WIPO IP and Women Fellowship 2027 for Young Professionals (CHF 6,000 monthly stipend)

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Applications are open for WIPO IP and Women Fellowship 2027. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) IP and Women Fellowship 2027 is offering an exciting professional development opportunity for qualified candidates with a background in law and professional experience in intellectual property (IP).

The fellowship is located within WIPO’s Patents and Technology Sector, Office of the Deputy Director General, where the selected candidate will support the Senior Advisor, IP and Gender. The successful fellow will contribute to implementing WIPO’s strategy on intellectual property in support of women and girls, particularly through the IP and Gender Action Plan (IPGAP) and related initiatives.

WIPO IP and Women Fellowship Duties and Responsibilities

The Fellow will perform the following principal duties:

Contribute in advancing the mission and initiatives of the IP and Women program, with focus on the ongoing implementation of the IPGAP and subsequent action plans;
Coordinate the implementation of initiatives under the IPGAP;
Contribute to the planning and delivery of the Women and IP Symposium for IP and Innovation Offices, the IPGAP Global Research Experts Meeting, World IP Day activities, and other program-related events;
Investigate, analyze, and develop reports relating to IP and women policy issues;
Draft briefing documents, speeches, talking points, and news items as required, compiling and clearly presenting data and research;
Represent the IP and Women program during meetings as needed and provide clear reporting and follow-up recommendations;
Help organize and contribute to virtual as well as in-person educational and capacity-development events;
Co-create communications assets for the IP and Women program, such as social media, articles, and other outreach and materials, working horizontally across sectors with relevant teams throughout WIPO, and externally as needed;
Collaborate with team members and colleagues across all WIPO sectors to exchange IP expertise, coordinate contributions, and support the delivery of joint initiatives;
Perform any other related duties.

Eligibility Criteria

Education:
- Essential: A first-level university degree in law (a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is also considered a first-level university degree in law).
- Desirable: Advanced university degree in science, business management/economics, technology, social sciences, or international relations.
Experience:
- Essential: At least two (2) years of professional experience in IP or in a role with a link to or emphasis in IP.
- Desirable:
- Experience working in an international environment.
- Experience or demonstrated interest relating to women’s participation in innovation and use of the IP system.
Languages:
- Essential: Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English.
- Desirable: Knowledge of another UN official languages.
Specific skills and competencies:
- Essential:
- Excellent research and writing skills.
- Excellent independent organizational and planning skills as well as ability to collaborate and organize across teams in a cross-sectoral role.
- Excellent project coordination skills.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills.
- Knowledge of innovation, intellectual property systems, and/or business and entrepreneurship.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
- Sound judgement and integrity.
- Proficiency in digital tools, AI-enabled applications, and online collaboration platforms.

Organizational Competencies for WIPO IP and Women Fellowship

Communicating effectively
Showing team spirit.
Demonstrating integrity.
Valuing diversity.
Producing results.
Showing service orientation.
Seeing the big picture.
Seeking change and innovation.
Developing yourself and others.

Terms and Conditions

Term of fellowship: A fellowship may be granted for a period of up to 12 months. The contract may be extended one or more times, provided that the maximum cumulative length of the fellowship does not exceed a period of three years.
Anticipated Start Date: February 1, 2027.
Location: WIPO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland.
Stipend: 6,000 CHF/monthly.
Travel expenses: WIPO shall contribute towards the cost of the fellow’s travel on engagement and separation from service. If necessary, WIPO may provide assistance in obtaining an entry visa to Switzerland.
WIPO contributes towards the medical insurance and provides accident insurance coverage during the course of the fellowship.
WIPO will request a “carte de légitimation” for the Fellow, which serves as a residence and work permit, from the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and to the other international organizations in Geneva. Family members of the Fellow are not eligible for a “carte de legitimation.”
Tax and social security: Fellows shall be solely responsible for meeting any taxation and social security obligations that may arise directly or indirectly from their contract with WIPO.