IT Solutions Analyst

VN Category (INT / EXT / EOI):

Job Category:

This is an external vacancy notice open to external candidates and WTO staff. It is posted on the WTO internal as well as external career site. Eligible WTO staff on short-term, fixed-term or regular contracts and interns must apply through the Workday internal career site.

This is a Fixed-term contract funded through the regular budget. The duration will be two years with the possibility of extension, unless specified in the vacancy notice.

The WTO seeks to attract and retain staff members offering the highest standards of competence, efficiency and integrity and to build an organization that is representative of the Members and People it serves. As an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, the WTO gives full regard to competence and welcome applications from qualified candidates irrespective of age, disability status, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, social origin or any other characteristic. Applications from non-represented Members (link) are particularly encouraged for all positions.

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The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of IT Solutions Analyst in the Information and Technology Solutions Division.

The Information Technology Solutions Division ensures the efficient operation of the WTO's information technology (IT) infrastructure as well as the development and support of the necessary systems to cover the needs of WTO members and the WTO Secretariat. In response to changing needs and fast-evolving technology, the division collaborates with all Secretariat Divisions to constantly enhance IT services and procedures, to comply with the core mandate of the organization and to better facilitate the dissemination of information to WTO members and the public. The division also ensures the efficient operation of the IT and communication infrastructure for special events such as Ministerial Conferences. Finally, the division is also responsible for developing and implementing the information security program.

General Functions

Reporting to the Chief of Section, the incumbent is responsible for the following functions:

1.         Take part in the design and implementation of software solutions to support and enhance the functioning of the WTO Secretariat. Assist in the development of complex software systems which integrate with existing WTO platforms. Provide guidance and supervision to junior staff and external consultants in the design and development of software solutions. Take part in the effort to support and maintain existing software solutions and proactively guide their evolution.

2.         Acquire knowledge of the operations of partner Divisions and assist them in identifying IT needs. Assist partners in the planning, design, implementation, and integration of suitable IT solutions.

3.       Act as a liaison among stakeholders in order to elicit, analyze, communicate and validate requirements for changes to business processes, services and information systems. Analyze, plan and manage business requirement definitions. Develop clear and concise requirement specifications, document business functions and process flow.

4.       Assist to re-engineer the processes for optimization where applicable, in collaboration with product owners and business users to maximize usage of applications as required. Analyze how changes can improve performance - balancing what’s technologically feasible, financially sustainable and functionally reasonable. Work closely with managers to gain stakeholder consensus.

5.         Assure compliance of technical solutions with the WTO technology architecture and standards. Keep up to date on the rapid changes in Information Technology and adapt accordingly.

6.         Follow IT projects throughout their lifecycle and ensure that projects' outputs meet intended business needs. This includes monitoring, documenting and reporting on the project's progress; executing change strategy and assessing risks; assist in planning and organizing product implementations and rollouts; assist in reviewing the overall implementation and integration of requirements; and supporting user acceptance testing.

7.         Contribute to change management while conforming to project management standards and procurement rules. Work closely with divisional partners to ensure adherence to project portfolio management steps and compliance with procurement processes.

8.         Contribute to ITSD's effort to identify and embrace emerging technologies with the purpose of improving efficiency and reducing costs.

9.         Assist in managing the budget of the Applications Branch: provide input in establishing the budget and assist in providing accurate forecasts on end-of-year expenses.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

An advanced university degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, IT Engineering or related field. Alternatively, theoretical knowledge and/or proven professional expertise equivalent to an advanced university degree in addition to a basic university degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, IT Engineering or related field may be considered.

Knowledge and Skills:

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

Expertise in business and systems analysis with ability to translate business needs into software solutions.

Proven knowledge of the following domains - software design and development, data migration and manipulation and the software development life cycle.

Knowledge and practical experience in the development of enterprise level web solutions using PHP and the Laravel framework is essential. Working experience with the Laravel technology stack and its related frameworks, tools and concepts is mandatory.

Experience in the use of JavaScript and CSS frameworks.

Knowledge of and practical experience in developing relational database applications, database modelling, and proficiency in SQL programming. Experience with NoSQL technologies is a plus.

Ability to estimate development time and effort in projects using any of the technologies mentioned above.

Experience with project management, including the ability to manage several projects in parallel.

Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills, demonstrated sound judgment and aptitude for creative problem solving.

Strong ability to synthesize complex or diverse information and to reduce problems into manageable components to identify possible solutions.

Internal customer relations management skills.

Behavioural Skills:

Proven organizational and time management skills, including ability to manage multiple tasks with competing priorities and to work under pressure;

Ability to communicate complex abstract ideas to an audience of informed people and understand ideas when communicated by others.

Ability to present technical facts to knowledgeable specialised audiences.

Ability to initiate and build relationships with a variety of people, both inside and outside the organization.

Ability to influence and persuade others to a point of view using facts; cope with and resolve conflicts.

Quick learner, with the ability to think out of the box, be proactive, curious and adapt to different environments.

Ability to work as a member of a team, relating to others, while working independently to achieve his/her objectives.

Work Experience:

At least 3 years of recent professional experience in software development including relevant experience in systems analysis, with a portion in a role in direct relation with clients. At least 2 years of working experience in the development of enterprise level web solutions using PHP and the Laravel framework with its related technologies, tools and concepts is mandatory.

Languages:

Working knowledge of English is mandatory including the ability to write clearly and succinctly. Knowledge of French and/or Spanish would be an advantage.

Additional Information:
 
Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted. 

The recruitment process will be undertaken as per Administrative Memorandum No. 976 (OFFICE(16)/15) on Staff Promotions and external recruitment through Vacancy Notices.

The initial fixed-term contract for positions up to grade 10 shall normally be two years, which shall be probationary, as per Administrative Memorandum No. 997 (OFFICE(23)/4) on Probation Policy. For Director positions, the Policy on evaluation of directors apply as per Administrative Memorandum No. 978 (OFFICE(17)/29).

The WTO may use various communication technologies such as video or teleconference for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. The recruitment process may also involve the use of various forms of testing, assessment centres, interviews and reference checks. 

Applicants may be required to sit a written examination. 

Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview. 

Candidates not selected whose performance in the selection process nevertheless shows them to be suitable for a similar position may be kept on a roster for up to 24 months, and may subsequently be called upon as and when the need arises for additional resources.

All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the closing date – Geneva (Switzerland) time – stated in the vacancy announcement. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 

The WTO is a non-smoking environment.