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.
1. Organizational context
(a)** **Organizational Setting
Fellowships aim to provide fellows with experience to strengthen their knowledge and professional competence, which they can apply in their professional field once they have completed their fellowship with WIPO. Fellowships are awarded for specific activities, which provide the fellows training, within the approved workplan of the employing office.
This fellowship is based in the IP for Business Division, IP and Innovation Ecosystem Sector, which is responsible for SME-related intellectual property issues, including IP management, IP commercialization by businesses, and the use of IP as a key business enabler. The Division empowers enterprises to maximize their potential through intellectual property by delivering business-oriented content, targeted tools, and practical guidance that support the development and implementation of effective IP management strategies. The Division works closely with SME support institutions, intermediaries, and partners to strengthen innovation ecosystems at national, regional, and international levels.
This fellowship provides an opportunity for a young professional to gain hands-on experience in the practical application of intellectual property to business development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Through direct involvement in WIPO projects and initiatives, the Fellow will deepen their understanding of how IP tools and strategies contribute to economic growth and competitiveness across industries and regions. The role offers exposure to collaboration with innovators, entrepreneurs, SME support institutions, and policy stakeholders, as well as participation in capacity-building and international cooperation activities. The fellowship is designed to strengthen the Fellow’s technical, analytical, research, and communication skills, while also supporting the development of a global professional network in the field of IP-driven innovation.
A core focus of this fellowship will be to support the implementation and operationalization of the IP for Business Center in cooperation with business support institutions with a focus on the Asia Region, including China.
(b) Reporting Lines
The Fellow shall work under the supervision of the Director, IP for Business Division, IP and Innovation Ecosystem Sector.
2. Duties and responsibilities
The Fellow will be required to perform the following principal duties:
(i) Support the development, coordination, and implementation of IP management and commercialization initiatives, including the IP Management Clinic, aimed at helping businesses integrate intellectual property into their business strategies.
(ii) Support the implementation of the Global Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program, including assistance with activity planning, coordination with partners, and follow-up on program deliverables.
(iii) Contribute to the promotion and delivery of IP for Business Division tools, services, and materials through collaboration with national, regional, and international partner institutions, including support to the effective onboarding and collaboration with new partners under the IP for Business Center initiative.
(iv) Assist in the preparation and adaptation of practical business-oriented resources, such as guides, toolkits, tutorials, case studies, and training materials related to IP management and commercialization.
(v) Support the organization and delivery of events, workshops, and other capacity-building activities aimed at engaging businesses, startups, intermediaries, and policymakers, and facilitating dialogue on IP for business and innovation.
(vi) Collaborate with Member States, partner organizations, and other stakeholders to support project implementation, information exchange, and knowledge sharing across initiatives.
(vii) Prepare reports, presentations, briefing notes, and communication materials highlighting divisional activities and demonstrating how intellectual property can enhance business competitiveness and innovation outcomes.
(viii) Perform other related duties as required by the Director.
3. Requirements
a) Education:
Essential: First-level university degree in law, economics, business management, accounting or finance.
Desirable: Advanced university degree in law, with a concentration in IP or business law.
b) Experience:
Essential:
At least three (3) years of relevant professional experience in the area of intellectual property.
Desirable:
Experience working in an international and/or multicultural environment, preferably in the public sector or an international organization.
Experience or exposure to working with Asian-based institutions, projects, or stakeholders, including familiarity with the economic, business, or policy environment in the Asian region.
Experience supporting partnership-based or multi-stakeholder initiatives.
c) Languages:
Essential: Excellent (written and spoken) knowledge of English and Chinese.
Desirable: Knowledge of any other official UN languages.
d) Specific skills and competencies:
Essential:
- Excellent research and drafting skills.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills.
- Sound judgement and integrity.
- Excellent organizational skills, including attention to detail; with the ability to work within strict time constraints and to meet deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
- Competent user of Microsoft Office applications, Zoom, and ability to adapt quickly to new systems and software.
4. Organizational competencies
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Communicating effectively.
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Showing team spirit.
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Demonstrating integrity.
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Valuing diversity.
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Producing results.
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Showing service orientation.
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Seeing the big picture.
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Seeking change and innovation.
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Developing yourself and others.
5. Terms and conditions
a) 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.
b) Anticipated Start Date: June 1, 2026
c) Location: WIPO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland.
d) Stipend: CHF 7,000 monthly.
e) 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.
f) WIPO contributes to the medical insurance and provides accident insurance coverage during the course of the fellowship.
g) 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.”
h) 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.
Additional information
WIPO values diversity among its personnel and is committed to equal employment opportunities. We welcome applications from qualified candidates from unrepresented Member States of WIPO, and from underrepresented geographical regions and groups, including people with disabilities. If candidates need any accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, they should contact their HR focal point when they receive an invitation.
Fellows are not staff members of WIPO, and the position does not lead to any employment rights and entitlements beyond the terms of the fellowship.
The Fellowship will take place in Geneva, Switzerland and it cannot be carried out remotely.
By 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.
In the event that your candidature is shortlisted, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of an identification and of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and these will be reviewed individually.
Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening. Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references. Additional background checks may be required.