Legal Counsellor, Geneva, Switzerland

ppJob Description - Legal Counsellor (26269-FT) /p pLegal Counsellor - 26269-FT /p pCopyright Law Division, Copyright and Creative Industries Sector /p pGrade - P4 /p pContract Duration - 2 years * /p h3Duty Station /h3 pCH-Geneva /p h3Publication Date /h3 p31-Aug-2026 /p h3Application Deadline /h3 p30-Sep-2026, 9:59:00 PM /p pbIMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE /b: please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location. /p h3Organizational Context /h3 h3Organizational Setting /h3 pThe post is located in the Copyright Law Division, within the Copyright and Creative Industries Sector. This Division is responsible for the implementation of WIPO's strategic goal concerning the balanced evolution of the international normative framework for intellectual property in the area of copyright and related rights, including the adherence to and implementation of the Organization's copyright and related rights treaties at the national level, and for providing assistance to Member States in drafting and updating their national legislation in the field of copyright and related rights. The Division also functions as the secretariat for the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR). /p h3Purpose Statement /h3 pThe main role of the incumbent is to coordinate the work of the Division in providing authoritative advice and legislative, regulatory and policy assistance to Member States with a focus on areas related to the implementation of the Organization's copyright and related rights treaties. Under the guidance of the Director of the Copyright Law Division, the incumbent supervises and reviews the work of lawyers who provide legislative, regulatory and policy assistance to Member States in the design and implementation of balanced legislative, regulatory and policy frameworks in the area of copyright and related rights. The incumbent also coordinates the lawyers working with Member States to adhere to and implement WIPO copyright and related rights treaties. The incumbent contributes to the related substantive work of the Secretariat, including providing copyright legal, regulatory and policy advice as part of cross-sectoral teams within the Organization. /p h3Reporting Lines /h3 pThe incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the Copyright Law Division. /p h3Work Relations /h3 pThe incumbent works closely with other professionals in CCIS, primarily from the Copyright Law Division, as well as the Copyright Management Division and the Office of the Deputy Director General. The incumbent also collaborates frequently with other colleagues who provide legislative, regulatory and policy advice and assistance within the Organization. /p h3Duties and Responsibilities /h3 ul liDraft or comment on, and provide legal opinions and advice to Member States with respect to legal texts, draft bills, draft rules and regulations, policy documents, and other documents as requested by interested countries on copyright and related rights, or other related areas of the law. This includes providing assistance in adhering to and implementing WIPO copyright and related rights treaties at the national level. /li liUndertake and supervise fundamental research and analysis of the needs of countries, or groups of countries, on copyright and related rights, or other related areas of the law as requested. /li liDevelop and lead studies or other projects, as requested, related to strategies in new areas of the law related to copyright and related rights. /li liDraft and provide input to guides, legal opinions, publications and other documents pertaining to the functions and activities of the Division or the Sector. /li liSupervise and guide more junior staff and external consultants, as requested, in producing high quality and timely legislative, regulatory, and policy advice for Member States. /li liMaintain contacts with authorities of countries or groups of countries in all regions as well as with the United Nations agencies and other partner institutions with respect to legislative, regulatory, and policy advice activities. /li liCoordinate activity, as appropriate, with other WIPO Sectors involved in providing legislative, regulatory, and policy advice to Member States. /li liCoordinate and participate in internal and external training and awareness-raising activities, seminars and workshops; this includes organizing those meetings and delivering training and presentations. /li liCoordinate and participate in training activities and meetings organized internally or by Member States, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations; this includes provision of legislative, regulatory and policy advice and assistance with respect to the law of copyright and related rights. /li liPrepare work plans, reports, evaluations, and other administrative documents. /li liPerform other related duties, as required and assigned. /li /ul h3Requirements /h3 pAdvanced university degree in law. A first-level university degree in law or related disciplines that would quality the incumbent to practice law at the national level, plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the years of experience requested below, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. /p pPostgraduate specialization in intellectual property law including copyright and related rights. /p h3Experience (Essential) /h3 ul liAt least seven years of relevant professional legal experience including in the field of intellectual property in the public or private sector, with specific experience in the field of copyright and related rights. /li liExperience in drafting legislative, regulatory and policy advice in the area of intellectual property. /li liExperience with copyright and related rights legal systems in developing countries. /li liExperience in drafting legislative, regulatory and policy advice in the area of copyright and related rights. /li liExperience in a multilateral intergovernmental organization providing legislative, regulatory and policy advice related to international normative instruments. /li liExperience in project management. /li liExcellent written and spoken knowledge of English and one other official United Nations language. /li liGood knowledge of another official United Nations language. /li /ul h3Job Related Competencies (Essential) /h3 ul liKnowledge of project management methodology. /li liDemonstrated ability to analyze legal questions and draft legal texts. /li liSound knowledge of applicable legal principles of copyright and related rights law and the WIPO copyright and related rights treaties. /li liAbility to conduct research independently and present results in a clear and logical form. /li liStrong team leadership skills. /li liExcellent time management and work organization skills. /li liExcellent project management skills or demonstrated commitment to gaining this expertise. /li liExcellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. /li liProficiency in digital tools, AI-enabled applications, and online collaboration platforms. /li liCommitment to continuous learning and the adoption of emerging technologies. /li liStrong attention to detail. /li /ul h3Job Related Competencies (Desirable) /h3 ul liExcellent legislative drafting skills. /li liCommunicating effectively. /li liShowing team spirit. /li liDemonstrating integrity. /li liProducing results. /li liShowing service orientation. /li liSeeing the big picture. /li liSeeking change and innovation. /li liDeveloping yourself and others. /li /ul h3Information /h3 pMobility: WIPO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director General and may be assigned to any activities, office or duty station of the Organization. Accordingly, the selected candidate may be required to move from time to time to new functions and/or to another duty station. /p pTotal annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment. bPlease note that this estimate is for information only. /b The post adjustment multiplier (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change (increase or decrease) without notice. The figures quoted below are based on the bAugust 2026 /b rate of b84,3 /b% /p pbP4 /b /p p$77,326 /p pPost adjustment /p p$ 65,186 /p p$ 142,512 /p pCurrency USD /p pSalaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations. /p p* Initial fixed-term appointment of two years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and other applicable conditions. No fixed-term appointment or any extension hereof shall carry with it any expectancy of, nor imply any right to, (further) extensions or conversion to a permanent appointment. /p pThis vacancy announcement may be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions in accordance with Staff Rule 4.9.5. /p pBy completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this web site, or on any other documents submitted to WIPO during the application, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process, or termination of employment with WIPO at a later date, if that employment resulted from such willful misrepresentations. /p pIn the event that your candidature is shortlisted, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of your identification and the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO recognizes higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed here: . Some higher educational qualifications may not be listed in WHED, and will be reviewed on a case‑of‑… /p pAdditional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening. Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references. /p pAdditional background checks may be required. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr