Head, Control, Quality and Procedures Section

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 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.

2.      Duties and Responsibilities

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.

3.      Requirements

Education (Essential)