World Intellectual Property Organization

WIPO Careers

WIPO is the global forum for intellectual property (IP) policy, services, information and cooperation. It is our mission to lead the development of a balanced and effective international IP system that enables innovation and creativity for the benefit of all.

We are looking for talented individuals from around the globe to help us meet this challenge. A diverse workforce is our strongest asset.

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"What I enjoy most is the energy coming from working with my colleagues" – Violetta Ghetu, Legal Officer, Design and Geographical Indication Law Section.
Meet more WIPO employees.

What we look for

We seek to recruit staff from a wide range of backgrounds, and with diverse experience, languages and expertise, to fill the many different roles in the Organization.

Working at WIPO

Working at WIPO means being part of a unique United Nations agency dedicated to making IP work for innovation and creativity. Our staff work in multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural teams in a stimulating international setting. They enjoy an attractive package of remuneration and benefits.

Tips for applicants

  • Understand the requirements of the position you are interested in, and only apply if you meet them all.
  • If you are invited for an interview, come prepared. Familiarize yourself with the work of WIPO and the position you are applying for.
  • Be ready to share concrete examples and situations from your previous professional experiences that illustrate your ability to perform the duties of the job you are applying for.
  • We are committed to matching the best candidate to each role through a thorough review of all applications. Our recruitment process can therefore be lengthy as it involves several steps, usually including pre-screening, a written test, and a final interview with the Appointment Board. On average, it takes about 19 weeks between publication time and the final decision.

Our recruitment principles

  • For each post we seek to appoint the strongest candidate, who will meet the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity.
  • We select on the strength of candidates' qualifications, experience and demonstrated competences for the job.
  • We seek to recruit staff from as wide a geographical basis as possible.
  • We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all candidates who meet the minimum requirements, irrespective of gender, racial, ethnic or social origin, color, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.
  • We are committed to achieving gender balance at all levels of the Organization.

Contract types

Usually granted for an initial period of one to two years, and may be extended further subject to business needs and individual performance.

Temporary appointments ↓

Granted for a period of up to one year, and may be extended to a cumulative length of two years.

Internships ↓

For students and young professionals. The program provides an opportunity to complement educational and professional experience through participation in work in an international context. WIPO Internship Guide PDF, Information on WIPO internships.

Related links

About WIPO

Intellectual property

Information resources

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