[Ecommerce] Job announcement: IP Watch - Geneva based coordinator

[James Love]

IP Watch Seeks Applications for the Position of Coordinator

I.  IP Watch

IP Watch is a new, independent initiative to improve transparency of
private sector influence on international intellectual property (IP)
policymaking. Transparency is a critical tool for helping to promote
public policies for the management of innovation, technology and
knowledge that:

* serve the broad public interest
* stimulate innovation, maximize open access to information and
knowledge, promote affordable access to technologies, protect against
the misappropriation of traditional knowledge, and stimulate scientific
and technological capacity, particularly in developing countries
* are designed and implemented through fair, transparent and
participatory processes

Transparency can help to promote greater accountability of policymakers;
draw attention to implications of different policies; encourage greater
public and media scrutiny of IP policymaking; and highlight public
interest perspectives too often neglected in policymaking circles due to
the influence of narrow corporate interests.

To this end, IP Watch will monitor, investigate and report on the
interactions between private business interests, government, and
intergovernmental organizations in the formation of international IP
public policies.  IP Watch will focus on activities, practices and
relationships that lead to: a) unfair pressures on developing countries
to adopt rules and practices with negative implications for sustainable
development, poverty alleviation, and/or the public interest; b) unfair
policymaking processes that fail adequately to balance public and
private interests; and c) the over-expansion of private rights over
public intellectual assets.

The flagship activity of IP Watch will be its regular publication (in
hard copy and electronic formats) of the same name.

II.   Job Description

The Coordinator will have overall responsibility for establishing and
leading this new project. S/he will: develop and implement the programme
of work; forge and maintain relationships and liaise with key actors and
sources in the field of IP policymaking, media and journalist groups;
raise funds for the project, manage and lead its small team of staff,
representing IP Watch, and maintain relations the Board, including
organizing the Board's annual meeting.

Programme development and implementation

The Coordinator will develop and implement IP Watch?s work programme and
oversee the strategic and institutional development of IP Watch, in
close collaboration with the Board.

The Coordinator will develop and maintain an understanding of the needs
of actors working to advance a public interest and development
perspective on IP and trade issues. In particular, s/he will consult
informally with them to ensure that the work of IP Watch contributes to
ongoing efforts to increase fairness in IP policymaking processes and
outcomes, and to consider their needs in the ongoing design and refining
of the project?s activities.

Specifically, the Coordinator will:
* Design, develop, and distribute a regular, credible, fact-based
publication containing analysis produced by staff or consultants of IP
Watch or in collaboration with partner organizations
* Research, investigate and write news updates and reports for IP Watch
* Ensure the objectivity, clarity, and factual-basis of IP Watch outputs
* Design and maintain an attractive, regularly-updated, effective
website and electronic outreach tools
* Continually monitor the field and be aware of cutting-edge
developments in the field of IP policy, including through participation
in dialogues, conferences and other events planned by other organisations
* Build collaborative relationships with others working in similar
areas, including journalists, individuals, organisations, networks and
academics


Fundraising and representation

The Coordinator will be responsible for raising the funds to implement
IP Watch?s work program. Fundraising will be undertaken by the
Coordinator under the guidance of the Board.

The Board delegates to the Coordinator full capacity to represent IP
Watch in its relations with other organisations or individuals.  S/he
will represent IP Watch where appropriate and necessary and is
responsible for maintaining the credibility, visibility and reputation
of the products it produces. The Coordinator will develop and maintain
professional relationships with key actors, media and sources in the
intellectual property and trade field in both developed countries
(particularly in Geneva, Washington, D.C., and Brussels) and in
developing countries.

Internal administration

The Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that IP Watch follows the
guidelines and work programme defined by Board.  S/he will be
responsible for internal management including accounting and publication
of the annual report as well as for all staff and consultant matters.
The staff of the organization will be limited to two?the emphasis being
on working with partners and with both commissioned and volunteer
contributors.

III. Necessary Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

* a Masters degree or equivalent in international affairs, journalism,
sustainable development, international law, public policy, intellectual
property, science  and technology policy or similar experience in the field
* solid knowledge of international policymaking processes, particularly
in the field of IP
* demonstrated commitment to the values of social justice and interest
in public interest and sustainable development perspectives on IP
* the temperament of a journalist, with the heart and stomach for both
ongoing reporting and investigative work, and a commitment to principles
such as those of the Society of Professional Journalists
* experience in hard-hitting, fair, objective reporting; advocacy,
lobbying and government; and/or prior working with development groups
are distinct dvantages
* an ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in the field
* demonstrated ability to manage a small organization or team of staff
* excellent representation and communication skills (both written and
spoken), professional style and good humour, superior writing and
copy-editing skills
* good knowledge of information technology
* willing to work to tight deadlines and under high pressure
* fluency in English (language skills in French, Spanish and/or Arabic
desirable)
* minimum five years of relevant work experience

IV. Remuneration

Salary will be in the range of US $45,000-$62,000 (depending on
experience) plus benefits and relocation costs. The position will be
located in Geneva, Switzerland.  The initial position will be for a
minimum of 2 years. We encourage applications from citizens of both
developed and developing countries. A valid working permit for
Switzerland would be preferred but not required.

V. Application Process

To apply, please submit a cover letter explaining why you think you
would be a good candidate for this position, CV, and 1,000 word writing
sample to Ipwatch2004@yahoo.co.uk by April 29, 2004.    Successful
candidates will be contacted on or before May 5 for interviews. A final
decision will be made by early May with the goal of beginning operations
of the organization around June.