The WIPO IP and Women Fellowship 2027 is a professional development opportunity from the World Intellectual Property Organization for candidates with a law background and professional experience in intellectual property. The fellow works within WIPO's Patents and Technology Sector, Office of the Deputy Director General, supporting the Senior Advisor, IP and Gender. The fellowship runs at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, with a monthly stipend of CHF 6,000.
Complete guide to the fellowship overview, responsibilities, eligibility criteria, fellowship terms and benefits, selection process, important dates, and application process.
Quick Highlights
Parameter
Details
Organization
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Position
IP and Women Fellowship 2027
Job Type
Fellowship (professional development)
Location
WIPO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland
Eligibility
First-level university degree in law; at least 2 years professional experience in IP
Experience Required
Minimum 2 years in IP or a role linked to or emphasising IP
Sector
Intellectual Property and Gender
Preferred Applicants
Candidates with an advanced degree in science, business management/economics, technology, social sciences or international relations; international experience; interest in women's participation in innovation
Working Language
English (excellent written and spoken); another UN official language desirable
Application Method
Online application via the official WIPO careers portal
The fellowship sits within WIPO's Patents and Technology Sector, Office of the Deputy Director General, and supports the Senior Advisor, IP and Gender. The fellow contributes to implementing WIPO's strategy on intellectual property in support of women and girls, particularly through the IP and Gender Action Plan (IPGAP) and related initiatives.
Area
Details
Host Organization
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Placement
Patents and Technology Sector, Office of the Deputy Director General
Reports To
Senior Advisor, IP and Gender
Core Strategy
IP and Gender Action Plan (IPGAP) and related initiatives
Focus
Intellectual property in support of women and girls
Duty Station
WIPO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland
Anticipated Start Date
February 1, 2027
Key Responsibilities
Responsibility
Details
Strategy Implementation
Contribute to implementing WIPO's strategy on intellectual property in support of women and girls
IPGAP Support
Support delivery of the IP and Gender Action Plan (IPGAP) and related initiatives
Advisory Support
Assist the Senior Advisor, IP and Gender
Cross-Sectoral Collaboration
Organize and collaborate across teams in a cross-sectoral role
Project Coordination
Coordinate projects and contribute analytical and communication inputs
Research and Writing
Conduct research and produce high-quality written outputs
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Requirement
Details
Education (Essential)
First-level university degree in law (a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is also considered a first-level university degree in law)
Education (Desirable)
Advanced university degree in science, business management/economics, technology, social sciences, or international relations
Experience (Essential)
At least two (2) years of professional experience in IP or in a role with a link to or emphasis in IP
Experience (Desirable)
Experience working in an international environment
Experience (Desirable)
Experience or demonstrated interest relating to women's participation in innovation and use of the IP system
Language (Essential)
Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English
Language (Desirable)
Knowledge of another UN official language
Additional Skills That Strengthen an Application
Skill
Details
Research and Writing
Excellent research and writing skills
Organization and Planning
Excellent independent organizational and planning skills; ability to collaborate and organize across teams in a cross-sectoral role
Project Coordination
Excellent project coordination skills
Analytical and Communication
Excellent analytical and communication skills
IP and Innovation Knowledge
Knowledge of innovation, intellectual property systems, and/or business and entrepreneurship
Interpersonal Skills
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
Judgement and Integrity
Sound judgement and integrity
Digital Proficiency
Proficiency in digital tools, AI-enabled applications, and online collaboration platforms
Organizational Competencies
Competency
Details
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
Who Should Apply
Background
Details
Law graduates with IP experience
Yes
Candidates with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree
Yes
Professionals with 2+ years in IP or IP-linked roles
Yes
Candidates with international work experience
Priority consideration
Candidates with interest in women's participation in innovation
Priority consideration
Candidates with an advanced degree in science, business management/economics, technology, social sciences or international relations
Priority consideration
Candidates fluent in another UN official language
Priority consideration
Fellowship Terms, Stipend and Benefits
Detail
Information
Term of Fellowship
Up to 12 months; contract may be extended one or more times, provided the maximum cumulative length does not exceed three years
Anticipated Start Date
February 1, 2027
Location
WIPO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland
Stipend
CHF 6,000 monthly
Travel Expenses
WIPO contributes towards the cost of the fellow's travel on engagement and separation from service
Visa Assistance
If necessary, WIPO may provide assistance in obtaining an entry visa to Switzerland
Medical Insurance
WIPO contributes towards medical insurance
Accident Insurance
Accident insurance coverage provided during the course of the fellowship
Residence and Work Permit
WIPO will request a "carte de légitimation" from the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva; family members of the fellow are not eligible
Tax and Social Security
Fellows are solely responsible for meeting any taxation and social security obligations arising directly or indirectly from their contract with WIPO
How to Apply
Step
Action
1
Review the eligibility criteria and fellowship terms carefully
2
Prepare your application details, including education and IP experience
3
Open the official WIPO careers portal using the application link
4
Complete and submit your application before the deadline
5
Submit by November 23, 2026
Important Dates
Event
Date
Application Deadline
November 23, 2026
Anticipated Start Date
February 1, 2027
Fellowship Duration
Up to 12 months (extendable; maximum cumulative length three years)
Important Links (Direct URLs)
Description
URL
Official WIPO IP and Women Fellowship application page
The WIPO IP and Women Fellowship 2027, a professional development fellowship within WIPO's Patents and Technology Sector, Office of the Deputy Director General.
Q2. Where is the fellowship located?
At WIPO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland.
Q3. What is the stipend?
CHF 6,000 monthly.
Q4. What is the fellowship duration?
Up to 12 months, extendable one or more times, provided the maximum cumulative length does not exceed three years.
Q5. When does the fellowship start?
The anticipated start date is February 1, 2027.
Q6. What education is required?
A first-level university degree in law; a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is also considered a first-level university degree in law.
Q7. How much experience is required?
At least two (2) years of professional experience in IP or in a role with a link to or emphasis in IP.
Q8. What language skills are needed?
Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.
Q9. What is the application deadline?
November 23, 2026.
Q10. How do I apply?
Apply online through the official WIPO careers portal linked in this post.
Final Call-to-Action
Step
Action
1
Check that you meet the education and IP experience requirements
2
Prepare your application before the November 23, 2026 deadline
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