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Vice-President "Legal and International Affairs" (INT/EXT/4558)
likely to arise
The European Patent Office in Munich is seeking a Vice-President, Directorate-General 5 " Legal and International Affairs " *
Deadline for applications: 2.6.2008
Main duties
The Vice-President is responsible for Directorate-General 5 (DG 5) "Legal and International Affairs" in the European Patent Office (EPO). The function of DG 5 is to give advice and support on legal matters (both patent and non-patent related issues) and on European and international affairs. DG 5 comprises the following Principal Directorates:
- European and International Affairs - developing Office policy regarding general international affairs; responsible for relations and co-operation with member states and future member states, with non-member states, international organisations, associations and users, the European Commission and European Union institutions.
- International Legal Affairs and Patent Law - delivering legal advice on patent law matters in all phases of the patent granting process; responsible for patent law, international legal affairs, international efforts to harmonise patent legislation, legal aspects of patent administration and international and legal PCT affairs.
- Legal Services - providing advice and expertise on the legal framework in which the Office operates, internally (employment law, contracts, calls for tender, data protection) and externally (international law, seat agreements, arbitration and litigation).
- European Patent Academy - planning, fostering and co-ordinating external patent-related training.
The Vice-President DG 5 (VP 5) has the lead role for developing and implementing strategies and new policies in these areas. He/she has direct responsibility for the EPO's budget elements within them.
VP 5 is responsible for planning, controlling and motivating the highest level of performance among DG 5 staff (around 160 staff members working at four locations: Munich, The Hague, Brussels and Vienna).
The duties include liaising with the Office's other organisational units (DG 1, DG 2, DG 3, DG 4 and the Presidential area), as well as co-operating with the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation and its sub-committees, and, where appropriate, with external bodies (outside stakeholders and other international organisations). VP 5 has the lead representational role for the Office in its dealings with the Standing Advisory Committee to the EPO (SACEPO), epi, Business Europe, other user organisations, the EPO's Committee on Patent Law and the Supervisory Board of the European Patent Academy.
VP 5 is a full member of the EPO's Management Committee (MAC) and reports directly to the President.
Minimum qualifications
Candidates must have completed legal studies at university level or have acquired equivalent knowledge over many years of professional activity. They are required to have at least 15 years' working experience, including at least 7 years in senior management positions. They should have managed a large organisational unit in a responsible position in the national or international, public or private sector. They should also have exercised effective leadership in a team of high-level lawyers and have developed, implemented and delivered efficient policies aiming at adapting to a changing legal environment. They should have a proven record in developing and implementing effective and cost-efficient service strategies.
Other requirements include excellent leadership skills through the management of managers, good communication skills and a thorough knowledge of at least one of the EPO's official languages (English, French and German) and the ability to understand the other two, a clear service orientation, the ability to deal efficiently with the various stakeholders (member states, users of the patent system, etc.) and a convincing way of managing people in a multicultural environment.
Interesting to know
For nearly 30 years, the EPO has been a very successful organisation. Along with the rest of the patent world, it is now facing a number of challenges. The successful candidate for the post of VP 5 will play a key role in determining how the EPO meets and overcomes these challenges - not least in view of the strategic responsibilities for the evolution of its legal environment.
To reflect the requirements for this challenging position, the EPO is offering an attractive compensation package and generous social benefits.
Closing date and application procedure
Completed applications, including CV and references and quoting Ref. INT/EXT/4558, should be sent to:
European Patent Office,
Principal Directorate Human Resources,
Ms Melina Boch,
Erhardtstrasse 27,
D-80469 Munich.
The closing date for applications is 2 June 2008. Additional information about the activities of the European Patent Office and the dynamic field of intellectual property can be found at www.epo.org. Applicants will receive a comprehensive information package providing further details of the post. An individual assessment centre will form part of the selection procedure.