JOB DESCRIPTION

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE:  please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

 

1.     Organizational Context

 

a.    Organizational Setting

 

The post is located in the Operations and Support Section of the Business Applications Division. The Section implements the service management framework for the portfolio of business applications supporting the PCT, a highly successful patent filing treaty. The Section delivers work in close collaboration with the application development teams, infrastructure teams and end users. It delivers service desk, information architecture, release and deployment coordination and systems operation services to the PCT.

 

b.    Purpose Statement

 

The main role of the incumbent is to interpret business requirements emanating from the treaty, to analyze, propose and subsequently develop, or oversee internal or off-shore development of, technical solutions designed to meet those requirements. The incumbent will demonstrate strong autonomy skills and the ability to interact with different stakeholders.

 

c.    Reporting Lines

 

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head, Operations and Support Section.

 

d.    Work Relations

 

The incumbent works regularly with other staff of the Operations and Support Section, as well as staff from across the Business Applications Division. The incumbent will also work with a variety of requesters across the Organization mostly from the PTS Sector and particular from PCT Business Development Division. The incumbent will also liaise directly with National and Region PCT Offices, in particular with the Japan Patent Office (JPO).

 

 

2.     Duties and Responsibilities

 

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

 

a.  Develop large and/or complex software applications programs from supplied specifications using agreed standards and tools, to achieve a well-engineered result.

 

b.  Manage, coordinate or contribute to large and/or complex software development projects.

 

c.  Manage, coordinate or contribute to the analysis and design, including their documentation, of computer systems according to established standards, including specifically, the modification and implementation of XML (extensible markup language) technology used for data exchange and storage.

 

d.  Provide software support for large and/or complex computer systems, in particular to facilitate the processing of patents with Japan-specific requirements (including an understanding of Japanese, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and JPO automation systems) and to facilitate the transition for Japanese users of the PCT to software produced at WIPO.

 

e.  Provide link, where appropriate, between the project and users, internal or external, in the development, integration, installation and testing of system components.

 

f.   Keep informed of developing technologies and their application.

 

g.  Perform other related duties as required.

 

 

3.     Requirements

 

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree.

 

Education (Desirable)

Certification in Java, UNIX, System architecture, Web application design, project management (PRINCE2).

 

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience, including in systems analysis and design tools and methods, preferably of which two years related to intellectual property.

 

Experience in project management.

 

Experience in Java, and/or Web-based technologies and database environments.

 

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Japanese.

 

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Strong knowledge of XML and its applications.

 

Solid knowledge of patents including some knowledge of the PCT.

 

Proficiency in one or more of the following: business analysis, software development process improvement, problem management, release and deployment management, system software, security administration, continuity management, emerging technology, enterprise architecture.

 

Ability to select appropriately from applicable ICT standards, methods, tools and applications.

 

Ability to apply an analytical and systematic approach to problem solving.

 

Ability to plan, schedule and monitor work and meet time and quality targets.

 

Ability to present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

 

Ability to rapidly absorb new technical information and apply it effectively.

 

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), internet applications and tools used to validate XML and HTML.

 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

 

 

4.     Organizational Competencies

 

1.    Communicating effectively.

2.    Showing team spirit.

3.    Demonstrating integrity.

4.    Valuing diversity.

5.    Producing results.

6.    Showing service orientation.

7.    Seeing the big picture.

8.    Seeking change and innovation.

9.    Developing yourself and others.

 

 

5.      Information

 

Annual salary:

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment.  Please note that this estimate is for information only.  The post adjustment multiplier (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change (increase or decrease) without notice.  The figures quoted below are based on the April 2025 rate of 86.8%

 

P3

 

Annual salary

$64,121

 

Post adjustment

$55,657

 

Total Salary

$119,778

 

Currency USD

 

 

 

Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.

 

Please refer to WIPO’s Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.

 

Additional Information

 

Temporary appointments are renewable, subject to continuing needs, availability of budget and satisfactory performance with a maximum cumulative length of two years.

 

Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged. Please click on the following links for the list of unrepresented Member States and the list of underrepresented regions and the WIPO Member States in these regions.

 

The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.

 

 

By completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this web site, or on any other documents submitted to WIPO during the application, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process, or termination of employment with WIPO at a later date, if that employment resulted from such willful misrepresentations.

 

In the event that your candidature is shortlisted, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of your identification and the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO recognizes higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed here: http://www.whed.net/. Some higher educational qualifications may not be listed in WHED, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening.  Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.

 

Additional background checks may be required.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements