Executive Director

The International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property is recruiting an

BACKGROUND

The International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property, known as AIPPI (Association Internationale pour la Protection de la Propriété Intellectuelle), is the world’s leading non-profit association dedicated to the development and improvement of laws for the protection of intellectual property (“IP”).

It was formed shortly after the Paris Convention of 1883.

It is a politically neutral, non-profit organisation, based in Zurich, Switzerland, with over 8000 members worldwide, who are drawn from over 110 countries. Its members are individuals or corporate entities and are mainly organized into National and Regional Groups (NRGs).

AIPPI's WORK

AIPPI’s objective is to promote and improve the protection of IP on both the national and international levels. This objective is pursued by working for the development, improvement and expansion of international and regional treaties and agreements, as well as national and regional laws relating to IP. AIPPI serves as a global resource for information, opinion and advice about existing IP laws and proposed IP law reform. It provides a forum for international discussion and thought leadership on subjects such as harmonisation and enforcement of IP rights, and is a vehicle for the broad dissemination of expert considered views that facilitate and benefit the development of IP systems world-wide.

GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Bureau of AIPPI

The governance and management of AIPPI is entrusted to an elected body known as the AIPPI Bureau – which comprises a board of 10 voting members, who are each elected for 2 two-year terms. The board comprises 4 teams which deal with different aspects of the work of the Bureau. All Bureau members are AIPPI members who volunteer their time in their role.

• Presidential team – President and 2 Vice Presidents
• Secretary General's Team – Secretary General (SG) and 2 Deputies
• Reporter General's Team – Reporter General (RG) and 2 Deputies
• Treasurer General (TG)

The Bureau is supplemented by a number of AIPPI members appointed as non-voting members who are Assistants to the SG and the RG.

General Secretariat of AIPPI

The General Secretariat (“GS”) is located in Zurich. It provides the services required to support the smooth functioning of AIPPI. In addition to supporting the Bureau, the General Secretariat is also responsible for planning the meetings and events of AIPPI, financial and membership administration, media communications and publications, marketing and sponsorship strategies, and IT support.

We are currently seeking a suitable candidate for the role of the Executive Director (ED) of AIPPI.

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (“ED”) – ROLE

The ED will report to the Secretary General and shall assist the Bureau members with the fulfilment of their roles and responsibilities.

To assist the Bureau members, as the case may be, the responsibilities and functions of the ED will be principally in the areas set out below.

The scope of responsibilities may be adapted as necessary by the Secretary General as the experience of the ED, and his/her knowledge of AIPPI, its activities, members, national groups and areas of work, develops over time.

1. Management

(a) Strategic execution

AIPPI is currently working on and executing a determined Strategic Plan for the period 2024-2026 and onwards. The ED will work under the supervision of the Bureau to assist the Bureau and NRGs, to achieve a successful execution of the Strategic Plan. Among other initiatives, the Strategic Plan includes:

• marketing and communications strategies
• revenue generation strategies
• membership growth initiatives.

(b) Bureau and member support

A co-operative and collaborative management style is an essential quality of the ED. The ED is expected to work in a team and the ED’s responsibilities include:

• Overall management of the GS operations in support of the work of the Bureau, NRGs and AIPPI members thereby furthering the work and objectives of AIPPI
• aiding the productive flow of communication between relevant bodies of AIPPI to facilitate open, efficient and effective communication and transfer of information
• coordinating the close communication between the relevant GS staff and the Secretary General, and recognizing the direct lines of communication and reporting existing between relevant General Secretariat staff and the Bureau on specific topics
• reporting to the Bureau in a regular and timely manner on relevant issues, developments and organisational actions.
• providing full support to the Bureau and the responsible AIPPI members / committees in their work in maintaining, developing and strengthening relationships with relevant GOs, NGOs, industry bodies and other contacts so as to enhance the effectiveness of the work of AIPPI
• assisting the Bureau in strengthening and monitoring relations with AIPPI's main partners (e.g. sister organizations, IP offices, WIPO, WTO, etc.)
• effective communication of Bureau approved messages.

(c) Human resources

The ED will be responsible for:

• the efficient operation of the GS and supervision of its staff
• developing and retaining a strong and cohesive GS team which supports AIPPI's strategic goals.

(d) Administration and IT project management

The ED will be responsible for supervising the outsourced services such as legal services, IT enabled solutions (including AIPPI's website and other digital channels).

2. Finance

The ED will:

• prepare with the TG, the Finance team of the GS and Bureau annual budgets, which target the strategic goals of the Association
• develop and maintain transparent and sound financial management of the operations of the GS in line with industry best practice standards
• regularly report on revenue and expenditures to the Bureau, and the TG in particular, and ensure transparency and financial accountability.

3. Membership engagement and building

NRGs and their effectiveness are key to the effective operation of AIPPI. The ED will assist the Bureau in identifying opportunities to increase AIPPI membership and also membership engagement in AIPPI's activities. The ED also has an integral role in assisting the Secretary General and his/her team in coordinating and communicating with:

• NRGs, in relation to the international activities of AIPPI; and
• the Bureau and others, in relation to NRG activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

AIPPI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion or national origin. The position is a 80 - 100% position.

The ED must have demonstrable ability/experience:

• of senior level leadership and management of personnel
• in fundraising and development for international organisations
• of working in partnership with a Board of Directors (or the like) and managing volunteer stakeholders, preferably from a number of locations
• in financial accounting, preferably with respect to non-profit organisations
• in developing and administering operational budgets
• in the management and motivation of people
• with self-started initiatives that will improve efficiencies in all aspects of the operation of AIPPI
• in dealing with NGOs, government agencies, associations and the diplomacy required in dealing with international organisations
• in working with internationally diverse groupings of people
• of fluency in written and spoken English.

Preferably, the ED should also have:

• experience in a membership-based or professional networking organisation, an international NGO and/or a non-profit organisation;
• experience in managing implementation and operations of IT-enabled solutions providing services to large user groups;
• knowledge or fluency of languages other than English
• some IP knowledge and experience

LOCATION

The ED is expected to work at the GS office, which is located in Zurich. Additionally, travel within and outside Europe is expected.

COMPENSATION

A competitive salary in line with the candidate’s qualifications and experience will be paid. Five weeks of vacation will be allowed subject to the avoidance of conflict with AIPPI's World Congress and other meetings. Performance will be reviewed annually by the Bureau on the basis of stated criteria.