Vacancy Announcement
Position title: Veterinary Epidemiologist - World Animal Health Information and Analysis Department of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Duration: 2 years - renewable for an unlimited number of times according to performance
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. 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.
The OIE, then known as the « Office international des épizooties », was created in 1924. Its Headquarters are based in Paris, France. It comprises 181 Member Countries and is present on all continents through 12 offices. The OIE maintains permanent relations with over 70 international and regional organisations.
Positioning and reporting
Under the authority of the Deputy Director “International Standards and Science” and the direct supervision of the Head of the World Animal Health Information and Analysis Department, and in close collaboration with her/his Deputy.
Job purpose
You will participate in the collection, verification and dissemination of animal health information provided by Member and non-member countries to the OIE through its online data collection system, the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS). In particular, you will be responsible for providing a follow-up of the epidemiological data collected and delivering advanced epidemiological analysis of extracted data, as well as participating in capacity-building activities on disease notification and contributing to the improvement of the WAHIS interface.
Missions and activities
- Proposing and conducting advanced epidemiological analysis of data extracted from WAHIS. This includes:
- Conceiving, designing and implementing relevant advanced epidemiological analyses on WAHIS data, to answer needs expressed by Member Countries or in support of OIE work programmes (including methods of time series analysis, risk factor analysis, geo-spatial analysis, modelling);
- Writing scientific reports based on WAHIS data;
- Writing scientific papers based on WAHIS data, for publication in peer-reviewed journals;
- Preparing scientific documents for the OIE where requested;
- Collaborating with partner institutions of the OIE for data provision and scientific collaboration.
- Following the notification process of designated countries or territories. This includes:
- Applying a standard verification process on six-monthly, annual and wild annual reports;
- Interacting with countries’ nominated representatives on issues related to notification, including providing them with support in order to facilitate disease notification;
- Participating in trainings of countries’ representatives on WAHIS;
- Following-up with countries to encourage them to provide regular and timely animal health reports in line with their obligations;
- Participating in the Early Warning System of WAHIS. This includes:
- Applying a standard verification process on immediate notifications, follow-up reports and final reports;
- Proposing relevant tools to facilitate the standard verification process and follow-up processes;
- Reviewing formats of working databases, developing automated tools within these databases to facilitate the verification and follow-up processes;
- Developing and establishing monitoring and evaluation indicators of the verification and follow-up processes.
- Participating in activities associated with the development of WAHIS. This includes:
- Participating actively in the implementation of the new World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS+) project;
- Working with IT experts in the development and improvements of a data extraction tool from WAHIS;
- Participating in ensuring the implementation and proper functioning of the regional core systems related with WAHIS.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, with at least 5 years’ experience in conducting advanced epidemiological analysis;
- Master’s degree or PhD in epidemiology, statistics or public health;
- Work experience with the National Veterinary Services will be considered an asset;
- Additional degree in aquatic animal health, wildlife health, epidemiology or public health will be considered an asset.
Technical skills
- Excellent knowledge of English is required and good knowledge of Spanish or French will be considered an asset;
- Good computer skills, especially in geographical information systems (e.g. QGis), database management systems (e.g. Microsoft Access), statistical software (e.g. R);
- Proficiency in SQL language will be considered an asset.
- Leadership and proactivity;
- Keen sense of observation, attention to detail and accuracy;
- Ability to work under pressure, and to efficiently prioritize work across multiple arallel tasks.
- Courtesy, tact and ability to establish and maintain good working relations in a multinational and multicultural environment;
- Good communication skills and team working abilities especially under tight deadlines.
This position may require flexible hours at times to complete specific projects. You may have to handle various demands/projects at the same time and will need excellent organisation, time, and stress management skills to complete the required tasks.
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.
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 12 July 2017 at the latest by clicking on the link below.
Should you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at hr.dept@oie.int.
APPLY ONLINE CLICK HERE
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