Senior Legal Officer
Organizational Context
The Central Services Division (CSD) within WIPO's Corporate Management and Transformation Sector is responsible for strategic procurement, facility management, and modernization of WIPO Headquarters. This role is crucial for ensuring all CSD operations and contractual commitments align with WIPO's regulatory frameworks and mitigate risks.
Job Purpose
The Senior Legal Officer provides lead commercial and regulatory legal counsel for the Central Services Division (CSD). This role is essential for enabling the organization to acquire vital commercial and technological capabilities through robust, legally sound contracting. Key functions include steering high-stakes negotiations, serving on the Contract Review Committee (CRC), orchestrating audit compliance, and managing the division's enterprise risk register. The incumbent acts as a strategic legal partner, safeguarding WIPO's institutional interests, ensuring accountability, value for money, and operational continuity.
Responsibilities
Provide lifecycle legal advice on drafting, negotiating, and concluding complex commercial agreements, particularly for IT, construction, and facility management. Offer high-level legal guidance on WIPO's rules and regulations to sector leadership and the Director of CSD. Research procurement and contracting policy trends, proposing best-practice improvements and updating regulatory documentation. Advise CSD personnel and other WIPO departments on procurement, travel, and premises regulations. Coordinate legal activities with the Office of Legal Counsel and represent the organization in arbitral or administrative hearings. Serve as Secretary for the Contract Review Committee and related bodies. Act as the Division's risk management focal point, advising on legal and business risks and managing the enterprise risk register. Function as the audit focal point, advising on ongoing audits and implementing management actions.
Work Experience
Minimum of seven years of progressive professional legal experience in contract drafting, complex negotiation, and legal advisory services, including experience with public or private procurement procedures and regulatory frameworks. Experience in international organizations, IT contracts, construction, risk management, or committee secretarial roles is desirable.
Skills
Excellent legal drafting, negotiation, analytical, and organizational skills. Strong business acumen, commercial awareness, and client orientation. Effective communication and interpersonal skills for multi-cultural environments. Proficiency in Microsoft 365. Desirable skills include experience with enterprise procurement platforms, ERM tools, and AI-enabled legal tools.