Head, Brand and Design Database Section

DescriptionThe deadline for applications has been extended to May 5, 2023.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 ContextOrganizational SettingThe post is located in the Brand and Design Database Section of the Global Databases Division. This Section is responsible for the WIPO Global Brand Database and Global Design Database which include millions of records from the collections of Madrid, Lisbon, Hague and Paris 6ter emblems and from an expanding number of national collections contributed by IP Offices with whom agreements on cooperation have been reached. They offer advanced Trademark and Industrial Designs search functions to the public, are used by thousands of users daily and are essential components of WIPO's Global IP Infrastructure on the internet.Purpose StatementThe incumbent leads a technical team responsible for the architecture, design, further development, maintenance and daily operations of WIPO’s Global Brand and Global Design Databases with the aim of making WIPO’s systems best in class systems on the internet and attract the largest possible user base by providing premier search services using latest technologies.  The incumbent will collaborate and coordinate closely with other parts of the Division , with the Brands and Design Sector and with WIPO’s IT central department. The incumbent also collaborates with IP offices representatives to include their national trademark and design data collections in WIPO’s Global Databases and follow-up data quality issues and data format changes.Reporting LinesThe incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the Global Databases Division.2.      Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe incumbent will perform the following principal duties:Manage the Brand and Design Database Section, in particular with regard to personnel, budget, procurement and strategic planning.As project leader, design and ensure the further development of Global Brand Database and Global Design Database and their search engines in the cloud, making use of appropriate technological advances, ensuring control and security mechanisms are established, developing programming standards and monitoring quality control.Carry out database analyses, prepare design specifications, direct the preparation of complete systems documentation and user operating procedures, and prepare technical documentation.Take the lead in promoting and advancing the global development of Global Brand Database and Global Design Database to ensure they become world premier databases for searching brand identifiers and Industrial Designs.Liaise with IP offices and oversee the transmission and transformation of national and regional IP office data to maximize the system global data coverage, promote these activities amongst all IP Offices and provide necessary assistance and advice to stakeholders for their participation in the Section's Global Databases.Monitor the operation and daily maintenance of internet systems administered by the Section.Provide advice and support to the Director of the Global Databases Division on all relevant technical and managerial issues and prepare Program Performance Reports.Participate in training sessions, international conferences and seminars/workshops on IP matters to promote WIPO Databases.Identify the needs of users and the need for new or modified databases, conduct feasibility studies especially for new systems that can be integrated with existing systems and technology, and explore new technological solutions to cover them as required, including image similarity search, linguistic tools and other advanced search capabilities.Perform other related duties as required.3.      RequirementsEducation (Essential)Advanced university degree in in information technology, computer science, engineering, technical fields with programming or other related fields. A first-level university degree with additional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.Experience (Essential)At least ten years of relevant professional experience, including experience in the management of complex web projects.Candidates with at least seven (but less than ten) years of relevant experience may be considered for an appointment at a lower grade.Experience in project management.Experience in managing a team.Experience managing change.Language (Essential)Excellent knowledge of English.Language (Desirable)Ability to work in other official UN languages.Job Related Competencies (Essential)Extensive knowledge of internet technologies including SOLR, JavaScript, TypeScript, Angular, JAVA and JSON/XML as well as UI design CSS, HTML and related technologies.Strong software development skills.Good knowledge of Amazon Web Services technologies.Good knowledge of data analysis and modelling, in particular with large database systems including MySQL or similar products.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.Job Related Competencies (Desirable)Knowledge of IP information tools, products and standards.Understanding of new capabilities brought by latest technologies, including Machine Learning. Knowledge of operational procedures and processes within an IP office or similar organization.4.      Organizational CompetenciesCommunicating effectively.Showing team spirit.Demonstrating integrity.Valuing diversity.Producing results.Showing service orientation.Seeing the big picture.Seeking change and innovation.Developing yourself and others.5.      InformationMobility: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 March 2023 rate of 81.8%P5Annual salary      $90,664Post adjustment      $74,163Total Salary      $164,827Currency USDSalaries 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 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 an identification and of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: . Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and these will be reviewed individually.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.