Head of the Standards Departement

Head of the Standards Department

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.

Job Description

Positioning and reporting

Under the authority of the Director General and the supervision of the Deputy Director General (International Standards and Science), and in close coordination with the Heads of other Departments. Supervising a team of 10 to 12 staff members.

Job purpose

The Head of the Standards Department contributes to the scientific excellence and integrity of the WOAH standard-setting process. He/she is responsible for ensuring the alignment and coordination of the work of the Specialist Commissions and ad hoc groups regarding the delivery of high-quality, scientifically-based and up-to-date international standards. They contribute to increase understanding and implementation of the WOAH standards by Member Countries by ensuring the performance of the team dedicated to the continuous improvement, transparency and inclusiveness of the standard-setting process.

Missions and activities

Provide strategic guidance regarding the WOAH activities related to the work of the Department

• Participate in the WOAH Management Committee and provide support to the design and implementation of strategic initiatives;
• Report to the General Directorate on the implementation of activities;
• Promote the WOAH mandate and represent the Organisation at relevant international conferences, missions, meetings, workshops etc.;
• Manage relationships with and coordinate responses to enquiries from diverse sources, including colleagues, Member Countries, other organisations and external parties.

Provide leadership and management of the Standards Department team

• Translate strategic goals into team objectives and monitor collective performance;
• Foster a positive and productive work environment through the provision of constructive feedback;
• Organise and oversee tasks to ensure delivery of the team's missions;
• Participate in the recruitment process of staff members as well as staff competency development and annual performance appraisal;
• Manage, improve and, where necessary, identify and formalise the different procedures of the Department.

Participate in and ensure the management and delivery of the team's missions

Coordination of the work of the Specialist Commissions

• Facilitate and coordinate the horizontal management of the agendas, integration of the work and relations with the Presidents of the four WOAH Specialist Commissions;
• Act as the interface between the Specialist Commissions and internal teams and partners;
• Ensure the development of harmonised internal working procedures;
• Oversee the performance management framework for WOAH Specialist Commissions;
• Participate in the process for selection of experts for the Specialist Commissions and ad hoc groups.

Scientific secretariat support to the Specialist Commissions and ad-hoc groups

• Preparation of background and working documents based on the collection and analysis of Member Country comments, cross-cutting data from other departments, and other relevant sources of information;
• Preparation of TORs for the ad-hoc groups;
• Ensuring respect of relevant WOAH procedures;
• Drafting of meeting reports;
• Follow-up actions arising from meetings, including contributing to the development or update of relevant guideline documents, Code or Manual Chapters.

Technical advice and support on WOAH standards and its implementation

• Update and manage a network of contacts and experts on relevant topics;
• Supporting the update of the online commenting system;
• Support to the development and delivery of training programs of WOAH national focal points in relevant areas.

Monitoring of the implementation of standards

• Collaborate with the Observatory in the development of their reports;
• Collaborate with other relevant organisations in the implementation of standards in particular with WTO
• Develop a WOAH Trade & Standards Roadmap through the drafting of a strategic plan linking WOAH standards to international trade facilitation and safe trade practices.
• Engage with WTO and SPS Committee through regular participation in WTO SPS meetings and joint workshops to harmonize WOAH standards with trade requirements.
• Manage and provide regular progress update reports to the General Directorate and Council as requested;
• Ensure the timely production of deliverables of the project, including reports and analysis.

Project management

• Provide project management oversight to projects;
• Define and update project work plans, and coordinate with all relevant parties to ensure the delivery of expected outputs;
• Draft TORs for key inputs and supervise the relevant staff and/or consultants;
• Ensure respect of WOAH procedures throughout the project (procurement, governance, publications etc.);
• Manage and provide regular progress update reports to the General Directorate.

In addition, the Deputy Director General (International Standards and Science) may, when necessary, assign to the incumbent any other duties within her area of competence. The scope of duties may be adjusted in line with the Organisation's evolving priorities.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

Required qualifications

• A degree or equivalent in one of the following: international trade policy, public health, veterinary or biological sciences or aquatic animal sciences;
• At least 15 years of professional experience in a regulatory environment;
• Experience in provision of high level secretariat functions at the national or international level;
• At least 8 years of experience in management;
• At least 5 years of experience in an international environment;

Additional qualifications

• Professional experience in a National Veterinary Authority.

Requirements

Technical skills

• Ability to work in English at a high level including excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Knowledge and understanding of the international standards-setting environment and the WTO Agreements in relation to international trade;
• Excellent writing skills and ability to summarise complex technical discussions into clear and concise reports;
• Good computer skills in a Microsoft environment.

Additional skills

• Good working knowledge of Spanish and/or French;
• Familiarity with the WOAH Codes and Manuals.

Interpersonal skills

• Excellent leadership skills and the capacity to motivate and develop team members;
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, interpersonal, presentations)
• Demonstrated initiative, including ability to think strategically and achieve results;
• Organisational awareness: strong ability to establish priorities and work within tight timelines;
• Attention to detail and capacity for global overview;
• Courtesy, tact and ability to establish and maintain good working relations in a multinational and multicultural environment;
• Strong confidentiality awareness.

Additional Information

Working conditions

The post is a full-time position at the WOAH Headquarters in Paris and entails regular missions abroad.

• Salary:
  The monthly salary ranges from EUR 6,405 to EUR 6,545, depending on experience and qualifications, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Contract Type:
  WOAH Staff – Fixed-term contract.
• Duration:
  Two (2) years, renewable.
• Location:
  WOAH Headquarters, 12 rue de Prony, 75017 Paris, France.

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
January 5th, 2026.

APPLY HERE