Deputy Head of the Science Department

Provide support to the HoD in the leadership and management of the team

•  Support the HoD in translating strategic goals into team objectives and monitor collective performance.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment through the provision of constructive feedback.
• Provide operational support to ensure delivery of the team’s missions.
• Manage, improve and, where necessary, identify and formalise the different procedures of the Department.
• Participate in the recruitment and onboarding process of new staff members and performance evaluation.
• Additionally, as requested by the HoD, carry out any other duties within his/her area of competence.

Participate in and support the HoD in ensuring the management and delivery of the team’s missions  

• Implement the WOAH science system – the system through which science needs, arising from the WOAH work programme, are identified, prioritised, implemented, evaluated and feed back into WOAH activities.
• Support the department’s engagement in research coordination and scientific networks.
• Coordinate the scientific and technical input into the WOAH standard-setting process, including contributing to the Secretariats of:  the Scientific Commission for Animal Disease the Biological Standards Commission the Aquatic Animal Health Commission of associated ad hoc Groups and expert consultation.
• Support the coordination of the WOAH Reference Centre network (Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres) to ensure they provide scientific support to the WOAH work programme and Members.
• Support management of WOAH global disease control programme partnerships under the responsibility of the department.

Contribute to providing strategic guidance regarding the WOAH activities related to the work of the Department

• Promote the WOAH mandate and represent the WOAH at relevant international conferences, missions, meetings, and workshops.
• Manage relationships with and coordinate responses to enquiries from diverse sources, including colleagues, Members, and other external parties.
• Replace the HoD in his/her absence.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree and post-graduate qualification in Veterinary Science
• At least 10 years of working experience, including some years in a National Veterinary Authority
• At least 5 years of experience in an international environment
• At least 3 years of experience in managing teams.  

Additional qualification and experience (assets)

• At least 5 years of experience working with the Veterinary Services on the regulatory development and operational implementation of disease control programmes.
• Experience in disease control programmes for animal influenza, ASF, rabies, vector borne diseases or zoonotic tuberculosis, would be an asset.  

Requirements  

Technical skills

• Regulatory specification of animal disease programmes
• Strong understanding of the animal health risk management
• Strong understanding of and experience in international systems for animal disease research, either as a researcher or in science procurement or administration
• Ability to work in English at a high level including excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent writing skills and ability to summarise complex technical discussions into clear and concise reports
• Strong computer skills in a Microsoft environment, including Word, Excel,  PowerPoint and Outlook, use of Teamsand Sharepoint,  as well as a good knowledge of the use of Zoom and its functions.    

Additional skills (assets)

• Familiarity with the WOAH international standards
• Network of contacts in international animal disease research
• Good working knowledge of Spanish and/or French.

Interpersonal skills

• Excellent leadership skills and the capacity to motivate and develop team members
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, interpersonal, presentations)
• Driving change and continuous improvement, thriving in an evolving environment, whilst showing creativity and curiosity
• 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
• Willingness and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
• Organisational awareness: proven effective organisational skills, ability to multitask, strong ability to establish priorities and work within tight timelines
• Capacity to work autonomously and to take ownership of tasks
• Strong confidentiality awareness