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The Observatory on Patents and Technology ("Observatory") aims to strengthen the impact and outreach of the EPO by contributing to a deeper understanding of the future of innovation and technology.
As a digital hub, the Observatory brings together representatives from different units, in particular for governance and networking activities. It combines multidisciplinary skills and IP expertise to foster innovation and education across Europe and build a stronger European patent system. The Observatory also identifies gaps in patent and IP-related knowledge and in the understanding of complex technological concepts and will propose awareness-raising campaigns at European or national level in close liaison with partners and stakeholders.
The underlying ethos of the Observatory is "driven by expertise, yet accessible to all".
In order to strengthen the impact and outreach of the EPO, patent analytics and networking competences are concentrated in Principal Directorate (PD) Patent Research and Policies. Operational since April 2023, this PD has a strong focus on policies and, led by the Chief Patent Research and Policy Officer, integrates the following units:
- Chief Business Analyst Unit
- Chief Economist Unit
- Observatory on Patents and Technology
- Brussels Office
The Observatory comprises three streams: technology intelligence, legal and innovation policies and diversity and transformation. Each stream is headed by a leader who reports directly to the Chief Patent Research and Policy Officer to ensure early strategic alignment and effective, timely decision-making.
To support the activities of the Observatory, we are now looking for suitably qualified candidates to work as Stream Leader (Diversity and Transformation).
With us you will:
- coordinate the creation of the various hubs within the Observatory
- focus on repackaging the insights generated by the other two streams of the Observatory to make them clear, understandable and accessible to a non-specialist audience (e.g. redesigning content in multiple formats to address different stakeholder groups)
- increase the diversity and inclusion of under-represented actors in the innovation ecosystem, such as women, young people, SMEs, universities, research centres and others
- expand the younger generation's skills and knowledge for defining and analysing technical problems and generating potential solutions by horizon-scanning existing technical solutions
- raise awareness of the various tools available to secure the results of investments in new products and processes
- acquaint non-specialist audiences with the patent system
- organise programmes and events for hub online meetings
- work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders using input received for different purposes such as online platforms, mapping projects, case studies, country profiles, etc.
- ensure the delivery of high-quality products and services
Apply if you have:
- experience in innovation ecosystems or technology-driven industries, with a good understanding of the IP landscape (experience in patents or intellectual property is a strong asset, but not mandatory)
- a forward-thinking approach and initiative to develop new solutions, processes, and workflows
- strong analytical skills, with the ability to provide insights and to advise on operational matters related to IP, innovation, or broader strategic initiatives
- excellent drafting skills to produce structured, concise, high-quality documents tailored to diverse audiences
- exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven track record of driving co-operation initiatives, partnerships, or cross-functional projects
- strong diplomatic skills, with the ability to effectively engage and build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including public, private, and academic sectors
- a collaborative mindset, encouraging knowledge sharing and embodying a role-model approach aligned with the EPO's values
Our minimum requirements for this post
- Diploma of completed studies at master's level or – in exceptional cases – equivalent professional experience
- Generally, an excellent knowledge (at least C1) of one official language (English, French and German) and ability to understand the other two; alternatively, excellent knowledge (at least C1) of at least one official language (in such cases, the willingness to learn the missing language(s) and to reach level B2 within a set time frame would be required)
- Citizenship of one of the member states of the European Patent Organisation
Process
Candidates are kindly asked to upload an updated CV and outline their motivation in the designated application field (character limit 4000). If so wished, the motivation letter can also be uploaded as a Word or pdf attachment under "Application document" in SuccessFactors. In this case, please indicate in the designated field "Please refer to attached motivation letter".
The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of qualifications, competencies, professional experience and language knowledge, supplemented as appropriate by interviews, tests and/or a personality questionnaire.
A reserve list may be constituted, should more candidates than required at this time be considered suitable following the selection procedure. Such reserve lists are valid for 18 months and reserve list candidates may be contacted, should a vacancy with substantially the same profile arise during that period.
More information on how we recruit can be found on our EPO jobs and careers site.
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Key information
Job group: 4
Grade: G7 to G10 (net (basic) monthly salary* for this vacancy: EUR 6 172 to 9 901, depending on experience and location)
Duration of appointment: Five years, with the possibility of extension
Career path: Technical
Location: Office-wide
Application deadline: 20.06.2025
Interviews planned for: June - July 2025
* after deduction of EPO-internal tax and before deduction of staff contributions to the social security and pension schemes.