JOB VACANCY: DIRECTOR, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Duty Station: Harare, Zimbabwe
Position: DIRECTOR, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Reports To: DIRECTOR GENERAL
Job Type: Contract
Available Slots: 1
Application Deadline: 29 June 2023
Duration of Appointment: Fixed-term contract of five (5) years (renewable once, subject to satisfactory performance)
Nationality: To be eligible for appointment, candidates must be nationals of a Member State of the Organization.
Job Purpose
Direct and oversee the provision of premier Intellectual Property (IP) rights under the ARIPO Protocols, in respect of Patents, Industrial Designs, Utility Models, Marks, Copyright & Related Rights, Traditional Knowledge, Geographical Indications, Plant Varieties etc. Provide strategic leadership and oversight to the Intellectual Property Directorate strategic business units (i.e., Formality Examination, Search & Substantive Examination, and Copyright & Related Rights) to ensure that the IP rights delivery process meets the needs of all Member States, users, content creators, innovators and delivers economic value.
Key Result Areas
• IP strategy development, program planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
• IP legal framework, policies, and procedures.
• Digitalization.
• Business and workflow process mapping and quality management.
• Advisory and Technical Support Services.
• Performance Management.
Principal Duties
1. Compile data on global IP insights, operational performance, innovation, markets, etc., to develop strategic priorities.
2. Develop policies and strategic directions concerning the future development of the IP rights administration system.
3. Provide data and analytics on the performance of IP Protocols to facilitate financial forecasts.
4. Develop and execute strategically aligned annual programmes of activity and workplans for the directorate.
5. Identify key activities, determine priorities, and allocate resources for the timely delivery of IP Rights.
6. In close cooperation with member states, users, and all other relevant stakeholders, develop policies, strategic direction as well as detailed proposals for improvements to IP rights administration procedures and processes, and related standards.
7. Prepare draft amendments to the regulations, administrative instructions, and guidelines under the ARIPO system and align to related standards and best practice.
8. Develop and implement appropriate policies and frameworks to address relevant emerging global IP issues.
9. Prepare the business requirements and specifications of ICT systems and business tools to support the integration and streamlining of internal business processes.
10. Establish quality management systems and guidelines for the efficient and effective delivery of IP rights.
11. Align directorate workflow processes with protocols, policies, regulations, and best practice.
12. Evaluate industrial property rights grant/registration and publication framework and processes.
13. Provide technical support and policy advice to member states, users, staff, innovators, and other relevant stakeholders.
14. Contribute to the provision of advisory expertise on the development of national IP policies and strategies.
15. Support the provision of assistance and technical support to Member States to develop their IP and innovation ecosystems to drive economic growth.
16. Champion directorate participation in awareness creation activities ensuring that the regional IP system serves its fundamental purpose of encouraging creativity and innovation in all countries.
17. Build and manage a high performing team by providing leadership, and effective utilization of the Balanced Scorecard Performance Management System ensuring that aligned KPIs are in place for the achievement of directorate goals.
18. Cascade the directorate scorecard into executable deliverables for all positions within the directorate and oversee periodic reporting for incorporation into ARIPO performance report.
Qualification and Experience
• Master’s Degree in Natural Sciences/Engineering.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Sciences/Engineering.
• 10 years’ relevant experience, 7 years of which must be at senior level.
• Experience in Intellectual Property rights administration is a distinct advantage.
• A Master’s Degree in Business Administration is an added advantage.
Competencies and Skills required
• Subject Matter Expertise in strategy formulation and implementation.
• Strong project management and evaluation capability.
• Thought leader in change management, transformation, and innovation.
• Adept in stakeholder engagement, relationship building and reporting.
• Mastery in of the global IP rights delivery processes.
• Ability to collaborate with a highly diverse teams, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, supported by ability to exercise sound judgment, and make significant decisions.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with excellent negotiation skills.
Conditions Of Employment
Salary and allowances on first appointment shall be those applicable to Grade D1 Step 1 of the ARIPO salary scales of the professional category.
Base Salary: US$71,545 per annum.
Post Adjustment Allowance: 50.8% of base salary (This depends on the rise and fall in value of the United States dollar).
Dependency Allowances: US$1,800 per year for a dependent child. Maximum number of children three (3).
Other benefits include:
• Payment of travel and removal expenses;
• Once-off installation grant;
• Education grant of US$9,000 per year for each eligible dependent child up to a maximum of three children;
• Housing allowance;
• Contributory medical aid scheme;
• 30 days annual leave; and
• Paid home leave every two years.
Medical examination: The appointment is subject to a satisfactory United Nations type medical examination to be conducted by an ARIPO nominated medical practitioner.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.