Title of Assignment: Consultant - Lead Full-Stack Engineer      

Name of unit/sector: External Systems Development Section, Business Applications Division, Information and Communication Technology Department, Administration, Finance and Management Sector

Place of Assignment: Offsite (with occasional onsite visits)

Expected places of travel (if applicable): Occasional onsite visits, at WIPO’s request.

Expected duration of assignment: 12 months initially at 100% activity rate, and may be renewed based on performance, organizational needs, and budget availability, up to a maximum cumulative duration of 24 months at a 100% activity rate.  

1.    Objective of the assignment

This Consultancy assignment is located in the External Systems Development Section of the BAD (Business Applications Division).

The Section delivers software development and maintenance for a portfolio of business applications which operate externally at WIPO to support the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), a highly successful patents filing Treaty - in particular the ePCT system, WIPO’s flagship application for filing international applications.

The main role of the Consultant is to interpret business requirements emanating from the Treaty, to analyze, propose and subsequently develop (or oversee internal or offshore development of) technical solutions designed to meet those requirements.

The Consultant will demonstrate strong autonomy and the ability to interact with different stakeholders.

2.    Deliverables/services

Under this assignment, the Consultant shall deliver the following outputs on a results-based and time-bound basis:

(a)    Manage large and/or complex software development projects.

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

(c)    Create, amend and keep track of software applications programs in accordance with the approved design.

(d)    Plan, design and conduct tests of software applications programs; correct errors and re-test to achieve and error-free result.

(e)    Conduct reviews of supplied specifications of requirements, with involved stakeholders as necessary.

(f)    Conduct review of own work and lead reviews of colleagues’/ and external contractors’ work.

(g)    Provide guidance and assistance to colleagues in any aspect of program design, creation, testing and documentation.

(h)    Take part in evaluations and reviews of application software programming methods, tools and standards.

(i)    Keep informed of developing technologies and their application.

(j)    Deliver other related consultancy services as required within the scope of the assignment.

3.    Reporting

The Consultant will report to the Head, External Systems Development Section.

4.    Profile (e.g. area of specialization/expertise, specific knowledge/skills/experience)

Education:

•     University degree, preferably in Information Technology, computer science or a related field.

Area of specialization / Expertise:

•     Full-stack application engineering in Java and relational databases

•     Extensive experience in Java, Java EE, Web-based technologies, DevOps, PostGres database, PrimeFaces and JSF, AWS.

•     Experience with ICT systems managing highly-confidential data involving sensitive information data flows.

•     Relevant professional experience, including in software development life cycle, systems analysis and design, software development process improvement, usage of various application development tools and methods, or customer experience best practices and techniques.

•     At least 2 years experience in the area of Intellectual Property, preferably PCT.

•     Fluent in DevOps, cloud automation and CI/CD practices in enterprise environments.

Specific Knowledge / Experience:

•     Proven experience with DevOps and Agile development.

•     Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

•     Experience implementing AI-driven capabilities.

Desirable:

•     Certifications in Development, DevOps, Cloud, System Architecture, Web application design, AWS or AI.

5.    Duration of contract and payment

The duration of the Contract shall be 12 months initially, and may be renewed based on performance, organizational needs, and budget availability, up to a maximum cumulative duration of 24 months at a 100% activity rate. This is a 100% activity rate contract.

The remuneration will be based on a daily rate. Payment will be made on a monthly basis, subject to submission of invoices by the Contractor, satisfactory completion of services and deliverables.

Applicants are requested to indicate their remuneration expectations in Swiss francs, specifying both a daily rate and an all-inclusive on-site daily rate covering professional fees, travel, accommodation, and related expenses.

6.    Other information

ICS contractors fall outside the coverage of employment contracts for WIPO Staff members and are not subject to the WIPO Staff Regulations and Rules. The contractor has no entitlement to vacation or sick leave, except for WIPO official holidays, or to medical insurance or staff pension. Absences from work will be deducted from the contractor’s payment on a pro-rated basis.