Applications are open for the 2027 World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Global Innovation Index (GII) Fellowship, an opportunity for qualified candidates to gain international research experience in economics, data science, innovation policy and statistical analysis in Geneva, Switzerland. The application deadline is October 30, 2026.

The fellowship offers professional training and experience designed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and competence, which they can apply in their respective fields after completing the programme. Fellowships are awarded for specific activities carried out under an approved work plan within the employing office.

The position is based in the Department for Economics and Data Analytics (DEDA), within the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector (IES). Its Composite Indicator Research Section coordinates the publication of WIPO’s flagship Global Innovation Index, which helps member states and innovation stakeholders improve innovation outcomes, national innovation metrics, policies and strategies. The section also explores new data sources to improve the measurement of innovation and creativity and strengthen national innovation ecosystems.

Role and responsibilities

The GII Fellow will contribute to DEDA-IES research and activities focused on tracking global innovation trends. The role involves supporting data collection and analysis for the index, developing new indicators for innovation and innovation policy, and helping member states use the GII to improve their innovation ecosystems and policies.

The fellow will report to the Senior Economist of the Composite Indicator Research Section in DEDA.

Key responsibilities include collecting, analysing, auditing and processing innovation-related data while maintaining data quality. This will also involve assessing new data sources connected to the GII iLens Innovation Lab.

The successful candidate will help develop and deliver the Global Innovation Tracker, update existing metrics and incorporate new indicators. They will also contribute to the annual GII report, including analyses of countries’ performance based on innovation indicators.

Additional duties include supporting daily project management, handling correspondence, preparing content for social media and the WIPO website, and finalising report components. The fellow will also assist with GII dissemination activities by producing data visualisations, drafting talking points and preparing briefing documents.

Eligibility and qualifications

Applicants must hold an advanced university degree at the master’s level in economics, statistics, data science or a related field.

Relevant experience in economics or a similar discipline is essential. Candidates must also be comfortable working with data ingestion, managing databases containing large datasets and developing indicators. A background in or interest in innovation studies and policy is desirable.

Excellent written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of any other official United Nations language will be an advantage.

Technical skills and competencies

Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in specialised software and programming languages used for data science, database management and statistical or econometric analysis, particularly R and/or Python.

They should also have experience using code-hosting platforms such as GitHub and data storage tools, including AWS and MySQL. Experience working with large cross-country datasets and developing composite indicators is required, alongside the ability to build and maintain data visualisation dashboards or tools for public-facing publications.

Other essential competencies include experience producing content for social media and websites, knowledge of applied economics and/or innovation economics, and strong writing and presentation skills. Candidates must be able to communicate technical findings to non-technical audiences.

The role also requires good time management, the ability to work independently while handling competing deadlines, and strong interpersonal skills. Fellows must be able to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment while demonstrating sensitivity and respect for diversity.

WIPO also identifies nine organisational competencies for the position: communicating effectively, showing team spirit, demonstrating integrity, valuing diversity, producing results, showing service orientation, seeing the big picture, seeking change and innovation, and developing yourself and others.

Fellowship duration and benefits

The fellowship can last up to 12 months, with the possibility of one or more extensions, provided the total cumulative duration does not exceed three years.

The monthly stipend ranges from CHF 3,300 to CHF 6,000, depending on the fellow’s qualifications and experience.

WIPO will contribute towards travel expenses for the fellow’s arrival and departure at the beginning and end of the appointment. Where necessary, the organisation may also assist with obtaining an entry visa to Switzerland.

The fellowship includes contributions towards medical insurance and accident insurance coverage throughout the appointment.

WIPO will request a “carte de légitimation” for the fellow from the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and the other international organisations in Geneva. The document serves as a residence and work permit. However, the fellow’s family members are not eligible for a “carte de legitimation.”

Fellows are solely responsible for meeting any tax and social security obligations arising directly or indirectly from their contracts with WIPO.

Application deadline and further information

Interested and qualified candidates must submit their applications by October 30, 2026.

Applicants can find the full fellowship details and application instructions on the official WIPO careers website:

Apply for the 2027 WIPO Global Innovation Index Fellowship

Source: Opportunities for Africans