Associate Legal Officer (WIPO-JPO) – P2/ Innovation Practice Area – Geneva | Switzerland
Associate Legal Officer (WIPO-JPO) – P2/ Innovation Practice Area – Geneva | Switzerland
Associate Legal Officer (WIPO-JPO) – P2/ Innovation Practice Area – Geneva | Switzerland. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is currently inviting applications for the role of Associate Legal Officer (P2 level) under the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme. This opportunity is exclusively open to nationals of the Republic of Korea. With a fixed one-year term and the potential for extension, this full-time role offers an ideal entry point for emerging legal professionals eager to work in international law and intellectual property governance.
Table of Contents
Background & Job Description
The Associate Legal Officer position sits within the WIPO Judicial Institute, part of the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector. This division plays a key role in enhancing judicial capacity related to intellectual property (IP) rights worldwide. The Institute supports member states in judicial training, facilitates access to judicial decisions through the WIPO Lex database, and promotes knowledge-sharing among IP judges through forums and publications.
The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) will support the Institute’s core initiatives, which include judicial education, IP jurisprudence analysis, legal resource development, and intergovernmental coordination.
This appointment falls under the JPO framework, supported by the Republic of Korea, and targets young legal professionals seeking international experience in IP law, policy, and technical assistance.
Tasks
As an Associate Legal Officer, the selected candidate will contribute to research, drafting, and legal support functions under the supervision of a Legal Counsellor. The specific duties include:
Legal Research and Analysis
- Conduct detailed legal research on national judicial systems governing IP disputes.
- Summarize IP-related rules, court practices, case management procedures, and trial systems.
Judicial Resource Development
- Assist in creating legal tools and publications for judges.
- Coordinate with judicial contributors and support editorial work.
- Prepare promotional and informational content for newsletters and web platforms.
Support for Training and Events
- Draft materials for capacity-building programs and training modules.
- Analyze IP laws and court decisions from WIPO member states.
- Contribute to organizing global judicial events such as the annual IP Judges’ Forum and Master Class on IP Adjudication.
Administrative and Reporting Duties
- Collect and evaluate internal performance data.
- Draft reports and administrative documentation for WIPO internal use.
Other Responsibilities
- Perform related tasks and special assignments as needed by the Institute.
This wide scope of responsibilities provides meaningful exposure to global legal trends and practical experience in international IP law.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Candidates must meet the following educational requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Law with a minimum of four years’ experience, or
- Master’s degree in Law with at least two years’ relevant experience.
Advanced legal education may be accepted in lieu of some work experience. Legal research experience is considered advantageous.
Experience
- At least two to four years of experience in a legal environment.
- Exposure to international IP law, judicial systems, or policy development is highly desirable.
- Experience in legal drafting, policy analysis, or public sector reform is an asset.
Additional Information
Eligibility Restrictions
This role is strictly reserved for nationals of the Republic of Korea under the JPO Programme. Other essential criteria include:
- Fluency in Korean and English (spoken and written).
- Valid proof of English language proficiency, such as:
- TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 100
- IELTS: minimum score of 7
- TEPS: minimum score of 430
- TOEIC: minimum score of 900
Note: ‘Home Edition’ of TOEFL is accepted, but ‘MyBest Scores’ are not.
- Age limit: Must be under 33 years old by December 31, 2025. Korean male applicants must have completed or be exempt from national service.
- Applicants may only apply to two JPO positions per year.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:
- CV and motivation letter
- Resident registration (English)
- University degree certificate (English)
- Valid English test certificate
- Military service certificate (for male applicants only)
- Income and disability certificates (if applicable)
All documents must be uploaded in PDF format at the time of application.
Learning Opportunities
The JPO will gain hands-on experience in:
- Judicial capacity-building in IP law
- Drafting legal and policy documents for international stakeholders
- Managing cross-jurisdictional research and legal databases
- Project management and event coordination in an international legal setting
This assignment also offers access to the WIPO Training Catalogue, with opportunities for continued legal education during the contract term.
Organizational Competencies Expected
- Communication and team spirit
- Integrity and respect for diversity
- Result-driven approach
- Innovation mindset and personal development
- Strong service orientation and understanding of global IP trends
Contract and Duration
This is a fixed-term, full-time position for one year, with a possibility of extension depending on performance and funding availability.
Salary and Benefits
Although specific salary details are not disclosed in the announcement, JPO positions are typically remunerated according to UN P2 grade scales, which offer competitive tax-free salaries, medical insurance, paid leave, and relocation allowances.
Application Deadline
August 1, 2025 (11:59 PM) is the official deadline. Applications must be completed and submitted through the system by this date.
For full details and eligibility under the Korean JPO Programme, applicants should consult:
https://unrecruit.mofa.go.kr
Apply Now for the WIPO JPO Legal Officer Role
This is a rare opportunity for Korean nationals with legal expertise to gain international experience in one of the world’s leading IP institutions. If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about IP law, judicial systems, and global governance, don’t miss this chance to apply.
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