Project Support Officer – Geographical Indications Job Description

Job Details

Job Purpose

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct community sensitization and awareness campaigns on intellectual property rights including:
  • Patents
  • Trademarks
  • Industrial designs
  • Copyright
  • Geographical indications
• Educate communities on the importance, benefits, and procedures of intellectual property protection.
• Support awareness programs aimed at increasing public understanding of IP registration and commercialization.
• Disseminate intellectual property information materials, policies, guidelines, and educational resources to communities and institutions.

Community Mobilization and Stakeholder Engagement

• Mobilize and engage:
  • Innovators
  • Researchers
  • Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
  • Artisans
  • Farmers
  • Community groups

• Organize and facilitate:
  • Stakeholder meetings
  • Workshops
  • Exhibitions
  • Training sessions
  • Community awareness events
• Build and maintain relationships with:
  • Local governments
  • Research institutions
  • Cultural leaders
  • Business associations
  • Community-based organizations

Identification and Documentation of Intellectual Property Assets

• Identify and document potential:
  • Innovations
  • Traditional knowledge
  • Creative works
  • Brands
  • Community products

• Support innovators and community groups in preparing preliminary information required for IP registration services.
• Document community products and initiatives that may qualify for geographical indication protection.

Geographical Indications Registration Support

• Examine and process Geographical Indication Applications in accordance with established procedures.
• Review applications to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
• Support applicants throughout the geographical indication registration process.
• Provide feedback and guidance to applicants regarding application requirements and procedures.

Intellectual Property Registration Services

• Guide clients on:
  • Creating accounts on the Intellectual Property Administration System (IPAS)
  • Submitting online IP applications
• Receive and process applications for registration of different forms of intellectual property rights including:
  • Patents
  • Trademarks
  • Utility models
  • Geographical indications
  • Industrial designs
• Conduct searches on the intellectual property register.
• Examine IP applications and prepare search reports.
• Provide feedback to clients regarding search requests and registration procedures.
• Issue appropriate application forms, brochures, and information materials to clients.

Field Outreach and Mobile IP Services

• Support delivery of IP registration services closer to clients through operationalization of mobile offices.
• Provide intellectual property assistance and information to:
  • Business communities
  • Innovators
  • Farmers
  • Community organizations
  • Members of the public
• Monitor community-based IP initiatives and identify areas requiring additional support.
• Follow up on outreach activities to assess impact and encourage continued participation.

Data Collection, Reporting and Monitoring

• Collect field data related to:
  • IP outreach activities
  • Community feedback
  • Emerging innovations
  • Challenges affecting IP adoption
• Prepare reports on community engagement activities and intellectual property initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of client engagements and registration support activities.
• Support monitoring and evaluation of IP community programs.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform any other duties assigned by higher authority.
• Support URSB objectives in promoting intellectual property protection and innovation development.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Law
• Business Administration
• Agriculture
• Agribusiness
• Social Sciences
• Management
• Any related field from a recognized institution

Work Experience

• No prior work experience is required.
• Experience or exposure in intellectual property, agriculture, community development, legal services, research, or business support will be an added advantage.

Key Competencies

• Strong research skills.
• Knowledge of national and international legal frameworks relating to intellectual property.
• Understanding of intellectual property registration processes.
• Good public relations and customer service skills.
• Ability to engage communities and stakeholders effectively.
• Basic knowledge of IP protection and commercialization concepts.

• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• High levels of ethics and integrity.
• Strong communication abilities.
• Ability to work with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Professional attitude and confidentiality.

Career Growth Opportunities

• Intellectual Property Management
• Geographical Indications Administration
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance
• Innovation Support Services
• Community Development Programs
• Agricultural Value Chain Development
• Government Intellectual Property Services

How to Apply