Project
Support for programme management and implementation of the OPSYS ecosystem
User Experience Researcher
Position
Medium User Experience Researcher
Project description
OPSYS is the information system used by the European Commission (EC) in the area of External Actions. The overall objective of the project is to deliver and make operational this new information system replacing inter alia the existing CRIS system, addressing gaps, supporting the new INTPA, NEAR, FPI and EC strategies as well as engaging in a business transformation starting with the harmonisation/simplification of business processes.
The programme aims to support a new and more collaborative way of working that involves EU staff, economic operators, and grant beneficiaries in the management of the EU External Relations portfolio of interventions under the shared governance of INTPA, NEAR, FPI, DIGIT and RTD.
Three tracks have been created within the OPSYS programme:
(1) Results and monitoring
(2) Procurement, calls for proposals and contract management
(3) Programming, actions, and Commission financing decisions.
The core team includes key experts (KEs) who, with the support of non-key experts, serve the purposes of this contract set as follows:
Purpose 1: Provide support to the business owner (system owner) in areas covered by the OPSYS programme and in line with the Commission PM2 standards for:
- business management in terms of inter alia requirements, tests, process management,
- programme management,
- change management,
- provision of ad hoc long term and short term expertise
Purpose 2: Provide support to the IT supplier from a business point of view, specifically in terms of expertise in the areas of user experience, data migration or quality assurance.
Job description
Who we are looking for:
We are looking for a motivated and open-minded person willing to share his/her experience with others and be part of the development of the OPSYS Ecosystem.
The Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) of the European Commission defines and implements the development and cooperation programs in third countries and finances them with the dedicated budget of the European Commission and with the budget of the European Development Fund. The definition, execution and control of the cooperation programs and related projects are supported by DG INTPA’s Information Systems.
DG INTPA, DG NEAR and the FPI have jointly committed towards setting up a new common operational system (OPSYS), to replace the existing CRIS system. OPSYS aims to develop the future operational systems addressing the Delegations' and Headquarters' needs in terms of efficiency, reliability of data, ability to evolve (new implementation modalities, simplification of business processes) and ability to report and communicate. These operational systems will be integrated with the existing European Commission Corporate Systems (ABAC, SYGMA, etc.) and Services (EU Login, COMPASS, etc.)
Main tasks will include
- Conduct user research to uncover insights and data through primary and secondary research methods, such as customer segmentation studies, persona development, customer journey mapping, usability testing, concept testing, validation testing, contextual inquiry, ethnography, in-depth interviews, surveying, heuristic analysis, and focus groups.
- Analyse and interpret research findings and data to identify patterns, trends, and user needs in order to inform design decisions.
- Collaborate with designers, product managers, and other stakeholders to ensure that research insights are integrated into product development and design decisions.
- Communicate research findings and insights to stakeholders through reports, presentations, and other means of communication, such as creative briefs and concept documents.
- Plan and conduct usability testing sessions to evaluate the usability of new and existing products and features.
- Communicate the organization's strategic vision and goals from an end-user's point of view.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments in social science research, agile research, and data-driven design to continually develop research roles and techniques.
Overall, the UX Researcher is responsible for conducting user research and generating insights that inform product development and design decisions. The UX Researcher will work closely with designers, product managers, and other stakeholders to ensure that user needs and insights are integrated into the design process.
Requirements
- Master’s degree or equivalent diploma in one of the followings fields: social sciences, such as cultural anthropology, organizational psychology, cognitive psychology, education, sociology or business or in absence of degree the equivalent of 7 years’ professional experience;
- Minimum 4 years of experience in a field linked to the assignment: with at least 2 years of experience in information technology and at least 1 year of experience as a UX consultant, UX researcher, Digital communicator or equivalent.
- Very good knowledge of user research (including customer segmentation studies, persona development, user journey mapping, usability testing, ethnography, interviews and surveying).
- Ability to design rigorous and reliable studies (both quick and agile or longitudinal and deep).
- Strong analytical skills and ability to supplement findings with quantifiable data sources.
- Ability to supplement qualitative user research with quantitative data sources.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and facilitation skills in French and English.
- Good knowledge of UI Design tools - Sketch, Adobe Suite XD or equivalent
- Good knowledge of user research
- Knowledge of web technologies and standards (e.g. HTML, XML, CSS, SEO, web analytics)
- Sensitivity to technical considerations.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Knowledge of statistical analysis and data visualization tools.
- Rapid self-starting capability.
- Strong understanding of user-centred design principles and user experience methodologies.
- Delegation and decision-making skills.
- Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for UX research.
- Experience/knowledge of EU institutions
- Fluency in English and knowledge of French is an asset
Interpersonal Skills: - Capability of integration in an international/multicultural environment, rapid self-starting capability and experience in working in team;
- Ability to participate in multilingual meetings;
- Excellent Team Player and communicator;
- High degree of discretion and integrity
Please note that only candidates with a Belgian work permit or European citizenship can be considered for this position.
Additional information
Category: Medium expertDedication: 100%
Start date: at earliest possible time
Duration: in line with NTT DATA’s contract with the client
Remuneration: Commensurate with the position and experience
Type of contract: Freelance
Location of assignment: Belgium. Consultant’s place of residence (home) or the Contractor’s premises as long as they are located within an operational distance of maximum 2h from the Commission’s premises (near-site).
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