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, PCT Services Department, Patents and Technology Sector, which is tasked with developing proposals for 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 analyze needs and develop business requirements for software to support the needs of applicants, Offices and third parties in relation to the processing of international applications, and to ensure that software developed meets the indicated requirements, taking into account the increasing need for integration between internal and external systems requiring a greater degree of strategic planning, cross system analysis and coordination with a wider range of relevant business and IT units.
c. Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head, PCT Business Demand Management Section, PCT Business Development Division.
d. Work Relations
The incumbent liaises frequently with the Business Applications Division in the Information and Communication Technology Department (ICTD), 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. Carry out strategic analyses of PCT IT requirements, taking into account opportunities for business improvement through the review of overall processes and end-to-end collection, processing and delivery of structured data, as well as the context of WIPO IT systems and related processes more generally.
b. As business needs evolve, analyze PCT operational procedures and design proposed enhancements to better meet customer needs and ensure the quality of work and efficiency of the PCT both within PCT Operations and in relation to external stakeholders.
c. Liaise with concerned work units (PCT Operations Division, Technical Cooperation Section, PCT Legal and User Relations Division, PCT Translation Division, Finance Division, Madrid Registry and The Hague Registry) to assess evolving needs and evaluate the implications of implementing proposals for redesign of operational processes and enhanced functionality of external and internal PCT IT systems.
d. Contribute to fostering 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.
e. Define business requirements and draft detailed specifications for functions in IT systems for use by applicants, IB PCT staff and external Offices in compliance with the required security and confidentiality requirements under the PCT.
f. In cooperation with the Business Applications Division within ICTD, work with developers on prototyping, user testing and implementation of changes to PCT IT systems; ensure that the IT tools are built according to requirements.
g. Participate in official missions; provide training and webinars on ePCT system to Offices of PCT Member States, applicants and agents. Provide training to PCT staff and external providers also engaged in such activities.
h. Define and verify validation processes ("business rules engine") in PCT IT systems, including liaison with the PCT Operations Division to ensure maintenance and update of those system validations as required in line with evolving business requirements.
i. In collaboration with the PCT Operations Support and Training Section, develop and review information and training material on PCT operational processes in relation to new developments in PCT IT systems.
j. Engage in data analytics initiatives by contributing to define key performance indicators and systematically monitoring accession, engagement, user feedback, service metrics, and procedural data. Utilize insights to evaluate the effectiveness of activities, guide strategic decision-making, enhance service delivery and promotional efforts, identify emerging trends, and recommend improvements and best practices.
k. Perform other related duties as required.
3. Requirements
Education (Essential)
First-level university degree.
Education (Desirable)
Certification in project management (preferably PRINCE2).
Experience (Essential)
At least six years of professional experience in the design or use of systems for the processing of intellectual property applications, including at least two years of experience of business analysis, including activities such as prototype designing, user requirements specification or user acceptance testing.
Experience (Desirable)
Experience in designing and evaluating business solutions regarding the processing of patent applications including PCT applications.
Experience working with systems supporting intellectual property applications in the role of a formalities examiner.
Experience working with bug tracking software including Atlassian JIRA or similar products.
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)
Ability to understand PCT operational procedures and processes from the perspective of the International Bureau or an intellectual property Office.
Ability to understand the PCT legal framework.
Good understanding of computer systems design, testing and deployment within a large organization.
Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the internet and the ability to adapt quickly to new technologies.
Ability to work both independently and in a team, identifying and following up issues with a high degree of autonomy where appropriate, but ensuring full participation by all potentially interested parties to deliver effective results.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work in a team with both users and technical staff at different levels and in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Integrity in dealing with confidential and sensitive data.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent document drafting skills.
Excellent time management and work organization skills.
Highly adaptable to new environments, tasks and demands.
Client orientation with the ability to deliver high quality client services.
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
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%25
P3
Annual salary
$64,121
Post adjustment
$57,709
Total Salary
$121,830
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
* Initial fixed-term appointment 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.
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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: 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.