Intellectual Property Advisor (LICA 9)

Result of Service

The goal of this job function is to support the development and implementation of the national intellectual property framework

Work Location

Dili, East Timor

Expected duration

until 31 January 2027, with possibility of extension

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). It is the only multilateral agency fully dedicated to supporting the internationalization of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ITC’s mission is to foster sustainable and inclusive growth and development through trade and international business development. ITC projects and programmes contribute to the global efforts to achieve the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development and the Aid for Trade Agenda. ITC is implementing the project titled Timor-Leste: “Supporting Regional Integration and Trade” (Project) funded by the European Union (EU). The Project aims to contribute to Timor-Leste’s economic integration and trade in the world and in the Southeast Asian region. This will be achieved through supporting Timor-Leste’s accessions and post-accessions to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the European Union-Pacific (EU-P) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). In doing so, the Project aims to further develop Timor-Leste’s economy and dynamize the private sector through better integration in the multilateral trading system. While the overall objective of the Project is to contribute to Timor-Leste’s economic integration in the world and in the Southeast Asian region, the specific objective of this Project is to promote economic development and diversification through trade. The Project is implemented under the leadership of the Cabinet of the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs (VMAA). Other main stakeholders within the government are the Cabinet of the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs (MCAE) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI). In addition, key stakeholders also include the National Parliament, the private sector and civil society. As a new WTO and ASEAN member and a prospective one of the EU-P EPA, Timor-Leste is required to progressively align its legal, institutional, and administrative frameworks with international and regional standards and best practices. In the field of intellectual property, this includes compliance with the minimum standards set out under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement), as well as engagement with ASEAN cooperation frameworks and initiatives on intellectual property. Accordingly, Timor-Leste is in the process of developing a national industrial property ecosystem that not only facilitates trade in goods and services, but also promotes local innovation, creativity, and technology transfer in support of national development objectives. While there are many international and regional models and experiences from which Timor-Leste may draw lessons, the design and implementation of its IP system must remain country-specific, context-appropriate, and development-oriented, considering the country’s level of development, institutional capacity, and national priorities. Within this broader reform agenda, the development and implementation of the Industrial Property Code, together with the establishment and operationalization of an effective Industrial Property Office, are critical steps, not just to comply with WTO and ASEAN pos-accession roadmap, but also towards fostering innovation, improving the competitiveness of domestic industries, and encouraging value addition and industrial development. RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, DMD/SPTI and the overall supervision of the Senior Officer, Business and Trade Policy, DMD/SPTI, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Secretariat of State for Arts and Culture, the National Parliament and other public and private national entities, the Intellectual Property Advisor will be responsible for the following duties: Industrial Property Code and Implementing Regulations: o Assist with mapping and analysing relevant parliamentary procedures, committees, and timelines applicable to the consideration of the Industrial Property Code. o Assist MCI in preparing documentation and coordination inputs for engagement with the National Parliament and relevant sectoral committees through appropriate means, to facilitate the tabling, discussion and deliberation of the IP Code Law. o Conduct research and prepare draft technical comments on Industrial Property Code to ensure alignment with the TRIPS Agreement and relevant international IP treaties. o Prepare draft technical briefs, explanatory notes, and background papers as necessary to MCI during parliamentary discussions/deliberation, in response to clarifications/questions raised by members of parliament or parliamentary committees. o Support the review, refinement, and clarification of provisions of the Industrial Property Code. o Assist with the review and drafting of implementing regulations necessary for the effective application of the Industrial Property Code (e.g. procedures, fees, forms, administrative measures). o Assist in providing guidance on transitional provisions and phased implementation of the Industrial Property Code. o Support inter-ministerial coordination to ensure consistent government positions during parliamentary and/or Government discussions, if necessary Establishment and operationalisation of the Industrial Property Office: o Assist in preparing technical inputs on the institutional set-up, mandate, and functions of the Industrial Property Office. o Contribute to the development of operational frameworks, including internal procedures, workflows, and administrative practices for the IP Office. o Assist in compiling information and preparing draft inputs on organizational structure, staffing needs, and capacity-building priorities for the Intellectual Property Office. o Maintain liaison and support coordination with relevant national stakeholders and development partners involved in intellectual property system development. o Assist in inputs related to the introduction and use of IP administration systems, where relevant. • Capacity building and advisory support: o Provide on-the-job guidance and mentoring to designated MCI officials and the Intellectual Property Office formation team. o Prepare draft technical notes, briefing materials, or presentations, . o Provide research support and draft responses on industrial property matters, including copyrights and related rights, as they arise during the assignment. o Assist in organizing and delivering capacity-building activities on copyright law, policy, and administration as necessary. o Develop training materials including presentation and guidelines, on Intellectual Property, Copyright and related rights. Copyright and Related Rights Legal Framework: o Support the design of operational procedures and workflows for copyright administration, public information services, and coordination with enforcement bodies in collaboration with Secretary of State for Arts and Culture (SEAC) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Culture (MESSC). o Support coordination activities between MCI, SEAC, law enforcement agencies, judiciary, customs authorities, and other relevant ministries on copyright enforcement and policy matters. Other duties: o Undertake any other tasks relevant to intellectual property matters including providing support to other Ministries and agencies as well as private sector entities, especially in the area of creative industries and ITC project implementation, as necessary to support project objectives. Copyright : The personnel has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required.

Qualifications/special skills

EDUCATION: Advanced university degree (master’s level or higher) in intellectual property, technology and innovation, public policy, development policy or a related field. A first-level degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two (2) additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. EXPERIENCE: At least two (2) years of experience in intellectual property or a related field is required. Experience working with at least one of the following is required: the WTO TRIPS Agreement, international IP treaties administered by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), ASEAN frameworks and cooperation mechanisms on intellectual property. Experience in supporting the establishment, strengthening or operationalisation of IP offices or similar public institutions is desirable. Experience working with government institutions and/or international organizations, including the UN desirable. COMPETENCIES: Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or another specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports peers, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Languages

Fluency in Tetum and English is required. Knowledge of Portuguese is an advantage.

Additional Information

This vacancy is open for locally residing nationals of East Timor ONLY. This contract will be administered on behalf of ITC by UNOPS. Applicants must be authorized to work in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.