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.

a.    Organizational Setting

The post is the Head of the Control, Quality and Procedures Section of the Business Applications Division. The Business Applications Division (BizApps) provides a comprehensive suite of IT applications development and support activities for the portfolio of business applications underpinning WIPO's business lines. This includes the development, deployment, and support of IT business solutions that ensure the effective operation and advancement of key systems such as the PCT, Madrid, and The Hague. Additionally, the BizApps Division supports custom application needs across other business lines, including projects like Lisbon, Green, ABC, and the WIPO website, leveraging best practices from WIPO's core systems. The division is also responsible for the smooth operation of IT services, managing the entire lifecycle of data and information - from ingestion, through processing, to dissemination. The Section implements the quality management framework for the portfolio of business applications. The Section performs SDLC quality assurance and process improvement activities in a software development and support team.

b.    Purpose Statement

As Head of Section, the incumbent will play a lead role in the development and enhancement of the quality management system used by the service as well as measure its effectiveness and identify improvement initiatives to ensure the continued delivery of quality products and services.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of Business Applications Division. The incumbent operates within a matrix reporting environment, collaborating with various internal and external stakeholders. In addition to direct supervision by the Director of Business Applications Division, the incumbent is expected to seek and incorporate input and feedback from other relevant parties - including technical teams, business units, and project leads - to ensure the continuous improvement and alignment of quality management processes.

d.    Work Relations

The incumbent works closely with internal stakeholders throughout the organization as well as with external entities, including vendors and service providers.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Takes responsibility for the overall section, including oversight of the team and related contractual work, its activities, objectives, resource allocations and staff development for colleagues within the team.

b.   Supervises individuals and teams (internal and external). Provides direction, support and guidance as necessary, in line with individuals' skills and abilities. Monitors progress against agreed quality and performance criteria. Acts to facilitate effective working relationships between team members.

c.   Advises on the application of appropriate quality management techniques. Facilitates improvements to processes by changing approaches and working practices, typically using recognized models.

d.   Develops and maintains a detailed knowledge of software process improvement. Contributes effectively to identifying new areas of software process improvement within the organization. Carries out software process improvement assignments, justified by measurable business benefits.

e.   Promotes the benefits of addressing security during system development and applies secure development improvement practices.

f.    Co-operates with clients/users and senior staff as required to agree to the testing strategy to be employed for development projects. Maintains awareness of testing alternatives at a level where they can be analyzed and the most effective testing strategy selected and agreed.

g.   Takes responsibility for the control, update and distribution of quality standards, and advice on their use.

h.   Takes responsibility for the safe execution of projects, actively participating in all phases of the project. Identifies, assesses and manages risks to the success of the project.

i.    Promotes and ensures use of appropriate techniques, methodologies and tools.

j.    Fosters client service orientation by proactively engaging with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring their needs and feedback are considered in the development and delivery of quality management processes and IT solutions.

k. Performs other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in computer science, information technology or other relevant field. A first-level university degree in a relevant discipline plus two years of experience in addition to the experience requested below may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Education (Desirable)

Project management certification, e.g. PRINCE2.

Certification in COBIT, CMMI, or similar frameworks.

Information security certification, e.g. CSSLP.

Experience (Essential)

At least seven years of relevant professional experience which includes several of the following areas: software development, testing, operations and service delivery, project management, evaluation of software process maturity, implementation of software process improvements.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience applying process improvement models and IT governance frameworks.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UN official languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Good understanding of the work of WIPO and its technical environment. 

Ability to apply methods, processes and techniques concerned with quality assurance planning, software quality evaluation, creation of quality processes, configuration management, and quality reviews and audits.

Ability to apply quality standards to all tasks undertaken and ensure that nothing is overlooked.

Ability to use soft skills towards the adoption of new methodologies, tools and quality improvement processes.

Knowledge of procedures necessary to acquire certification against a recognized quality standard, for example: ISO27001.

Demonstrated ability to deliver client-focused solutions and maintain effective communication with diverse stakeholders, ensuring responsiveness to client needs.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relation in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect of diversity.

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.

Mobility:  WIPO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director General and may be assigned to any activities, office or duty station of the Organization.  Accordingly, the selected candidate may be required to move from time to time to new functions and/or to another duty station.

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 November 2025 rate of 90%

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

Additional Information

* Initial period of two years, renewable, subject to satisfactory performance.  No fixed-term appointment or any extension hereof shall carry with it any expectancy of, nor imply any right to, (further) extensions or conversion to a permanent appointment.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions in accordance with Staff Rule 4.9.5.

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.