| Scientific Secretariat Officer – International Standards |
| Context |
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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 . 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. |
| Job Description |
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Positioning and reporting Under the authority of the Deputy Director General (Standard Setting and Implementation), and the direct supervision of the Head of the Standards Department. |
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Job purpose The Scientific Secretariat Officer – International Standards contributes to the scientific excellence and integrity of the WOAH standard-setting process by supporting the work of the Specialist Commissions and expert groups to ensure the delivery of high-quality, scientifically-based and up-to-date international standards. He/she contributes to the increased understanding and implementation of the WOAH standards by Members through support to the continuous improvement, transparency and inclusiveness of the standard-setting process. |
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Missions and activities Lead the provision of scientific secretariat support to the Specialist Commissions and expert groups – Organise and coordinate the work of Specialist Commissions and expert groups as part of the standard-setting process – Coordinate and analyse the scientific and technical input to the WOAH standard-setting process, including scientific opinion of Reference Centres on standards – Prepare background and working documents based on the collection and analysis of Reference Centres and Member comments, and other relevant sources of information; – Act as the interface between the Specialist Commissions and internal teams and partners; – Liaise with relevant teams and partners to prepare agenda items, working documents and reports; – Provide historical analysis of past decisions and draft meeting reports; Ensure communication and alignment with other Specialist Commissions; – Work closely with respective Commissions to ensure respect of relevant WOAH procedures and coordination of work programmes; – Follow-up actions arising from meetings, including contribute to the development or update of relevant Code or Manual Chapters and/or guideline documents. Ensure the continuous update and publication of the WOAH Manuals – Review, update and format documents according to standards adopted; – Work with translators and copy-editors to ensure standards are drafted and translated to a high quality; – Follow up on assignments to ensure compliance with deadlines; – Ensure online publishing through the relevant CMS (content management system); – Update relevant WOAH website pages. Provide support to the management of the network of WOAH Reference Centres – Screen and prepare Reference Centre application dossiers for review by the Biological Standards and Aquatic Animals Commissions; – Follow-up on, and provide guidance and administrative support to, candidate institutions during the application process; – Liaise with internal teams on Collaborating Centre applications; – Support the follow-up on actions arising from decisions made, for both selected and non-selected applications; – Support the coordination to ensure the timely request for, reception and assessment of annual activity reports; – Prepare regular summaries of status and decisions taken by the Specialist Commissions for high level hierarchical bodies. – Maintenance of the Reference Centre network database including CRM (customer relationship management) system Provide support to the work of the relevant expert groups including ad hoc Groups – Prepare background and working documents for relevant expert groups, in line with their terms of reference; – Liaise internally with relevant departments to ensure collation of cross-cutting relevant information; – Provide secretariat function to expert groups and ensure compliance with WOAH procedures; – Contribute to the drafting of reports of meetings and any supporting documents; – Liaise with the relevant Specialist Commissions on the work of these expert groups; – Follow-up on actions arising from meetings. Provide support to the work of the Standards Department and observe general organisational procedures – Contribute to the preparation of responses to enquiries from Members and other stakeholders; – Prepare relevant documents and undertake analysis as required; – Support the update of the online commenting system; – Support the development and delivery of training programmes on standard-setting and implementation of WOAH standards; – Ensure respect of WOAH procedures in standard-setting, management of Specialist Commission and cross-cutting functions (e.g. procurement, governance, publication etc) – Support the implementation of a WOAH Trade & Standards Roadmap In addition, the Head of the Standards Department may, when necessary, assign to the incumbent any other duties in keeping with the nature and responsibilities of this position. The scope of duties may be adjusted to reflect the Organisation’s evolving priorities and working methods. |
| Requirements |
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Qualifications and Experience Required qualifications – A degree in laboratory sciences, veterinary science, biological sciences, public health or equivalent; – At least 3 years of professional experience in a National Veterinary laboratory, animal health laboratory or equivalent; – At least 3 years of professional experience, particularly in a national regulatory environment, or other international organisation; – Experience in provision of secretariat and coordination functions at the national or international level. – Proficient with modern collaboration systems (in particular online meeting platforms) and modern content management systems with the ability to learn new tools as they are introduced Required Skills Technical skills – Possess scientific literacy and ability to understand, synthesise and summarise scientific information – Proficient with standard Microsoft office software (in particular word processing, spreadsheets, presentations) – Proficient with modern collaboration systems (in particular online meeting platforms) and modern content management systems with the ability to learn new tools as they are introduced – Proficient in basic document management systems, able to maintain document repositories, databases and version control – Excellent writing skills and ability to synthesise complex technical discussions into clear and concise reports fit for audience; – Ability to work in English at a high level including excellent oral and written communication skills Additional skills – Knowledge and understanding of the international standards setting environment; – Good knowledge of French or Spanish. Interpersonal skills – Excellent communication skills; – Excellent organisation skills and ability to meet specific deadlines with strong attention to detail; – Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships in a multinational and multicultural environment; – Ability to work as a member of a small team; – Capacity to learn and a self-motivated worker; – Demonstrated initiative, including ability to think strategically and achieve results. |
| Additional Information |
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Working conditions Full-time position based at WOAH Headquarters in Paris. Salary: The monthly salary ranges from EUR 2,800 and EUR 3,100, depending on experience and qualifications, with allowances based on eligibility. The salary is exempt from income tax in France. Contract Type: WOAH Staff – Fixed-term contract. Duration: Two (2) years, renewable. Start date : as soon as possible Location: WOAH Headquarters, 12 rue de Prony, 75017 Paris, France. |
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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 origin, gender, opinions or beliefs. If you are interested in the position, please complete your application online at the latest by April 17, 2026. All applications will be reviewed after the closing date of the publication |
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