WIPO’s workforce includes various categories, levels and appointment types that reflect the experience and qualifications needed for each role. To ensure your application stands out, make sure you meet the specific requirements for the position you are applying for.
At WIPO, the benefits and tenure of staff appointed at the General Service (GS), Professional (P), or Director (D) levels are determined by the terms of their appointment. WIPO offers three main types of appointments, depending on the nature of the work and budgetary conditions:
Temporary Appointment
Temporary appointments address defined short-term needs, ranging from one to 12 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of two years (or up to three years in exceptional circumstances). Extensions depend on ongoing needs, budget availability and satisfactory performance.
Fixed-term Appointment
Fixed-term appointments are for staff engaged in defined periods of employment to perform functions that are part of the organization’s regular and continuing activities. A fixed-term appointment typically lasts at least one year and may be extended for up to five years, renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and other applicable conditions.
Fixed-term appointments with limited duration
A fixed-term appointment of limited duration typically lasts at least one year, and it does not allow for renewal beyond the maximum term of five years.
General Service (GS) posts
General Service functions include administrative, secretarial and clerical support, as well as specialized technical functions such as security or buildings’ maintenance.
Staff in the General Service category could be of any nationality but must be recruited locally from the greater Geneva area.
General Service jobs require, as a minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent. The number of years of work experience is specified in each job opening.
Professional (P) and Director (D) posts
Staff members in the Professional and higher categories (P and D) are internationally recruited and must have a minimum number of years of experience and a university degree. Each job opening includes additional requirements.
Entry level professionals
- P-1: no work experience required
- P-2: minimum 2 years of work experience
- P-3: minimum 5 years of work experience
Mid-level professionals
- P-4: minimum 7 years of work experience
- P-5: minimum 10 years of work experience
Senior level professionals
- D-1: minimum 15 years of work experience
- D-2: more than 15 years of work experience
National Professional Officers (NPO) posts
National Professional Officers are locally recruited in the countries in which WIPO works. National Professional Officers are nationals of the country in which they are serving.
There are five levels of National Professional Officers:
Entry level professional
- NO-A: minimum 1 to 2 years of work experience
- NO-B: minimum 2 to 3 years of work experience
- NO-C: minimum 5 years of work experience
Mid-level professionals
- NO-D: minimum 7 years of work experience
Senior level professionals
- NO-E: over 7 years of work experience
Entry-level programs
Internship Program
We offer students the opportunity to learn and start their career with an experience at WIPO. There are two internship categories:
- CATEGORY I is for students or holders of a first level degree and students pursuing an advanced university degree
- CATEGORY II is for holders of an advanced degree or graduate students having completed their coursework, but not the thesis
Fellowship Program
WIPO’s fellowship program offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, expand knowledge, and contribute to global innovation and creativity. Fellows must have, as a minimum, a first-level university degree. They will receive a contract of up to 12 months, renewable for a maximum of three years.
There are different categories of fellowships. Each of them has different requirements as specified in the job opening.
Young Experts Program
The Young Experts Program is a recruitment initiative for talented, highly qualified Intellectual Property (IP) young professionals under the age of 35, holders of a university degree and at least 2 years of relevant experience. Through this 2-year competitive program, a selected group of young and talented professionals will work first-hand on WIPO's initiatives.
Other types of contracts
Individual Contractor Services (ICS)
ICS are external experts for specialized functions. They may work from our Geneva headquarters, undertake specific missions globally, or provide services remotely. ICS profiles encompass a wide range of professions and demonstrate expertise in various areas.