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Head of the Human Resources Unit – HR Unit – WOAH HQ Paris, France
Details
Deadline: Jul 25, 2025 Deadline for applications has passed
Location: EU 27
Organization:World Organisation for Animal Health - Organisation Mondiale de la Santé Animale (OMSA)
Job type:Contract, 12 months +
Languages:
English, French
Work experience:Min 8 years
Date posted: Jul 16, 2025
Expected starting date: As soon as possible
Description
| Head of the Human Resources Unit |
| Positioning and Reporting Under the authority of the Director General and the direct supervision of the Director of Administration. |
| Context and Challenges WOAH operates in an international and multicultural environment, with nearly 250 staff members spread across its Headquarters in Paris and 13 Regional and Sub-Regional Representations on five continents. The Human Resources Unit, structured around three areas (Personnel Administration & Payroll, Recruitment, Training & Performance), is engaged in a modernisation process aimed at ensuring structured, fair and efficient human resources management. The Head of the HR Unit plays an active role in evolving HR practices in line with both the Organisation’s internal regulatory framework and applicable legal standards at the local and international level. In the context of WOAH’s 8th Strategic Plan, the Head of the HR Unit plays a key role in aligning HR policies with the Organisation’s strategic priorities. |
| Job Purpose The Head of the Human Resources Unit defines and actively contributes to the implementation of HR actions in line with the Organisation’s priorities. They support and guide the HR team in their daily work, providing appropriate resources and tools. They also provide operational support to managers and directly assist staff members when necessary. The Head of the Human Resources Unit is responsible for steering the HR roadmap, structured around clear priorities, monitoring indicators, and an operational schedule to ensure coherent implementation. |
| Responsibilities In this role, the Head of Human Resources assumes the following managerial and operational responsibilities: Team Management (5 staff members) – Define team objectives aligned with the HR roadmap and monitor performance through individual and collective action plans. – Identify resource needs, structure activities, and allocate responsibilities within the team. – Lead recruitment processes, promote skills development, and conduct annual appraisals for team members. – Foster a high-performing, collaborative and inclusive work environment. Active Contribution to HR Transformation – Support the transformation and modernisation of the HR function as part of WOAH’s 8th Strategic Plan. – Make strategic recommendations based on HR assessments and propose action plans. – Optimise HR activities through the development and implementation of structured policies. – Ensure consistency and equity of HR practices between Headquarters and Regional and Sub-Regional Representations. Operational Implementation of HR Policies – Oversee all HR areas: Personnel Administration & Payroll, Recruitment, Training, Performance Management, and Quality of Work Life. – Ensure the development, documentation and performance of HR processes and projects in key areas such as: Recruitment; Compensation; Training; Workforce Planning; HRIS; Working Conditions; Occupational Health. – Monitor and support HR-related litigation in close collaboration with the Legal Affairs Unit, while striving to align practices across the Organisation. – Support managers in implementing HR policies and procedures. – Act as a point of contact for staff both at Headquarters and in the field. – Represent HR in interactions with Staff Representatives and actively contribute to social dialogue. Representation and Partnerships – Represent WOAH and build networks with other international organisations and actors in the field of human resources. |
| Required Qualifications and Experience Education and Experience – Advanced university degree (Master’s level) in Human Resources or a related field. – Solid knowledge of international labour standards is an asset. – At least 8 years of professional experience in human resources with proven expertise in operational HR functions. – Experience working across multiple sites, ideally in an international organisation. – Previous team management experience is essential. Additional Experience – Professional or personal experience living or working abroad. – Experience in change management and/or in dynamic, evolving environments. Skills Technical Skills – Strong command of core HR management functions. – Good understanding of HR practices in international organisations. – Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, collaborative platforms, and document management systems. – Full professional proficiency in both French and English (written and spoken). Desirable Additional Skills – Familiarity with HRIS tools and digital HR processes. – Knowledge of Spanish is an asset. Cross-cutting Competencies – Strong service orientation and hands-on, supportive leadership approach. – Ability to motivate, mobilise and unite a team around shared objectives. – Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. – Adaptability to multicultural environments. – Strong analytical capacity and ability to provide pragmatic, tailored solutions. – Conflict resolution and sound decision-making skills. – Absolute discretion and ability to handle sensitive information confidentially. |
| Working Conditions – Type of contract: Fixed-term contract. – Duration: Two years, renewable. – Location: WOAH Headquarters – 12 rue de Prony, 75017 Paris, France. – Remuneration: Commensurate with qualifications and experience; exempt from French income tax; includes annual performance bonus. This is a full-time position based at WOAH Headquarters in Paris. The position involves prolonged computer use and sedentary work. Occasional international travel may be required. |
| General Information WOAH places high value on a multicultural and positive work environment. WOAH is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from qualified candidates, regardless of ethnic origin, gender, beliefs or opinions. This is a full-time international civil servant position based at WOAH Headquarters in Paris (France). If you are interested in this position, please submit your application online by 25 July 2025. APPLY HERE |
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