Job Description

 

Secondment opportunities at the EPO (22361)

Application deadline: ongoing

 

As the patent office for Europe, the European Patent Office (EPO) is proud to deliver high-quality, efficient services that promote a safer, smarter and more sustainable world. A world in which we are committed to helping achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the highest environmental, social and governance standards. Moreover, as an equal opportunities employer, the EPO is shaped by the diversity of our people’s personalities, knowledge and cultures.

Seconded National Experts (“SNEs”) are external experts on secondment to the European Patent Office for a fixed period of time, under agreements for the exchange of experts between the EPO and any central intellectual property office, any local, regional, national public administration or institution or any public intergovernmental organisation (IGO). 

We are welcoming applications from external experts interested in taking up a secondment opportunity at the EPO in the following areas:

  • Patent Granting Process
  • Legal areas
  • European and International Affairs
  • Business Information Technology
  • Corporate Areas (Finance, Procurement, General Administration, HR)
  • Patent Knowledge


 What's in it for you 

  • be part of the EPO's transformation and enable innovation
  • work with inspiring multilingual people with diverse backgrounds and cultures
  • a career development opportunity to help you realise your full potential
  • participate in multiple projects that will contribute towards shaping the future of the intellectual property world
  • become a knowledge transfer ambassador for your own employer
  • an opportunity for your children to attend the European Schools in Munich or The Hague, with the same conditions as the children of EPO employees

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Start making a difference. Simply click Apply.

 

Application procedure

For your application to be eligible, you must submit all of the following documents by applying online via our recruiting platform SuccessFactors:

  • detailed Curriculum Vitae
  • supporting letter from your current employer (signed by the Head of the Office), including confirmation of your employment at the organisation as well as confirmation of support for you to be seconded to the EPO.

 

Process & timeline

Following your application, the Secondment team will try to find the best matching for your profile and background as per the current business needs. After this, the successful candidate(s) will be selected on the basis of qualifications and relevant experience, supplemented as appropriate by interview(s).

The duration of secondment is foreseen for a period between six months and three years (to be agreed between your current employer and the EPO). It is planned to start the secondment 1st of April.
A secondment to the EPO does not imply any employment relationship between the SNE concerned and the EPO.

 

What are our minimum requirements?

  • At least three years' experience equivalent to the function to which you are seconded. The President may grant an exception regarding the number of years of minimum professional experience.
  • Excellent knowledge of one of the EPO’s official languages (English, French and German) - to ensure a smooth integration, a good command of English would be advantageous 
  • Current employment in any central intellectual property office, any local, regional, national public administration or institution or any public intergovernmental organisation (IGO)

 

The entities referred to in this paragraph shall be established in or have as a member:

  • (a). any EPC Member State or EPC Extension State or (b). any other country than the ones referred to in (a)
  • Exceptionally and where justified by the interest of the Office, the President may authorise the secondment of an SNE by an employer that does not meet the above conditions.
  • Except where the President grants derogation, an SNE shall be a national of a country listed in (a).

 

We welcome all applications for vacant positions. We consider each on its professional merits – regardless of your nationality, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, parental responsibilities, age, religion or belief.
Information at a Glance
Apply now



 

Why join us?
✓ Be part of the EPO`s transformation and enable innovation
✓ Work with inspiring people from a variety of cultures
✓ Develop yourself and take on an intellectual challenge

What's in it for you?
✓ A competitive salary
✓ Family-friendly benefits
✓ A good work-life balance
✓ Generous flexibility options 
✓ Relocation benefits and various allowances
✓ Contributory medical insurance and pension schemes
✓ 30 days' leave per year
✓ Free gym access
✓ Social activities and clubs

Who we are
We are the patent office for Europe. We are proud to deliver high-quality patents and efficient services that foster innovation, competitiveness and economic growth.

Our vision
We will empower and motivate our staff to set worldwide standards in intellectual property. Our Office will be effective and transparent, respond to the needs of our users and be agile in managing the changing demands and conditions of a dynamic global patent system. Our work will contribute to a safer, smarter and more sustainable world.

Our values
All our relationships within our Office and with partners around the world will prosper through trust, fairness, mutual respect, adaptability, collaboration and a commitment to excellence.

Our work environment
We believe that diversity is fundamental to our success. Our inclusive work environment respects, values and celebrates our individual differences. We want you to be yourself at work.Join us on this exciting journey to a more digital, collaborative and sustainable organisation.

> How we recruit
> Data privacy policy
> FAQs


🖂 jobinfo@epo.org