Intellectual Property Advisor (LICA 9)

The Intellectual Property Advisor supports the development and implementation of the national intellectual property framework in Timor-Leste. The role involves assisting with the Industrial Property Code, establishment of the Industrial Property Office, capacity building, and coordination with national and international stakeholders to align with WTO, ASEAN, and other international standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist with mapping and analysing relevant parliamentary procedures, committees, and timelines applicable to the consideration of the Industrial Property Code.
• Assist MCI in preparing documentation and coordination inputs for engagement with the National Parliament and relevant sectoral committees to facilitate the tabling, discussion and deliberation of the IP Code Law.
• Conduct research and prepare draft technical comments on Industrial Property Code to ensure alignment with the TRIPS Agreement and relevant international IP treaties.
• Prepare draft technical briefs, explanatory notes, and background papers as necessary to MCI during parliamentary discussions/deliberation, in response to clarifications/questions raised by members of parliament or parliamentary committees.
• Support the review, refinement, and clarification of provisions of the Industrial Property Code.
• Assist with the review and drafting of implementing regulations necessary for the effective application of the Industrial Property Code (e.g. procedures, fees, forms, administrative measures).
• Assist in providing guidance on transitional provisions and phased implementation of the Industrial Property Code.
• Support inter-ministerial coordination to ensure consistent government positions during parliamentary and/or Government discussions, if necessary.
• Assist in preparing technical inputs on the institutional set-up, mandate, and functions of the Industrial Property Office.
• Contribute to the development of operational frameworks, including internal procedures, workflows, and administrative practices for the IP Office.
• Assist in compiling information and preparing draft inputs on organizational structure, staffing needs, and capacity-building priorities for the Intellectual Property Office.
• Maintain liaison and support coordination with relevant national stakeholders and development partners involved in intellectual property system development.
• Assist in inputs related to the introduction and use of IP administration systems, where relevant.
• Provide on-the-job guidance and mentoring to designated MCI officials and the Intellectual Property Office formation team.
• Prepare draft technical notes, briefing materials, or presentations.
• Provide research support and draft responses on industrial property matters, including copyrights and related rights, as they arise during the assignment.
• Assist in organizing and delivering capacity-building activities on copyright law, policy, and administration as necessary.
• Develop training materials including presentation and guidelines, on Intellectual Property, Copyright and related rights.
• Support the design of operational procedures and workflows for copyright administration, public information services, and coordination with enforcement bodies in collaboration with Secretary of State for Arts and Culture (SEAC) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Culture (MESSC).
• Support coordination activities between MCI, SEAC, law enforcement agencies, judiciary, customs authorities, and other relevant ministries on copyright enforcement and policy matters.
• Undertake any other tasks relevant to intellectual property matters including providing support to other Ministries and agencies as well as private sector entities, especially in the area of creative industries and ITC project implementation, as necessary to support project objectives.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (master’s level or higher) in intellectual property, technology and innovation, public policy, development policy or a related field.
• A first-level degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two (2) additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• At least two (2) years of experience in intellectual property or a related field is required.
• Experience working with at least one of the following is required: the WTO TRIPS Agreement, international IP treaties administered by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), ASEAN frameworks and cooperation mechanisms on intellectual property.
• Experience in supporting the establishment, strengthening or operationalisation of IP offices or similar public institutions is desirable.
• Experience working with government institutions and/or international organizations, including the UN desirable.
• Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or another specialized field.
• Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.
• Ability to conduct data collection using various methods.
• Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases.
• Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports peers, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
• Fluency in Tetum and English is required.
• Knowledge of Portuguese is an advantage.
• This vacancy is open for locally residing nationals of East Timor ONLY.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the duty station where the position is located.

Skills

• Intellectual Property Law
• WTO TRIPS Agreement
• WIPO Treaties
• ASEAN IP Frameworks
• Policy Analysis
• Development Policy
• IP Office Establishment
• Government Relations
• International Organization Collaboration
• Data Collection
• Research and Analysis
• Use of Electronic Research Sources
• Gender Mainstreaming
• Project Planning
• Work prioritization
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Capacity Building
• Legal Framework
• Fluency in Tetum
• Fluency in English

Languages

Tetum, English, Portuguese