Scientific Coordinator – Rabies – Science Department – OIE HQ Paris, France

Scientific Coordinator – Rabies

Contract & duration: OIE Staff – 24 months (renewable)**

Salary conditions: between 3000-3500 € net per month (French tax exempt) + annual bonus + relocation package**

Positioning and reporting

Under the authority of the Deputy Director General (International Standards and Science), and the supervision of the Head of the Science Department.

Job purpose

The Scientific Coordinator contributes to the development of policy advice on scientific topics, research priorities and international scientific networks related to rabies. S/he contributes to the scientific excellence and integrity of OIE activities to address rabies by coordinating activities with the relevant work of other international partners, participating in the development of international standards, and providing subsequent recommendations regarding the OIE position and strategy on rabies elimination. S/he also contributes to capacity building of Members through the delivery of regional technical coordination meetings.

In addition, the Scientific Coordinator contributes to the implementation of the Global Strategic Plan to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030, by assisting the OIE Global Rabies Coordinator in contributing to the United Against Rabies Forum activities and contributing to communication and advocacy around activities and results.

Missions and activities

Provide expert/technical advice and support on rabies by:

· coordinating the implementation of the OIE rabies-related activities across OIE departments and regions, including the maintenance of the OIE rabies internal collaborative platform

· providing Secretariat support to the Rabies Reference Laboratory Network (RABLAB)

· supporting the Rabies and TADs regional project manager for central Africa to implement the project: ‘One Health approach to Rabies and Transboundary Animal Diseases (OHRT)’

· supporting the implementation of rabies national and regional strategies with a focus on the central and southern African countries

· maintaining current knowledge on rabies to support the definition of the scope and context for OIE involvement on rabies elimination activities

· proposing policy statements and/or lead strategic thinking for the OIE on rabies

· preparing relevant documents and undertake analysis as required

· contributing to the preparation of responses to enquiries from Members

· contributing to provision of communication content and technical advice to relevant teams and stakeholders

· developing training programmes/contents and overseeing their production.

Support the coordination with partner organisations on the implementation of the Global Strategic Plan to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030, by:

· assisting the OIE Global Rabies Coordinator in contributing to the United Against Rabies (UAR) Forum Working Group activities and contributing to communication and advocacy around activities and results

· maintaining a network of contacts and good communication with subject matter experts

· representing the OIE and its position within relevant networks and international forums

· coordinating relevant meetings and providing Secretariat support

· supporting the organisation of UAR events, as required.

Provide support to the standard setting process by:

· preparing background and working documents for relevant ad hoc Groups, in line with their Terms of Reference

· liaising internally with relevant departments to ensure collation of cross-cutting relevant information

· providing Secretariat function to relevant ad hoc Groups, ensuring compliance with OIE procedures

· preparing reports of relevant ad hoc Group meetings and any supporting documents

· liaising with the relevant Specialist Commissions

· following up actions arising from meetings.

Provide support to the work of the Department by:

· supporting the implementation of other global programmes such as animal influenza and zoonotic tuberculosis

· representing the department in activities related to One Health

· participating in other areas of work, providing support and/or back-up as required

· providing background documents, meeting reports and other working documents as required.

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications

· Advanced graduate degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in veterinary science, public health or otherwise relevant field

· Minimum of 8 years of work experience, with at least 5 years of professional experience in an international context with progressive responsibilities in project management and providing Secretariat functions

· Previous experience working in the field of rabies elimination.

Additional qualifications (asset)

· Experience working in or with national Veterinary or Human Health Services.

Requirements

Technical skills

· Excellent project management skills

· Excellent writing skills and ability to summarise complex technical discussions into clear and concise reports

· Excellent command of English, including excellent oral and written communication skills

· Good Knowledge of French

· Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Sharepoint

· Technical knowledge in the context of dog-mediated rabies.

Additional skills (assets)

· Technical knowledge in the context of One Health.

Interpersonal skills

· Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment

· Demonstrated initiative, including ability to think strategically and achieve results

· Ability to develop strong synergies and partnerships with colleagues and key stakeholders

· Ability to plan and organize work autonomously

· Excellent organisation skills and ability to meet specific deadlines.

Working conditions

The post is a full-time position at the OIE Headquarters in Paris. It requires long hours in a seated position at a computer, and flexibility to travel internationally.