Project Support Officer – Patent Examination (5 Positions)

Job Title: Project Support Officer – Patent Examination

Salary Scale:     URSB 6

Reports to: Senior Registration Officer

No of Positions:    Five (05)

Date of Advert:   Friday 24^th July 2026

Closing Date: Thursday 6^th August, 2026

Job Purpose

The position is responsible for promoting awareness about Intellectual property (IP) and in particular the popularization of the National Intellectual Property Policy 2019 in an effective and professional manner. It requires the incumbent to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams to implement practices and procedures for IP protection. The incumbent is also required to work closely with key stakeholders in the IP value chain responsible for implementation of the various aspects of the National Intellectual Policy 2019.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• • Conduct scientific and technical evaluation of patent applications to assess novelty, inventive step, industrial applicability, and technological feasibility.
  • Perform prior art and technology landscape searches using patent databases, scientific journals, and technical literature to assess existing technologies and patentability.
  • Conducts formality and substantive examination for the Patents, Utility models and Industrial designs and prepare technical examination reports and scientific opinions on patentability, claim scope, and compliance with legal and technical requirements.
  • Analyze scientific data, technical specifications, claims, and drawings to assess functionality, sufficiency of disclosure, and reproducibility of inventions.
  • Provides technical advice to innovators, startups and members of the public on the general aspects of IP.
  • Conduct research on various IP issues including patents, technology and the related national and international IP matters.
  • Captures data of IP applications in the Industrial Property Administration System (IPAS).
  • Ensures compliance with requirements of the different forms of IP including payment of renewal fees and annuities.
  • Coordinate with other departments, government agencies and international organizations to enhance cooperation and streamline IP processes.
  • Assist in administrative tasks, such as managing correspondences, scheduling appointments and organizing meetings related to intellectual property matters.
  • Contribute to educational and awareness programs aimed at informing the public about IP rights, the application procedure and the importance of IP protection.
  • Contribute to the implementation of policies and procedures within the office, ensuring adherence to legal standards and best practices.
  • Ensures correctness of data on both the physical and electronic register.
  • Participates in awareness engagements relating to the different forms of IP.
  • Any other duties as may be assigned by the Registration officer.

Person Specifications

Academic Qualifications

• • An honours degree in biochemistry, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, industrial chemistry, physics, pharmacy, medicine, software engineering, industrial technology, or other related technical discipline.

Work Experience

• • Not Applicable

Key Competences

Technical

• • Relevant scientific expertise
  • Prior art search and information retrieval skills
  • Knowledge of Patent law and examination
  • Research and knowledge management
  • Computer literacy
  • Stakeholder management

Behavioral

• • Effective communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Confidentiality

Job Experience: Nil

Personal Specification

• • Knowledge on the various aspects of IP is an added advantage.
  • Good interpersonal, analytical and communication skills.
  • Ability to liaise and network with other Government departments.
  • Excellent research abilities and a willingness to grow.
  • A positive attitude and a growth mindset.
  • Ability to work in diverse team settings.

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