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 PCT Business Demand Management Section of the PCT Business Development Division, which is tasked with developing proposals for the further improvement of the PCT system, including proposals for improvements to the PCT legal framework, PCT procedures and processes, and related standards and specifications of IT systems.
b. Purpose Statement
The main role of the incumbent is to lead a team of business analysts designing improvements to PCT procedures and processes and to develop business requirements for IT systems for that purpose.
c. Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director, PCT Business Development Division.
d. Work Relations
The incumbent liaises frequently with the PCT Information Systems Division, the PCT Legal and User Relations Division and the PCT Operations Division to gather and exchange information necessary for the development of optimum business requirements for improved PCT services for all stakeholders.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
a. Manage the Section’s portfolio of work and act as line manager for a team of business analysts, determining priorities and allocating responsibility for the analysis and specification of business requirements, identification and management of key risks and testing of IT systems developed.
b. Analyze PCT operational procedures to assess functionality and design and coordinate implementation of enhancements to better meet customer needs via PCT IT systems, ensuring the quality of work and efficiency of the PCT Operations Division; define and document business processes, produce data and process flow diagrams and maps.
c. Manage projects and define and/or oversee the development of functional specifications, requirements, business solution design and resource requirements for PCT IT systems; coordinate prototyping and testing, the timing of deliverables and deployment.
d. Analyze modifications to the PCT legal framework (Rule changes) and identify and subsequently specify any resulting required changes to PCT IT systems and operational procedures.
e. In cooperation with the PCT Information Systems Division, coordinate the prototyping and testing activities relating to the elaboration of PCT IT systems; participate in the planning and prioritization of the work plan activities, objectives and approach.
f. In cooperation with PCT Operations Division, ensure that high-quality information concerning the system is available to applicants and to other PCT divisions, to enable the successful promotion and use of PCT IT systems.
g. Develop effective reporting tools to ensure that data and information requirements for stakeholders are met.
h. Conduct research on specific topics as assigned, evaluate data, present results and prepare reports for management.
i. Foster a culture of providing high quality customer-focused services by identifying varying customer needs, recommending best practices which can improve customer interactions and, proactively addressing potential issues before they impact the customer experience.
j. Perform other related tasks as necessary.
3. Requirements
Education (Essential)
Advanced university degree, preferably in information technology, science, engineering, languages, law, business administration or a related field. A first-level university degree in one of the aforementioned fields plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the essential experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Experience (Essential)
At least seven years of relevant professional experience, preferably in an Intellectual Property Office at the national or international level.
Extensive experience of filing procedures or formalities examination of patent, design or trademark applications, including experience with PCT applications.
Experience in business process analysis and modelling.
Experience (Desirable)
Experience in designing and evaluating business solutions regarding the processing of patent applications including PCT applications.
Experience in supervising a team.
Language (Essential)
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
Language (Desirable)
Knowledge of other UN official languages or PCT languages of publication, especially French.
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Excellent knowledge of PCT operational procedures and processes from the perspective of the International Bureau or an Intellectual Property Office; good knowledge of the PCT legal framework.
Good understanding of computer systems design, testing and deployment within a large organization.
Ability to quickly and thoroughly analyze proposals relating to legal, administrative and IT subjects, identify consequences for a wide range of affected parties and offer recommendations on effective methods of implementation or alternative approaches.
Ability to supervise and work effectively in teams with technical, legal and operational staff at different levels, as well as independently.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Good project management skills, including the ability to gather clear business requirements.
Client orientation with the ability to deliver high quality client services.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Competent user of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint; ability to adapt quickly to new technologies.