The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is inviting applications for its Global Innovation Index (GII) Fellowship in Geneva, Switzerland, offering qualified candidates an opportunity to gain international research experience in economics, data science, innovation policy and statistical analysis. The 12-month fellowship is based at WIPO headquarters and is expected to begin on 4 January 2027. Selected fellows will contribute to research and data analysis for WIPO’s flagship Global Innovation Index, which helps countries and innovation stakeholders assess innovation performance and strengthen national innovation ecosystems. The fellowship offers a monthly stipend ranging from CHF 3,300 to CHF 6,000, depending on the fellow’s qualifications and experience. WIPO also contributes towards eligible travel expenses at the beginning and end of the fellowship and provides medical and accident insurance arrangements under the stated terms. Applications are particularly relevant to candidates with advanced qualifications in economics, statistics, data science or related disciplines and strong programming and analytical skills. About the WIPO Global Innovation Index Fellowship WIPO is a specialised United Nations agency that works on intellectual property and innovation. Its Department for Economics and Data Analytics supports research into innovation trends, data sources and indicators that can help countries understand and improve their innovation ecosystems. The Composite Indicator Research Section coordinates the publication of the Global Innovation Index (GII), which compares innovation performance using a range of indicators. The GII Fellow will support this work by collecting and analysing data, developing indicators, contributing to research outputs and helping communicate findings to policymakers and other audiences. The position also provides exposure to international research collaboration and the practical application of data-driven approaches to innovation policy. Fellowship Details Fellowship: Global Innovation Index (GII) Fellow Organisation: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Location: Geneva, Switzerland Work arrangement: On-site; remote work is not permitted for this fellowship Duration: 12 months, with possible extensions subject to the stated conditions Expected start date: 4 January 2027 Monthly stipend: CHF 3,300–CHF 6,000, depending on qualifications and experience Application deadline: 31 October 2026, at 12:59 a.m. as listed in the vacancy Department: Department for Economics and Data Analytics, IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector What Will the Fellow Do? The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Senior Economist in the Composite Indicator Research Section. 1. Analyse Global Innovation Data The fellow will collect, process, audit and analyse innovation-related datasets, ensuring data quality and consistency. The work will include assessing new data sources relevant to WIPO’s GII iLens Innovation Lab. Candidates should therefore be comfortable handling large datasets and working with data ingestion, database systems and indicator development. 2. Contribute to the Global Innovation Tracker The fellow will help develop and maintain the Global Innovation Tracker, updating existing measures and incorporating new indicators where appropriate. This work will support efforts to monitor global innovation trends and improve how innovation and creativity are measured. 3. Support the Annual Global Innovation Index Report The role includes providing research and analytical input for the annual GII report, including examining countries’ performance using innovation indicators. The fellow will help turn statistical findings into meaningful insights that can inform discussions about innovation policy and national development. 4. Support Project Management and Communications In addition to research, the fellow will contribute to day-to-day project management, correspondence, report preparation and content for WIPO’s website and social media platforms. Other duties include producing data visualisations, drafting briefing documents and preparing talking points for dissemination activities. Who Can Apply? Applicants must meet the fellowship’s essential academic, professional and technical requirements. Academic Qualifications Candidates must hold an advanced university degree at master’s level in economics, statistics, data science or a related field. Professional Experience Applicants should have relevant experience in economics or a comparable field and be comfortable working with large datasets, database systems and indicator development. An interest in innovation studies and innovation policy is desirable. Technical Skills The position calls for demonstrated ability in several technical areas, including: Programming and statistical analysis using Python and/or R. Database management and handling large datasets. Code-hosting platforms such as GitHub. Data storage tools, including AWS and MySQL. Statistical or econometric analysis. Working with cross-country datasets and developing composite indicators. Building and maintaining data visualisation dashboards or tools for public-facing publications. Candidates should also be able to communicate technical findings clearly to non-technical audiences and produce accessible written materials for public use. Language Requirements Excellent written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. Strong organisational, interpersonal and time-management skills are also required, including the ability to work independently, manage competing deadlines and collaborate effectively in a multicultural environment. Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support The fellowship offers several forms of financial and professional support. Monthly stipend: The stipend ranges from CHF 3,300 to CHF 6,000, with the amount determined by the fellow’s qualifications and experience. Travel contribution: WIPO contributes towards travel costs when the fellow joins and leaves the organisation. Insurance: WIPO contributes towards medical insurance and provides accident insurance coverage during the fellowship. Visa assistance: Where necessary, WIPO may assist with obtaining an entry visa to Switzerland. Residence and work documentation: WIPO will request a Swiss carte de légitimation for the fellow through the relevant Swiss authorities. This document serves as a residence and work permit under the stated arrangements. Applicants should note that fellows are not WIPO staff members and do not receive employment rights or entitlements beyond the terms of the fellowship. Fellows are responsible for any applicable tax and social security obligations. Application Deadline The official vacancy lists 31 October 2026, at 12:59 a.m., as the application deadline. WIPO states that deadlines are displayed in the local time zone of the applicant’s location. Candidates should check the official vacancy carefully and submit their applications well before the deadline. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should access the official WIPO recruitment portal and search for the Global Innovation Index (GII) Fellowship, vacancy reference 26307-FEL. Applicants should prepare their application in line with the stated academic and technical requirements and provide accurate information about their qualifications and experience. Candidates who are shortlisted may be required to provide scanned identification documents and copies of relevant degrees, diplomas or certificates. WIPO considers higher educational qualifications from institutions recognised in the World Higher Education Database. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.