Positioning and reporting
Under the authority of the Deputy Director General (Global Frameworks and Capacity Building) and the supervision of the Head of the Science and Disease Management Department.
Job purpose
The Scientific Coordinator is responsible for the gathering, synthesising and delivering scientific evidence that underpins proposed standards in alignment with the WOAH Science System and Standard coordination TOR. This role ensures that relevant scientific information is gathered, critically appraised and transformed into clear, well-structured scientific outputs that support the work of the Specialist Commissions in adherence to WOAH procedures. The Scientific coordinator organises and coordinates expert consultations and provides high-quality scientific and procedural support to the Secretariat of the Specialist Commissions. The position ensures effective collaboration with internal teams, external experts and Members to maintain coherence, transparency and procedural compliance.
Missions and activities
Collect and Synthesise Scientific Information
- Gather, analyse and synthesise scientific evidence to support risk assessment and management, including conducting literature reviews and evidence assessments
- Prepare scientific discussion papers, background notes and analytical summaries to inform internal deliberations and support the work of experts
- Coordinate expert consultations, including eliciting expert opinion and ensuring that scientific questions are clearly structured for discussion
- Identify scientific gaps, uncertainties and areas requiring expert advice, following the knowledge acquisition and generation steps of the WOAH Science System
- Report scientific conclusions and rationale in a clear and structured manner to support subsequent standard-setting work.
Support the Work of ad hoc Groups of experts
- In collaboration with the Secretariats of the Specialist Commissions: Prepare Terms of Reference, background materials and working documents for ad hoc Groups.
- Follow up on expert recommendations and ensure that scientific outputs are consolidated, updated and shared with relevant Specialist Commissions.
- Provide the secretariat for ad-hoc group where SMD is designated as responsible for secretariat.
Support the Secretariat of the Specialist Commissions
- In collaboration with the Secretariats of the Specialist Commissions: Prepare scientific background documents and briefing materials to support Commission deliberations
- Liaise with internal teams to gather necessary scientific and technical inputs and contribute to agenda items
- Participate in Commission meetings and provide scientific and procedural support, including summarising discussions and drafting reports.
- Ensure coordination and alignment with other Specialist Commissions on cross-cutting scientific topics ensuring coherent and consistent evidence-based processes.
Provide support to the work of the Department:
- Contribute to the preparation of technical responses to Members and stakeholders, ensuring scientific accuracy and alignment with WOAH procedures
- Support research coordination activities, including liaising with reference centres, academic partners and expert networks to identify emerging issues and consolidate scientific intelligence.
- Assist in the preparation of technical briefs, concept notes, and internal analyses to inform departmental planning and cross-cutting initiatives.
- Contribute to departmental activities such as workshops, consultations, reporting exercises and cross-team coordination, ensuring coherence and knowledge sharing.
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience
Required Qualifications
- A graduate degree in veterinary sciences (DVM)At least 10 years of professional experience in animal health, veterinary public health, epidemiology, or related fields with at least 3 years of international experience
- Professional experience within Veterinary Services, competent authorities, or areas related to international trade of animals and animal products (e.g., SPS measures, import/export controls, risk analysis)
- Demonstrated experience working at the science–policy interface, including the translation of scientific evidence into policy-relevant outputs
- Experience participating in, supporting, or coordinating expert groups, scientific committees, or technical advisory processes
Required Skills
Technical Skills
- Excellent scientific and technical writing skills including risk assessment principles, and WOAH's mandate
- Strong skills in evidence assessment, including literature review, data interpretation, and synthesis of complex scientific topics
- Knowledge of aquatic animal health science and policy is an asset
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365
- Excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and writtenGood knowledge of French or Spanish (desirable).
Interpersonal Skills
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with experts, Members, partners and internal teams
- Strong organisational and coordination abilities, able to manage multiple workstreams and tight deadline
- Capacity to work collaboratively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment
- High level of professionalism, discretion and diplomacy when interacting with stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain constructive working relationships
For complete job description and to apply, visit:
HOW TO APPLY:
If you are interested in the position, please complete your application online at the latest by June 29, 2026.