Regional Representative for Africa – RR Africa – WOAH – Bamako, Mali

Context

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE) is a leading intergovernmental organisation representing 183 Members worldwide. Through its activities, WOAH contributes to improving animal health, protecting animal welfare and strengthening Veterinary Services. The Organisation provides transparent information on global animal health and promotes international standards, particularly regarding the safety of trade in live animals and animal products. More information is available on WOAH’s website.

Joining WOAH means contributing to the development of a leading international organisation recognised in the field of global health. It means supporting a global approach combining animal and human health in a One Health framework. It means joining motivated teams committed to impact, collective engagement and professionalism.

WOAH’s Headquarters are in Paris. The Organisation is present on every continent through 13 Regional or Sub-Regional Representations. WOAH has 250 staff members, two-thirds based at Headquarters. This position is in Bamako, Mali.

Job Description

Positioning and reporting

Under the authority of the Director General and the functional management of the Deputy Director General (Institutional Affairs and Governance).

Job purpose

The WOAH Regional Representative acts as the first contact point with Members and stakeholders in the region. He/she promotes WOAH’s values and mandate and ensures that regional needs are addressed by the Organisation. He/she provides services adapted to Members to improve animal health and compliance with WOAH standards.

The Regional Representative works with the Regional Activities Department and other relevant Departments/Units to build strong relationships with Members. He/she contributes to coordination and delivery of WOAH activities at regional level, aligned with the Organisation’s strategic objectives.

Missions and activities

Provide strategic guidance on the implementation of WOAH activities

Identify regional priorities so that activities can be planned and delivered, in liaison with HQ.
Facilitate strategic initiatives and define the regional roadmap with HQ Departments/Units.
Report to HQ on the implementation of regional activities.
Strengthen relationships with regional economic communities (RECs) and ensure follow-up of their programmes.
Encourage WOAH Reference Centres to align their programmes with WOAH strategy.
Strengthen partnerships and identify new collaboration opportunities with existing or new partners, including on topics such as climate change, environment and wildlife.
Identify new areas of relevance to WOAH and adapt activities accordingly.
Advocate for WOAH policies and develop visibility and outreach in the region.
Seek financial support for conferences, seminars and activities when possible.
Coordinate mechanisms for disease control, One Health implementation and Quadripartite initiatives at regional level with FAO, WHO and UNEP.
Act as regional secretariat of the GF-TADs framework and support its regional strategies.
Represent the Organisation at high-level meetings upon request of the Director General.

Ensure follow-up and support to Members and stakeholders

Contribute to improving the quality of information on animal diseases and harmonisation of control methods in collaboration with Animal Health Services.
Support Members in implementing WOAH global strategies adapted to regional context.
Ensure implementation of projects and organisation of institutional meetings such as the Conference of the Regional Commission for Africa.
Encourage Member participation in WOAH activities and the standard-setting process.
Facilitate Member participation in WOAH training programmes.
Promote the PVS Pathway regionally and explain its value to resource partners.
Coordinate relationships with Members and regional stakeholders to ensure alignment between needs and WOAH activities.
Maintain a close relationship with the host country of the regional office.
Promote dissemination of WOAH texts in local and regional languages when possible.
Raise awareness among Members about paying statutory contributions.

Manage and provide leadership to the Regional Office team

Translate strategic goals into team objectives and monitor performance.
Ensure office compliance with responsibilities defined in terms of reference.
Foster a positive and productive work environment and provide constructive feedback.
Motivate the team and ensure efficient communication inside the office and with the Organisation.
Organise and oversee tasks to ensure mission delivery.
Participate in staff recruitment, competency development and appraisals.
Improve and formalise office processes when necessary.
Manage financial and administrative operations of the office.
Coordinate with HQ regarding budgetary propositions.
Promote cooperation and communication among team members.

Maintain regional cooperation and harmonisation

Coordinate regional activities to align with WOAH strategic objectives while adapting to specific needs of Veterinary Services.
Facilitate collaboration with RECs and partners to harmonise animal health programme implementation.
Promote exchange of best practices and technical expertise among Members, partners and stakeholders.

Requirements

Qualifications and experience

Required qualifications
A degree in Veterinary Medicine or an animal health related field.
At least 15 years of professional experience in Veterinary Authorities, public/environmental health, governmental organisations or a REC.
At least 5 years of management experience.
At least 5 years of international experience.

Additional qualifications (asset)
A postgraduate qualification.
Good knowledge of major animal health issues in Africa and the region’s Veterinary Services, including possibly experience as WOAH Delegate or CVO.
Deep understanding of political context and cultural diversity in Africa.
Strong knowledge of international and regional organisations.

Expected skills

Management skills
Proven capacity to lead and develop teams, ensuring collaboration and efficient use of resources.
Experience in managing projects, budgets, planning, implementation and reporting.

Technical skills
Ability to work in French and English at a high level, with excellent communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent writing and summarisation abilities.
Good computer skills in Microsoft environment.

Additional skills (asset)
Knowledge of a local language in the subregion.

Interpersonal skills
Excellent advocacy and communication skills.
Strategic thinking and initiative.
Attention to detail and ability to maintain a global overview.
Courtesy, tact and capacity to work in multicultural environments.
Strong confidentiality awareness.
A strong network and good relationships with partners in the region.

Additional Information

Working conditions

Salary: commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Type of contract: Fixed-term.
Full-time position based in Bamako at the WOAH Regional Representation for Africa.
Requires long hours seated at a computer.
Includes regular international travel.

General information

WOAH values a multicultural and positive work environment.
WOAH is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of origin, gender, opinions or beliefs.

If you are interested in the position, please complete your application online no later than December 12, 2025.