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 through a comprehensive disease reporting system. The standards it develops for the trade of live animals and products of animal origin are recognized by the World Trade Organization as reference international sanitary rules www.oie.int.
The OIE, then known as the « Office international des épizooties », was created on the 25th of January 1924. Its Headquarters are based in Paris. It comprises 182 Member Countries (each represented by the OIE Delegate) and is present on all continents through 13 Representations. The OIE maintains permanent relations with over 71 international and regional organisations.
The OIE-WAHIS (OIE World Animal Health Information System) is a unique comprehensive database through which information on the animal health situation worldwide is reported and disseminated throughout the world. OIE-WAHIS data reflects the information gathered by the Veterinary Services from OIE Members and non-Members Countries and Territories on OIE-listed diseases in domestic animals and wildlife, as well as on emerging diseases and zoonoses, and non OIE-listed diseases in wildlife.

The OIE’s work on wildlife:
The OIE’s work on wildlife is supported by a dedicated wildlife team made up of several staff members at OIE HQ (including a Wildlife Health Programme manager and a Wildlife Scientific Coordinator) and several staff members from the OIE Regional and Sub-Regional offices. Wildlife is a cross cutting initiative which engages many other staff (on a part time basis) across different OIE Departments. In addition, the Working Group on Wildlife, founded in 1994, and made up of worldwide leading wildlife experts informs and advises the OIE on all health issues relating to wild animals. The group also serves as an advisory body for the implementation of the recently developed Wildlife Health Framework.
The OIE Wildlife Health Framework describes the objectives of OIE’s wildlife work programme and the activities required to achieve these objectives. It aims to protect wildlife by embracing the One Health approach and ensuring that wildlife health issues are fully integrated into the OIE’s core activities. This goal is supported by two objectives: (i) to improve the ability of OIE Members to manage the risk of pathogen emergence in wildlife and transmission at the human-animal-ecosystem interface, whilst taking into account the protection of wildlife; (ii) to support OIE Members to improve surveillance systems, early detection, notification, and management of wildlife diseases.
To achieve these objectives a coordinated set of actions will aim to:
1. Foster multisectoral collaboration to strengthen wildlife disease surveillance and health management;
2. Create an enabling environment to promote the role of veterinary services in wildlife health management;
3. Raise awareness of risk pathways and best practices in wildlife health and One Health management.

Six work packages have been described for implementing the Programme. The Wildlife Health Framework was adopted unanimously by OIE Members by passing of a Resolution (no.31) at the OIE General Session in May 2021.   Work package 3 which focuses on “supporting the Veterinary Services in improving the collection, analysis, reporting and utilisation of good quality wildlife health data at national and global level”, will require a project management approach to adequately link, coordinate and monitor the implementation of the different activities identified under the Wildlife Health Framework.  Activities may include a global needs assessment of wildlife health information, a comprehensive review of the current wildlife health information systems, an options analysis of data governance and validation processes, development, operationalize and test a new wildlife health information system, implementation of communication and training strategies, and develop project plan into the future.   Critical to the success of the specific program will be communication and coordination with internal and external stakeholder to build upon, leverage and complement related internal and external global initiatives.

 

Positioning and reporting
Under the authority of the Deputy Director General (International Standards and Science) and the supervision of the Head of the Preparedness & Resilience Department (HoD) in close collaboration with the head of the World Animal Health Information and Analysis Department (WAHIAD).

 

Job purpose
The wildlife health information systems project manager will contribute to the OIE’s strategy by working with colleagues across OIE departments, regional and sub-regional offices to support the implementation of the OIE’s Wildlife Health Framework.   She/he especially contributes to managing the development and implementation of the WHF’s workpackage 3 which aims to improviethe collection, analysis, reporting and utilisation of good quality wildlife health data at national and global level, in line with the objectives of the Wildlife Health Framework and of the Organisation.   She/he contributes to operational aspects of the subsequent activities ensuring objectives and deliverables are met, on time, on budget and on scope to the benefits of OIE Members and partner organisations.   She/he contributes to the execution of the above-mentioned tasks in accordance with organisation’s rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

 

Missions and activities  

Ensure the management and implementation of the projects under the programme
·       Develop a detailed project management plan
·       Contribute to the development of a detailed project implementation plan, including a M&E framework, performance metrics and track project performance
·       Identify and analyse risks, manage and propose mitigation measures
·       Coordinate human resources (staff, consultants, services providers) and manage resource availability according to specific technical activities and deliverables
·       Ensure that the project delivers outputs and outcomes on time, within scope and within budget
·       Manage all procurement processes under the project ensuring compliance with OIE rules
·       When relevant, support the management of sub-grants, identification of suitable provider, ensure timely receival of reports, budget forecasting, expenditure tracking and work plan monitoring
·       Contribute, in collaboration with the Engagement and Investments Department, to the periodic reports required by donors
·       Participate in and contribute to the preparation of background documents and progress reports for relevant governance mechanisms

Provide overall project coordination and communication
·       Ensure streamlined communication and information sharing and collaboration between project stakeholders
·       Maintain regular communication with internal and external operational partners to ensure synergy and complementarity of actions and interventions
·       Liaise and collaborate with key OIE Headquarter and regional technical staff required for the implementation of the project

Provide advice on technical activities
·       Establish consultation mechanisms with key stakeholders’ groups within and external to the OIE
·       Contribute to the mapping of existing wildlife health information database, needs assessment and formulation of recommendations
·       Provide inputs to the different documents related to disease notification developed by the wildlife team under this work package
·       Liaise with the OIE Collaborating Center on wildlife and Wildlife Focal Points Networks
·       Contribute to the development of the platform (testing, quality etc…)

Provide general support to the activities of the Preparedness and Resilience Department
General support to the Department will include communication with OIE stakeholders, representing the OIE at meetings, drafting reports and publications, technical advice on relevant matters including communications material.

 

Qualifications and Experience

Required qualifications

. Advanced graduate degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in animal / wildlife health, epidemiology, wildlife conservation or otherwise relevant field.
. At least 5 years of professional experience with progressive responsibilities in complex project or project management involving multiple stakeholders.
. At least 3 years of professional experience in data and database management.
. Certification in project management.
. Background and experience in epidemiology, animal health information systems and/or wildlife surveillance or management programs will be an asset.
. Proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships and collaborative partnerships  

Requirements

Technical skills

. Excellent project management skills, including change management ability.
. Excellent computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office suit.
. Knowledge and/or experience in wildlife disease management and control.
. Knowledge and/or experience with disease surveillance systems, including disease notification and information systems.
. Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to summarise complex technical discussions into clear and concise reports.
. Excellent command of English, both written and oral
. Good knowledge of a second OIE official language (French or Spanish).

Additional competencies

. Exposure to or work experience with Veterinary Services, animal, wildlife or human health or conservation institutions, research institutions in an international context

Interpersonal skills

. Excellent communication skills
. Leadership and capacity to generate engagement
. Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships in a multicultural environment
. Excellent organisation skills, attention to detail and ability to meet specific deadlines
. Capacity to learn and a self-motivated worker
. Demonstrated initiative, including ability to think operationally and achieve results
. Ability to work as part of a team.

 

Working conditions  
The post is a full-time position based at the OIE HQ in Paris. It requires long hours in a seated position at a computer.

 

General information  
The OIE places high value on a multicultural and positive work environment. The OIE is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications of all qualified candidates, irrespective of their ethnic origin, gender, opinions or beliefs. Women are encouraged to apply.   This is a full-time position as an international civil servant based at the OIE Headquarters in Paris (France) that is available immediately. If you are interested in the position, please complete your application online by 21 March 2021 at the latest by clicking on the link below.  

 

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