Research Assistant

Geneva Com; Paris; Hybride; EUR 25 000 - 30 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) invites applications for a Research Assistant / PhD Candidate to assess how the uptake of WOAH standards affects animal health outcomes. The role is embedded in the Data Integration & Analytics Department and linked to an EC-funded project.

The position is based at WOAH Headquarters, Paris, with a three-year fixed-term contract and a gross salary of €2,447.12 per month. Closing date: 30 September 2026.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in statistics, econometrics, economics, epidemiology or related quantitative field.
• Strong foundation in statistical inference, quantitative research methods and study design.
• Proficiency in at least one statistical programming language (R, Python, Stata).
• Demonstrated capacity for independent research and academic writing.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Responsabilités

• Design and conduct the quantitative research: develop a conceptual framework formalising causal pathways and identify data sources; design analyses and document choices.
• Design and conduct expert interviews and elicitation with WOAH specialists and authorities; perform systematic analysis of material.
• Integrate evidence and develop the statistical modelling framework, analyse data and propagate uncertainty.
• Disseminate findings via peer‑reviewed publications, policy briefs and presentations at conferences.

Connaissances

Statistical inference

Quantitative research methods

Independent research

Academic writing

English communication

Formation

Master's degree in statistics, econometrics, economics, epidemiology or related quantitative field

Outils

R

Python

Stata

Description du poste

World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)<\/h3>

Location: Paris, France<\/p>

Apply by: 30 Sep 2026<\/p>

Administration, HR, Management, Accounting/Finance<\/p>

Research Assistant / PHD Candidate - Assessing the Impact of the Uptake of WOAH Standards on Animal Health Outcomes - Data Integration & Analytics<\/p>

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH – founded as OIE) is a leading intergovernmental organisation representing 183 Members worldwide, contributing to improving animal health, protecting animal welfare and strengthening Veterinary Services. Its headquarters are in Paris, with 13 Regional or Sub-regional Representations and 250 staff members.<\/p>

The Data Integration & Analytics Department (DIAD) leads the data management and analytics efforts of the organisation and is hosting a doctoral research project, provisionally titled "Assessing the Impact of the Uptake of WOAH Standards on Animal Health Outcomes", funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Trade. The research assistant / doctoral candidate will be enrolled in the Doctoral School of Economics, Management, Geography and Spatial Planning – Brittany (ED 597 EDGE-Bretagne) and jointly supervised by INRAE scientists (UMR SMART and UMR BIOEPAR) while embedded in the DIAD team.<\/p>

Positioning and reporting: Under the authority of WOAH's Deputy Director General (Standard Setting and Implementation) and the direct supervision of the Head of DIAD, with joint academic supervision by INRAE scientists.<\/p>

Missions and activities<\/h3>

• Design and conduct the quantitative research: develop a conceptual framework formalising the causal pathways linking WOAH standards uptake to animal health outcomes; identify, retrieve and critically assess relevant data from WOAH systems and external sources; design the study and select analytical methods; conduct analyses, assess robustness and document methodological choices for reproducibility.
• Design and conduct expert interviews and elicitation: engage WOAH specialists, national veterinary authorities and external domain experts; design, pilot and conduct semi-structured interviews; perform systematic analysis of interview material; implement formal expert elicitation protocols.
• Integrate evidence and develop the statistical modelling framework: jointly analyse observational data and expert-elicited information, propagate uncertainty transparently, model heterogeneity, and support scenario analyses and counterfactual simulations.
• Disseminate findings: prepare at least two peer-reviewed publications, contribute to policy briefs for WOAH Members and the European Commission, and present findings at scientific conferences and WOAH events.

Required qualifications<\/h3>

• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in statistics, econometrics, economics, epidemiology, data science or a related quantitative discipline
• strong foundation in statistical inference, quantitative research methods and study design
• proficiency in at least one statistical programming language (R, Python, Stata)
• demonstrated capacity for independent research and academic writing
• excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Desirable<\/h3>

• prior knowledge of causal inference and impact evaluation methods
• familiarity with Bayesian statistical methods
• experience with qualitative research methods
• knowledge of animal health, public health or veterinary systems
• experience with international or intergovernmental organisations
• knowledge of French or Spanish

Working conditions<\/h3>

Full-time position based at WOAH Headquarters, 12 rue de Prony, 75017 Paris, France. Salary 2,447.12€ gross/month. Contract type: WOAH Staff – Fixed-term contract, duration three (3) years (subject to funding confirmation by DG TRADE). Start date: as soon as possible. WOAH is an equal opportunity employer.

Closing date: 2026-09-30<\/p>