Job Description

THE ASEAN SECRETARIAT
INVITES ASEAN NATIONALS TO APPLY

FOR THE FOLLOWING VACANCY

SENIOR OFFICER
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

COMPETITION, CONSUMER PROTECTION &

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS DIVISION

Background

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded in 1967 with the purpose of

promoting regional cooperation in Southeast Asia, in the spirit of equality and partnership and

thereby contribute towards peace, progress and prosperity in the region. ASEAN comprises ten

(10) countries in Southeast Asia. It was proclaimed a Community through the “Kuala Lumpur

Declaration on ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together”, signed by the ASEAN Leaders during

their 27th Summit 2015. The ASEAN Community Vision 2025 calls for the ASEAN Community in

forging ahead together, and to work towards building a community that is politically cohesive,

economically integrated and socially responsible.

The ASEAN Secretariat was established in 1976 by the Foreign Minister of ASEAN with basic

functions of providing greater efficiency in the coordination of ASEAN organs and for more

effective implementation of ASEAN projects and activities. It is also envisioned to be the nerve

centre of a strong and confident ASEAN Community that is globally respected for acting in full

compliance with its Charter and in the best interest of its people.

In alignment with the ASEAN 2025 and Key Aspirations of the three ASEAN pillars of Political

Security Community, Economic Community and Socio-Cultural Community, supported by the

Department of Community and Corporate Affairs, the ASEAN Secretariat is inviting qualified

ASEAN Nationals to apply for the position of Senior Officer Intellectual Property Rights, under

the Competition, Consumer Protection & Intellectual Property Rights Division.

Duties and Responsibility:

Reporting to Assistant Director (ADR)/Head of Competition, Consumer Protection & Intellectual

Property Rights Division, the Senior Officer shall be responsible to:

1. Provide policy and technical support and recommendations in respect of IP.

2. Serve as a resource person or facilitator for meetings, brainstorming sessions,
workshops, seminars and similar activities.

3. Liaise at the intra- and extra-ASEAN levels, and provide intra- and extra-ASEAN
coordination services in support of meetings of ASEAN bodies, as and when required.

4. Provide support to the meetings in the area of intellectual property rights which include
but not limited to the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation, Task
Forces, Working Groups and related Heads of IP Offices Meetings with Dialogue
Partners.

5. Provide pre-meeting support in respect of preparing agenda, reports, summaries, talking
points, information/policy/discussion papers and related documents.

6. Provide post-meeting support in terms preparing project proposals, review of the
implementation of programs and propose follow-ups in line with identified needs including
but not limited to the implementation of the:

ASEAN Intellectual Property Action Plan (2016-2015) and its revised versions and
successor programs or action plans;

the ASEAN IPR Enforcement Action Plan and

other IP initiatives and activities identified and provided under other ASEAN related
action, development or strategic plans, programs, index or indicators, such as but
without being limited to the:

ASEAN Digital Integration Index,

ASEAN Digital Integration Framework Action Plan (DIFAP),

ASEAN Agreement on Electronic Commerce,

Consolidated Strategy on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) for ASEAN,

ASEAN Innovation Roadmap and Implementation Plan;

ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) and

priority economic deliverables under the respective ASEAN chairmanship; and

their respective successor programs, plans and indicators or index;

7. Draft papers, briefing notes, speeches, talking points, briefing notes and inputs for
ASEAN Sectoral bodies and ASEC management as required using any digital tools
available where applicable including but not limited to pdf, word, excel, power point
presentation, audio / video recording, and audio graphic video presentation format if
available.

8. Engage proactively with relevant stakeholders in ASEAN, which include, among others,
ASEAN and ASEAN+1 private sector bodies, to develop IP programmes and manage
the design/development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of technical
assistance programs and projects.

9. Support any on-going and future FTA or trade collaboration or cooperation negotiations
including but not limited to ASEAN FTA negotiations on IP and other related sector as
the case may be and as may be required.

10. Facilitate negotiation among AMS on IPR Related Matters including but not limited to

compiling data and background information; providing inputs and assisting AMS to
resolve IP related issues.

11. Provide administrative support on implementation of programs and projects in IP
including but not limited to formulation, appraisal, monitoring, documentation collation
and implementation; and organising capacity building activities.

12. Act as resource person for seminars, workshops and training courses, as required.

13. Conduct research and prepare papers or assignments on IP, if and when necessary.

14. Conduct on the job training and provide professional guidance and direction to staff;
and

15. Other duties and responsibilities as may be determined by the ASEAN Secretariat
management and/or supervisor.

Qualifications and experience:

Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent degree) in Business, Economics, Law,

Engineering/Science or other appropriate specialist discipline with a minimum three (3) years,

or Bachelor’s with a minimum five (5) years, of high-level experienced in intellectual property

rights; preferably has Supervisory experience, within a management position.

Demonstrated high-level technical and policy skills/knowledge in intellectual property rights

(patents, patent-related international treaties, genetic resources/traditional knowledge

issues) and international trade/economic law, preferably in an IP office environment.

Understanding of international and regional issues, and knowledge of and commitment to

ASEAN vision and ideals;

High-level interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills, including experience in cross

cultural environment and international settings;

Proven ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with government

representatives, public and private sector organisations and other stakeholders.

Proven skills in problem solving in a complex organisational environment and in work

planning.

Proven ability for accuracy under pressure and adherence to deadlines.

Commitment to teamwork and collaborative work practices.

Proven ability to place self-interest and/or the ego below the mission and/or organisational

objectives.

Excellent command of English, written and spoken. Command of other ASEAN languages

would be welcomed.

Competency in use of IT applications/databases and other computer applications.

Remuneration and Benefits:

Successful candidate will be offered a basic salary of USD 3,385 and an attractive remuneration

package including housing, outpatient medical reimbursement, hospitalisation & life insurance,

children’s education and gratuity. Subject to good performance during the probation, the

candidate will be offered a fixed term contract of three (3) years, inclusive of the six-month

probationary period.

How to apply:

Send your application to asean.hr@asean.org highlighting your suitability and potential

contribution to the position together with a detailed CV, certified true copies of educational

certificates and transcript for Bachelor and Master degree, including PhD (if any), and

complete ASEC Employment Application Form attached with recent photograph. Applications

sent without ALL the documents mentioned above will NOT be considered.

Please indicate on the subject heading: Application for Senior Officer IPR.

Application documents should reach the ASEAN Secretariat by 30 November 2021. The

Selection Committee’s decision is final and only shortlisted candidates will be notified.