Counsellor

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 WIPO Japan Office (WJO) promotes WIPO's global IP services, including those related to patents, trademarks, industrial designs, arbitration and mediation, as well as its global databases, IP Advantage and multi-stakeholder initiatives. It raises awareness of intellectual property among users in Japan through targeted outreach and service delivery. WJO engages with national stakeholders to support the use and development of WIPO services through stakeholder engagement and feedback, and contributes to broader coordination in Japan, including with other United Nations agencies present in the country. It also implements activities in cooperation with the Government of Japan, including through the Japan Funds-in-Trust. The office maintains a Japanese-language website and delivers seminars, training, publications and local customer support.

b. Purpose Statement

The incumbent assists the Director in developing and implementing the Program of Work and Budget of the WIPO Japan Office (WJO) to promote WIPO’s mandate, enhance the quality, accessibility and timeliness of WIPO services for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPRs), and support the advancement of WIPO’s broader strategic objectives.

c. Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director, WIPO Japan Office.

d. Work Relations

The incumbent builds and maintains effective relationships with internal WIPO stakeholders as well as external counterparts, including government authorities, IP institutions, UN entities, and partner organizations, to advance policy dialogue, outreach, partnerships, and the delivery of WIPO's strategic objectives.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a. Work closely with the Director in developing WJO's program of work and workplan, and oversee the implementation and monitoring to enhance the delivery and use of WIPO's services in Japan.

b. Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with IP stakeholders, government authorities, WIPO Headquarters, External Offices and Japan-based intergovernmental organizations to promote WIPO services, provide IP policy advice, strengthen policy and technical cooperation, and advance WIPO’s objectives in Japan and, as appropriate, the region.

c. Lead outreach, communication and promotional activities relating to WIPO's services, including WIPO Global IP services, alternative dispute resolution services, and other relevant services, tools, databases and partnerships.

d. Organize meetings for IP stakeholders in Japan and, as appropriate, in the region, in consultation with the HQ of WIPO, the host government and other co-organizers to promote WIPO's services.

e. Assist the Director in managing the WJO’s activities and responsibilities, including its administrative and financial management in accordance with applicable rules, regulations and procedures, and manage assigned personnel and evaluate their work.

f. Represent WJO at national and international meetings and events on IP matters.

g. Perform other related duties as required.

3. Requirements

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in management, business administration, international relations, law, science, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the experience requested below may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Education (Desirable)

Specialization in intellectual property.

Experience (Essential)

At least seven years of related professional experience in one or more of the following fields: patents, trademarks, industrial designs and copyright, including international experience.

Experience (Desirable)

At least five years of experience working with the public administration of IP in Japan.
Experience of using one of the WIPO services.

Sound experience in at least one of the international IP systems such as PCT, Madrid and the Hague.
Experience in the field of diplomatic relations or international cooperation.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Japanese and English.

Language (Desirable)