Senior Scientific Officer – OIE Observatory – World Organisation for Animal Health – Paris, France

Context

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is the intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health, veterinary public health and animal welfare worldwide, as well as for ensuring transparency of the global animal disease situation www.oie.int.

The OIE sets international standards to support Members in their efforts to prevent and control animal diseases, strengthen Veterinary Services and Aquatic Animal Health Services, and facilitate safe international trade.

The OIE is establishing an Observatory to progressively monitor the implementation of OIE standards. Monitoring, identifying and analysing challenges faced by Members will enable the OIE to improve the standard setting process, ensure that standards remain relevant and fit for purpose, and to develop a more strategic focus to its capacity building activities.

Positioning and reporting

Under the authority of the Deputy Director General (International Standards and Science), and the supervision of the Programme Manager for the Observatory.

Job purpose

The Senior Scientific Officer will contribute to the development of the OIE Observatory by leading the ideation and design phases for the development of a digital portal allowing the Observatory data visualisation and by supporting the team in the assessment of the implementation of OIE standards and transparency of OIE Members. He/she will be instrumental in the design and development of thematic analysis which aim to gain better knowledge on the implementation of OIE international standards. He/she will identify weaknesses in the use of international standards and their impact in national policies related to animal health and welfare, veterinary public health and international trade. He/she will conduct research, provide data analysis as well as prepare analytical reports. He/she will also contribute to the preparation of advocacy documents and presentations to promote the benefits of implementing OIE standards.

Missions and activities

Lead the ideation and design phases of a digital portal allowing the Observatory data visualisation

• In collaboration with other Departments (including the Digital Transformation and Information Systems Department) and Regional Representations, work with internal & external users to identify and describe the needs related to the Observatory portal.
• Ensure it aligns to the OIE strategic objectives.
• Analyse existing Portals from other organisations/private sector.
• Draft key objectives and results, strategies.
• Develop appropriately detailed specifications for the product features so they are clearly understood by the development teams.
• Develop and manage the roadmap for the development of the Portal and follow-up its progress.

Contribute to the development of Observatory analytical reports to monitor the implementation of OIE standards

Lead the development of OIE Thematic Analysis

• Coordinate the compilation and description of topics to be proposed for Thematic Analysis
• Conduct literature review, as required.
• Design the roadmap and framework.
• Coordinate and oversee the development of the analysis, within the Observatory and with the assistance of other OIE Departments.
• Identify challenges to the implementation of OIE standards and elucidate ways of tackling these findings.

Contribute to the development of the Observatory annual report

• Contribute to the data collection and data analysis, with the assistance of other OIE Departments and carrying out the appropriate consultations.
• Contribute to the elaboration of a metadata catalogue in collaboration with the Digital Transformation and Information Systems Department and other relevant teams.
• Coordinate and oversee the preparation of analytical reports, carrying out the appropriate consultations.
• Identify changes to be made in the collection, storage, analysis and visualisation of OIE data.

Support advocacy and representation

• Contribute to the preparation of documents, presentations and briefing materials to promote the benefits of implementing OIE standards.
• Support all the other work of the Observatory when needed.
• Prepare relevant documents and undertake analysis as required.
• Collaborate with colleagues in other Departments of the OIE on cross-cutting projects, as appropriate.
• Assist in the preparation of events or expert meetings.**

Qualifications and Experience

Required qualifications and experience

• Advanced graduate degree (Master’s level, DVM or equivalent) in veterinary sciences, public health, agriculture, international affairs, or other relevant fields.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in data analysis and or monitoring and evaluation in the field of animal health and welfare policy.**
• Proven experience in the implementation of OIE international standards or SPS-related standards, including knowledge and experience in international trade.

Additional experience (asset)

• Experience in the development of an IT Project (on the business side), preferably in animal health-related domain.
• Experience in animal disease control programme or strategy.

Requirements:

Technical skills:

• Strong analytical skills.
• Analysis and problem solving.
• Project management skills (Agile methodology), including solving problems and decision-making skills.
• Good working knowledge of data-management tools, good experience with PowerBI would be an asset.
• Excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written.
• Good knowledge of French or Spanish (asset)

Interpersonal skills:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships in a multinational and multicultural environment.
• Ability to work in an agile mode and delivering at pace.
• Capacity to propose innovative ideas.
• Self-motivated worker and keen on learning and development.
• Excellent organisation skills and ability to meet deadlines.

Working conditions

• Salary: Monthly base salary starting from 3200€ to 3700€ net per month ((commensurate with qualifications and experience) plus benefits, exempt of French income tax.
• Duration: Two (2) years – Renewable.
• The post is a full-time position based at the OIE Headquarters in Paris.
• It requires long hours in a seated position at a computer.
• The position can entail missions abroad.