Open position

Scientific Coordinator – Aquatic Animal Health – Standards – WOAH HQ Paris, France

Paris
POSITION : Scientific Coordinator – Aquatic animal health
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

The Scientific Coordinator – Aquatic animal health, is under the authority of the Deputy Director General, International Standards and Science, and the supervision of the Head of the Standards Department. The Standards Department is responsible for providing technical, scientific and secretariat support for two of the four Specialist Commissions, the Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission and the Terrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission and related work.
Job purpose

The Scientific Coordinator – Aquatic animal health contributes to the scientific excellence and integrity of the WOAH standard-setting process by supporting the work of the Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission and relevant ad hoc Groups to ensure the delivery of high-quality, scientifically-based and up-to-date international standards, specifically the Aquatic Animal Health Code.
Missions and activities  

Secretariat support to the Aquatic Animals Commission and relevant ad hoc Groups
– Provide technical and scientific support
– Prepare background information, agendas and working documents for meetings
– Collate relevant information and undertake analysis on topics for discussion at meetings
– Contribute to the collation and analysis of Member comments
– Prepare draft meeting reports, and follow up actions arising from meetings
– Prepare presentations for the Aquatic Animals Commission members to communicate the work of the Commission
– Liaise with scientific experts  

Stakeholder engagement
– Liaise with relevant stakeholders, including colleagues globally, Members, partners and other international organisations
– Contribute to the preparation of responses to enquiries from Members and other stakeholders
– Ensure communication and alignment within WOAH regarding the work of the Aquatic Animals Commission
– Provide communication content and technical advice within WOAH  

Aquatic animal health expertise
– Contribute to the implementation of the WOAH Aquatic Animal Health Strategy Maintain current knowledge on aquatic animal health to support the scope and context of WOAH’s involvement in relevant topics  

Ensure coordination with partner organisations on the implementation of activities
– Maintain a network of contacts and good communication with subject matter experts
– Represent WOAH within relevant networks and international forums
– As required, support the organisation of related events  

Contribute to relevant WOAH training workshops workshop design, training materials, deliver presentations
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience 

Requirements
– A degree in veterinary science, aquatic animal health, biological sciences or equivalentIn addition to the above, at least 5 years of relevant and proven professional experience
– Effective communication in both spoken and written English  

Expected Skills  

Technical skills  
Proven experience in one or more of the following:
– Experience in drafting clear, concise and structured scientific reports using appropriate scientific terminology; 
– Experience in conveying technical scientific concepts and make them understandable (both orally and in writing) to different target audiences;
– Experience in providing technical and scientific support, coordinating a group of subject experts, planning and managing time and resources;
– Ability to organise, manage and coordinate meetings, including the creation and management of supporting documentation;
– Ability to summarise complex technical discussions into clear and concise documents and reports  

The following competencies will be considered as an asset:      
– Experience in a national regulatory environment, or other international organisation
– Knowledge and understanding of WOAH international standards
– Knowledge and understanding and the WTO Agreements in relation to international trade
– Knowledge of French or Spanish  

Other competencies

– Quality of Work: deliver quality work and meet manager’s expectations by prioritising work and meeting deadlines.
– Takes into account advice received and seek to improve their work.
– Collaboration & Teamwork: knows how to work in a team, shares relevant information and contributes to the team’s climate of trust.
– Respects the opinions of other colleagues and associates success with that of the team.
– Commitment & Adaptability: motivated by the job, shows initiative and capacities to adapt to changes, and makes proposals within their field.
– Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work effectively with different people and teams; acknowledge diverse opinions, cooperating with others and working toward consensual solutions to achieve the group’s objectives.  
Additional Information
Working conditions  

– Salary: From 3200 € net / month, commensurate with qualifications and experien
– Type of contract: WOAH Staff – Fixed-term contract
– Duration: Two (2) years
– Location: WOAH Headquarters 12 rue de Prony 75017 Paris, France
– The post is a full-time position based at WOAH Headquarters in Paris. It requires long hours in a seated position at a computer. The position entails regular 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.  If you are interested in the position, please complete your application online at the latest by 25 november 2024.