to new environments, tasks, and demands.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Proficiency in digital tools, AI-enabled applications, and online collaboration platforms. Competent user of databases. Commitment to continuous learning and the adoption of emerging technologies.
4. Organizational Competencies
1. Communicating effectively.
2. Showing team spirit.
3. Demonstrating integrity.
4. Valuing diversity.
5. Producing results.
6. Showing service orientation.
7. Seeing the big picture.
8. Seeking change and innovation.
9. Developing yourself and others.
For more information, including on the salaries and benefits, please check the WIPO Careers website.
