Application Testing Analyst

Introduction

This position is located in the Application Management Services Branch (AMS) within the Information and Technology Management Department (INFOTEC). INFOTEC manages and governs the ILO’s portfolio of information and technology assets.

AMS is responsible for the design, development, maintenance and management of large-scale enterprise applications in support of administrative processes, knowledge sharing, decision-making and collaborative working.  The Branch ensures that software being deployed throughout the Office conforms to ILO directives, policies and standards; provides measurable organizational value; aligns with Office-wide strategies and objectives; and represents effective and efficient use of technology.  AMS is responsible for implementing agile, cost-effective, innovative and transformative digital solutions to improve business processes and to support staff with the tools and applications they need to increase productivity and improve working methods.  The Branch manages the following general application categories and technology solutions: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Administrative Applications; Analytics, Business Intelligence, Data Warehousing and Reporting; Enterprise Content Management (ECM), Intranet and Public Website; Digital Working Methods, Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration; and Custom Developed Applications and Solutions.

The position provides expertise in application testing and quality processes. The position creates and maintains test repositories, cases, plans and ensures solutions function without error prior to being transitioned into operation. The position engages solution analysts to ensure identified issues are properly tracked and resolved in a systematic manner. The position leverage offshore test team and test management tools to deliver the job duties.

This position reports to Unit head in AMS.

Description of Duties

• Provide input into and implement the ILO’s application testing and quality strategy, processes and tools to ensure application solutions function as intended as they evolve through the unit, system, integration and user acceptance testing and release management lifecycle.
• Liaise with project managers and analysts to review functional, technical and solution design materials in order to formulate test plans, cases/scenarios, procedures, data and scripts to be used to ensure the solution functions in accordance with the requirements, performance expectations and usability standards.
• Schedule and coordinate tests with assigned testers.  Prioritize and coordinate work activities for several offshore testing resources.  Record and monitor results. Update test plans and provide status reports. Track successful and failed test case execution. Provide input to third party resourcing when required, assist in the selection and day to day coordination of third party expertise.
• Perform testing on the range of AMS managed applications and solutions including executing test cases, recording results, reporting defects, defining severity and priority for each defect. Coordinate with functional and technical colleagues to resolve the defects and maintains up to date status of all retesting required.
• Implement and maintain a central, searchable repository of automated and manual reusable test cases, data and scripts to ensure custom solutions can be tested throughout their life.
• Design and develop automated testing scripts.  Execute automated test runs.
• Implement quality KPIs and monitor indicators for each testing cycle.
• Ensure auditable release management processes are adhered.
• Keep abreast of technological advances.  Use advances in technology to innovate ways of working, add measurable value to the overall strategic and operational objectives of the Office.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in IT, Information Management or other related field. A first level university degree in one of the afore-mentioned field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

• At least five years of professional experience operating in a structured application testing or quality assurance role.
• A minimum of one year of relevant experience should be at the international level.
• Experience with RAD, Agile or Waterfall software development methodologies.
• Implementation or testing experience of Enterprise Resource Planning applications would be an advantage.
• Testing certifications (ISTQB, ISEB) would be an advantage.
• Working knowledge of some test management softwares (e.g. TOSCA, X-RAY, Oracle Application Test Suite, qTest, Zephyr, Selenium, JIRA).
• Working knowledge of SQL and Java would be an advantage.
• Experience of working with 3rd party vendors using an offshore model.

Languages

Excellent command of English and a working knowledge of a second official language (French, Spanish) of the Organization.

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:

• Detail orientation with strong organizational, planning and multi-tasking skills are essential.
• Ability to solve complex business and technology issues which cross organizational boundaries and technologies; ability to document problems, impacts and resolution options in a clear and concise manner; ability to liaise and hold discussions with business units to develop solutions.
• A strong understanding of testing and automation technologies from both a technical and business perspective, specifically developing project/programme test strategies, test plans (both functional & non-functional) and test reports
• Adaptability: ability to adapt to major changes in tasks or in the work environment.
• Decision-making: analysis, judgment and problem-solving.
• Initiative: ability to take prompt action to accomplish objectives, even beyond what is required.
• Knowledge management: ability to develop and update professional knowledge continuously, and to assimilate and apply new job-related information in a timely manner.
• Understanding or knowledge of relevant business operations, policies and procedures within the UN environment; capability to gather, document and analyze information; ability to draw conclusions, define strategies and suggest solutions; discern criticality of issues and appropriately escalate to resolve within needed timelines
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behavior and attitudes.