Director, Creative Economy Data Program

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

The Creative Economy Data Program operates within the Copyright and Creative Industries Sector (CCIS). The program aims to strengthen global understanding of the modern creative economy by improving data collection, analysis, and application for policymaking. It will support Member States in developing national capacity and capabilities in measuring the economic, social, and cultural impact of creative industries, as well as using these for development purposes.

b. Purpose Statement

The incumbent provides strategic leadership to the Creative Economy Data Program, guiding the development and implementation of the Creative Economy Data Model (CEDM) and strengthening Member’s states capacity in creative economy data collection and analysis.

Through the development of policy-relevant tools, coordination with partners, and collaboration across WIPO divisions, the role contributes to positioning WIPO as a global reference point on creative economy data.

c. Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to the Deputy Director General of CCIS.

d. Work Relations

The incumbent works in close cooperation with programs throughout WIPO, including the Regional and National Development Sector, the Department for Economics and Data Analytics and the IP and Frontier Technology Division, engages with IP and Copyright Offices, relevant Ministries and other public entities, as well as with relevant stakeholders across the copyright and creative ecosystems at the national, regional and international levels.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a. Lead the design, development and implementation of the WIPO Creative Economy Data Model (CEDM), integrating the impact of emerging and current digital economy trends and technologies on data connected to the creative economy.

b. Develop innovative tools, guides and reports that translate CEDM outputs and insights into actionable policy recommendations for decision-makers.

c. Determine priorities, allocate resources for the timely and quality delivery of work products per result-based management principles, ensuring that key risks are identified, assessed and managed for the achievement of agreed KPIs and targets, prepare budget proposals for the unit, lead improvement initiatives, promote innovative solutions, and ensure program objectives are met.

d. Provide strategic advisory services to Member States on assessing the impact of the creative industries on economic, social, and cultural developments.

e. Guide Member States in implementing their own creative economy data collection and analysis programs, ensuring alignment with national and regional priorities.

f. In collaboration with relevant Sectors, design and deliver phased capacity-building programs to enable countries to build capabilities and expertise in measuring, analyzing and using CEDM for national purposes.

g. Foster and manage partnerships with governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, academia, creators, and creative industries, to advance creative economy initiatives.

h. Work closely with internal stakeholders in WIPO to develop integrated strategies that amplify the organization’s impact on creative industries.

i. Perform other related duties as required.

3. Requirements

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in economics, cultural economics or related disciplines.

Experience (Essential)

At least fifteen years of technical experience in issues relating to the creative economy, including in governmental, intergovernmental, non-governmental organizations, or in the private sector.
At least ten years extensive experience in economic and policy studies on the creative economy, including data analytics, preferably at the regional or international levels.
At least five years’ experience in policy planning and implementation, in particular in translating reports, data and analytics into concrete and actionable policies.
At least five years’ experience in international cooperation and in developing cultural and creative information systems.
Proven experience leading and managing teams and resources.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience and/or expertise in matters relating to copyright.
Experience in managing the digital transformation of creative industries including the strategic adaptation of emerging digital technologies as applied to these industries.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Excellent practical knowledge of creative economy concepts and frameworks and their application.
Proven research and data analysis skills.
Demonstrated ability to plan, track, and report program activities in line with results-based management principles and measurable outcomes.
Strategic leadership skills in creative economy policy and research, including the ability to shape long-term agendas, understand policy or research priorities and lead complex initiatives, as well as the ability to identify key strategic issues, emerging opportunities and risks.
Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships and partnerships within the organization and with external stakeholders in an international and multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Exceptional communication and advocacy skills, ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels and achieve collaborative solutions.
Strong presentation and writing skills for developing clear, insightful, and impactful content.
Sound judgement: ability to quickly assess complex and fast-moving situations and developments and provide targeted and innovative advice, well developed skills in problem analysis and problem-solving.
Excellent coordination, change management skills and ability to work with a variety of cross-sectoral teams to achieve common outcomes.
Excellent people and resource management skills.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Understanding of and experience in the relationship between copyright and other types of intellectual property and the creative economy.

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.

9. Developing yourself and others.

5. Information

Mobility: 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.

Annual salary:

Total 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. Please note that this estimate is for information only. 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 February 2026 rate of 93.8%

D1

Annual salary

$106,023

Post adjustment

$99,450

Total Salary

$205,473

Currency USD

Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.

Please refer to WIPO’s Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.

Additional Information

* Initial period of two years, renewable, subject to satisfactory performance. 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.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions in accordance with Staff Rule 4.9.5.

Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged. Please click on the following links for the list of unrepresented Member States and the list of underrepresented regions and the WIPO Member States in these regions.

The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.

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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 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: http://www.whed.net/. Some higher educational qualifications may not be listed in WHED, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

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.