1. Organizational Context


a. Organizational Setting



The post is located in the Policy and Legislative Advice Section, which forms part of the Department for Trademarks, Designs and Geographical Indications, Brands and Designs Sector. The Department is responsible for the formulation of policies and the provision of strategic direction to preserve and strengthen the role of WIPO as the principal international forum for trademarks, designs and geographical indications, as well as for supporting Member States in their implementation and use of these IP categories in accordance with their socio-economic objectives.



b. Purpose Statement



The Section is responsible for facilitating normative outcomes and providing expert policy and legal advice to Member States in the field of trademarks, designs and geographical indications, and for supporting Member States in creating an enabling environment for the development and practical use of trademarks, designs and geographical indications.



c. Reporting Lines



The incumbent works under the supervision of the Senior Director, Department for Trademarks, Designs and Geographical Indications.





2. Duties and Responsibilities



The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:



a. Provide policy and legal advice on issues relating to trademarks, designs and geographical indications.



b. Supervise the activities related to procedures under Article 6ter of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.



c. Develop and implement activities furthering the accession of countries to the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks and the Riyadh Design Law Treaty and provide legal advice in this connection.



d. Draft and review legal instruments, such as treaty texts, recommendations and other legislative materials.



e. Provide Secretariat services to relevant committees and bodies dealing with matters falling within the competence of the Section; prepare notes and statements, formulate and revise texts and proposals, analyze and clarify legal issues and provide authoritative advice.



f. Coordinate, approve and undertake research and studies, particularly in relation to intricate and/or sensitive areas as well as legal precedents.



g. Lead, plan and control the work of the Section ensuring the effective management and efficient use of all financial, human and other resources; submit planning and budget proposals and activities in conformity with defined outcomes and objectives; supervise, evaluate and monitor individual and team performance levels in accordance with results-based management principles and follow up as appropriate.



h. Plan, organize and participate in activities aimed at strengthening Member States' capacity in trademark and design administration, in particular in the area of examination of applications for registration.



i. Represent the Organization at specialized meetings and established bodies of the Organization, provide legal expertise on all aspects of trademark, design and geographical indication law within overall policy considerations.