Fellowship in Global Innovation Index at WIPO – Geneva, Switzerland

About the opportunity

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) offers a 12-month fellowship position within the Composite Indicator Research Section of the Department for Economics and Data Analytics (DEDA), IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector (IES). The fellow will contribute to tracking global innovation trends, collecting and analyzing underlying data, developing novel innovation metrics, and supporting the publication of WIPO’s flagship Global Innovation Index (GII). Working under the supervision of a Senior Economist, the fellow will handle data ingestion, database management, indicator development, and dissemination tasks to help Member States improve their innovation ecosystems.

Salary and benefits

• Monthly stipend ranging from 3,300 CHF up to a maximum of 6,000 CHF, set according to the fellow's qualifications and experience
• WIPO contribution towards travel expenses on engagement and separation from service
• Assistance in obtaining an entry visa to Switzerland and issuance of a 'carte de légitimation' serving as a residence and work permit
• WIPO contribution towards medical insurance and full accident insurance coverage during the fellowship
• Opportunities to gain hands-on international experience in economic research, data science, and innovation policy at a specialized UN agency

Who can apply?

• Advanced university degree (master's level) in economics, statistics, data science, or a related field
• Relevant experience in economics or similar fields, with strong proficiency in data ingestion and handling large datasets and database management
• Proficiency in specialized software and programming languages for data science, database management, and econometric analysis, particularly R and/or Python
• Demonstrated ability to use code hosting platforms such as GitHub and data storage tools including AWS and MySQL
• Experience working with large cross-country datasets and/or developing composite indicators
• Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English

Required documents

• Complete online application via the WIPO recruitment portal
• Scanned copy of identification document (required if shortlisted)
• Scanned copies of required university degrees, diplomas, or certificates from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (required if shortlisted)

When to apply

• Publication Date: October 15, 2026
• Application Deadline: October 30, 2026, at 10:59 PM (local time as per applicant's location)
• Anticipated Start Date: January 4, 2027

How to apply

• Access the official WIPO recruitment portal link for job number 26307-FEL
• Sign in or create a candidate account in the Taleo system
• Complete the online application form and submit all requested background details
• Submit your application before the October 30, 2026 deadline
• If shortlisted, provide scanned copies of your identification and academic degrees in advance

Additional information

• The fellowship is for an initial duration of up to 12 months, with the possibility of extensions up to a maximum cumulative length of three years.
• The position is based at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and cannot be carried out remotely.
• Fellows are not staff members of WIPO and do not accrue employment rights beyond the terms of the fellowship.
• Family members of the fellow are not eligible for a 'carte de légitimation'.
• Fellows are solely responsible for meeting any taxation and social security obligations arising from their contract.