Associate Legal Officer

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE:  please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.

1.         Organizational context

a.        Organizational Setting

The post is located in the WIPO Office in China (WOC), Beijing. This Office is responsible for effective delivery of WIPO's products and services to Intellectual Property (IP) in China. The WOC is part of a network of External Offices (EOs) that add clear value, efficiency and effectiveness to the delivery of strategic goals of the Organization in a coordinated and complementary way with WIPO headquarters (HQ).

As part of the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector (IES), the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center (Center) provides services for the resolution of IP disputes between private parties through methods other than court litigation. The Center coordinates its alternative dispute resolution (ADR) activities in China with the WOC.

b.        Purpose Statement

As part of the activities of the WOC, the incumbent will contribute to the overall promotion of all of WIPO's services in Shanghai and its neighboring areas. The incumbent's support of the work of the Center in China further includes the administration of cases under WIPO Rules and the development and implementation of dispute resolution policies tailored to local needs.

c.        Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the WOC, with substantive guidance by the Center in case administration and other ADR matters.

2.         Duties and responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.     Contribute to the promotion of WIPO's IP services and customer facilities in China and more specifically in Shanghai and its neighboring areas, including producing materials and participating in events. As a specific focus, support the promotion of WIPO ADR in China. Maintain contacts and share information with national public and private sector organizations and interact with other United Nations agencies and Chinese institutions that may be involved in the implementation of activities.

b.     Participate in the design, planning and organization of and coordinate organizational and logistical preparations for the seminars, workshops, conferences, symposia and training programs (including drafting correspondence related to the organization of administrative arrangements of such events, and preparation of relevant documentation). Cooperate closely with relevant WIPO Divisions for the implementation of activities.

c.     Contribute to the administration of mediation, arbitration and expert determination cases, in particular those filed with the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Shanghai Service. Propose input for the establishment and promotion of new Center-supported dispute resolution policies tailored to local needs. Provide procedural guidance in relation to WIPO ADR in response to queries received.

d.     Undertake research on national development plans and priorities; draft reports on research findings with a view to identifying and proposing areas of potential project activities for further consideration by the Director. Undertake legal and marketing research relevant to potential demand for the Center's services and contribute to publications on IP ADR.

e.     Perform other related duties as required.

3.         Requirements

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in law.

Education (Desirable)

University degree including studies in IP and/or ADR.

Experience (Essential)

At least three years of relevant professional experience, including experience in IP law or ADR in a law firm and/or department or agency.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of Chinese and English.

Language (Desirable)

The incumbent will be expected to engage extensively with the IP, business and tech communities in the Shanghai and neighboring areas and should ideally be fluent in Shanghainese and other relevant regional dialects.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Good understanding of IP and ADR.

An understanding of the use of information technology in the context of dispute resolution processes.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Flexibility and team spirit.

Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.

Ease and tact in personal contacts at all levels.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the Internet.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Good understanding of WIPO's IP services, including WIPO ADR.

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.