Open position

Head of The Digital Transformation and Information Systems Department – WOAH HQ Paris, France

Paris
Context
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH – founded as OIE) is a leading intergovernmental organisation representing 183 Members worldwide. Through its activities, WOAH makes a decisive contribution to improving animal health, protecting animal welfare and strengthening Veterinary Services. The Organisation provides transparent information on world’s animal health situation, and promotes international standards, particularly in terms of the safety of trade in live animals and animal products. More information can be found on WOAH’s website. 

Joining WOAH means taking part in the development of one of the leading international organisations, recognised and associated with other multilateral institutions, in the field of worldwide health. It means helping to build a global approach to health, combining animal and human health in a “One Health” approach. It means joining teams motivated by the impact of their actions, the sense of their collective commitment and their recognised professionalism in their respective fields of expertise. 

WOAH’s headquarters are based in Paris. The Organisation is present on every continent through 13 Regional or Sub-regional Representations. WOAH has 250 staff members, two-thirds of whom are based at headquarters.
This position is located in Paris.  
Job Description
Positioning and reporting

Under the authority of the Director General, the DTIS Head will collaborate closely with all Unit and Department Heads to ensure seamless integration and alignment of digital strategies across the organization.
Job purpose

As an Organisation, WOAH plays a critical role in collecting, managing, and disseminating extensive health-related data, including real-time global animal health information, to support its mandate. To successfully deliver its Strategic Plan, with a focus on data governance, the Digital Transformation and Information Systems (DTIS) Department is committed to drive digital transformation by developing a Data Strategy and governance framework that optimizes data management and enhances accessibility and visibility for stakeholders. 

The DTIS Head will advise on planning, design and implementation, and control the installation and maintenance of IT infrastructure, contributing towards ensuring that the capacity, reliability, security and availability of IT infrastructure services meet the requirements of the organization. She/He will lead and mentor a dynamic team of IT professionals and be responsible for providing technical leadership and resource management for IT infrastructure systems, cyber security and technical services, while also fostering a collaborative and innovative working environment.  
Missions and activities  

Strategic Leadership
– The Head of DTIS will develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategy that supports Woah’s strategic objectives Drive the digital transformation agenda, ensuring the adoption of innovative technologies that improve operational efficiency.
– Lead the IT governance framework, ensuring that IT investments are aligned with Woah’s Strategic priorities and deliver maximum value.  

IT Operations & Infrastructure
– Oversee the management of all IT operations, including network infrastructure, enterprise systems, cloud services, and end user support.
– Ensure the reliability, security, and scalability of the Woah’s enterprise architecture.
– Lead the implementation of enterprise-wide systems, including a cloud first architecture model utilising Microsoft Technologies  

Cyber Security & Risk Management
– Develop and implement robust cyber security strategies to protect Woah’s data and IT assets from threats and vulnerabilities.
– Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations, including GDPR, and manage the organisations response to IT-related risks.
– Lead initiatives to promote cyber security awareness across the organization.

Data Management & Analytics
– Oversee the development of an organisation-wide data architecture strategy that enhances the use of data analytics in decision-making.
– Drive initiatives to improve data quality, accessibility, and integration across different systems and departments.  

Team Leadership & Development
– Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing IT team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
– Promote diversity and inclusion within the IT department, ensuring a work environment that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
– Manage the IT budget effectively, ensuring cost efficiency while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
– Manage third partner partnerships to ensure a cost effective and efficient delivery of technical and security services  

Stakeholder Engagement
– Drive organization-wide change management to ensure the digital transformation.
– Collaborate with all stakeholders to understand their IT needs and provide solutions to support the organisations strategic goals and enhance operational efficiencies.
– Act as the primary IT liaison with external partners, including technology vendors and external partners  

Service Management
– Take overall responsibility for ensuring the availability, performance and security of services within agreed service levels.
– Lead the development of procedures and standards for the organisation-wide enterprise architecture and technical services.      

Project Management
– Plan, monitor and control projects using the PRINCE2 methodology and Agile related methodologies.  

Problem Solving
– Investigate and resolve problems for services within his/her own area of responsibility
– Delegate to team members as appropriate, following (Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) processes, manage major incidents and bring them to a satisfactory closure.    

Perform other duties as assigned.  
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience

Required qualifications and experience

– Advanced University degree in Computer Science, IT Management, Information Security or in a related field;
– At least seven (7) years relevant working experience, part of which should have been in an international environment, in Microsoft Technologies, Cloud services, Cyber security and data management;
– Hands-on experience in the establishment and practical implementation of Organizational Information Security policies, and IT security infrastructure systems providing access control, vulnerability management, incident identification and incident response;
– Experience in implementing IT Security solutions while designing the infrastructure architecture;
– Practical experience in implementing and managing cloud-first enterprise architecture models;
– Experience in IT service management and delivery based on ITIL service management standards, supporting innovation and managing change;
– Experience with the formulation and delivery of complex IT projects using Prince2 or similar methodologies;
– Internationally recognized certification in IT Project Management such as PMP or Prince2 is desirable;
– Internationally recognized certification in IT Infrastructure Architecture is desirable;
– Internationally recognized certification in IT/Information Security is desirable  

Additional experience (asset)

– Experience in planning, design, installation and maintenance of IT infrastructure server, virtualization, storage and security infrastructure and emerging next generation technologies;
– Experience working with multilateral frameworks and intergovernmental institutions;
– Professional experience gained in multicultural working environments, working with government, civil society, international organisations or relevant private sector entities  

Expected Skills

Technical skills

– Proven expertise in Microsoft enterprise Architecture including cloud storage solutions (Azure, AWS), data management, and end user technologies such as Microsoft 365/Intune;
– Strong understanding of information security, risk management, and compliance. 
– Ability to drive organisational change by aligning technology vision with business strategy. 
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration across diverse teams. 
– You will have experience of leading and motivating IT teams and encouraging the adoption of modern infrastructure, technology, and service model.
– Demonstrates commanding knowledge of, and ability to work across multiple project management systems (Prince2, Agile).
– Good Knowledge in Security Frameworks and internal standards such as ISO27001.
– An internationally recognized information or IT security relevant certification preferred but not essential such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)l; Prince2 or PMP certification is desirable.  

Interpersonal skills

– Excellent command of English, both written and oral; Knowledge of another of the WOAH official languages (French or Spanish) is an asset;
– Highly self-motivated, ability to work independently, and keen on learning and development;
– Ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships in a multinational and multicultural environment;
– Ability to effectively communicate complex technical and ideas to non-expert audiences;
– Proactive problem-solver skilled in leading partners toward creative and flexible solutions;
– Organisational skills and demonstrated capacity to meet deadlines;
– Coordination skills;
– Commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment amongst all team members with demonstrated ability to act as liaison across matrixed teams and organisations;
– Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team in an international environment;
– Highly detail orientated, as well as capacity to see the global picture;
– Flexible and dynamic personality, inspiring trust;
– Team player who can integrate well into the department and is willing to commit to supporting the development of its outputs.
Additional Information
Working conditions

– Salary: commensurate with qualifications and experience.
– Type of contract: WOAH Staff Fixed-term contract;
– Duration: Two (2) years renewable;
– Location: WOAH Headquarters 12 rue de Prony 75017 Paris, France.
The post is a full-time position based at the WOAH Headquarters in Paris and requires long hours in a seated position at a computer. It can entail missions abroad.  
General Information  

WOAH places high value on a multicultural and positive work environment. WOAH is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates, irrespective of their ethnic origin, gender, opinions or beliefs.  This is a full-time position as an international civil servant based at the WOAH Headquarters in Paris (France).  If you are interested in the position, please complete your application online at the latest by December 31, 2024.    

APPLY HERE