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Call for Applications: PVS Pathway Expert Training Programme
Enhancing excellence and consistency in the implementation of the PVS Pathway
Deadline for applications: 30 June 2026 (23H59 CET)
WOAH is launching a new training programme for experienced PVS Experts and to identify new experts to involve in the programme activities. This call for application intents to select and identify the best candidates to be admitted to the training programme.
The purpose of the PVS Pathway Expert Training Programme is to ensure excellence, consistency, sustainability, diversity and representativeness of the Capacity Building Expert Pool for the Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Pathway.
PVS Experts ensure the high-quality delivery of standardised activities including evaluation, costing, and specific capacity-building activities for the benefit of Veterinary Services (VS) and Aquatic Animal Health Services (AAHS) to grow their capacity according to WOAH international standards, as outlined in the Terrestrial and Aquatic Animal Health Codes. Their expertise supports WOAH Members in strengthening governance, compliance, and sustainable development in the veterinary domain.
The PVS Expert Pool is composed of experts who are highly experienced (10+ years) in the delivery of Veterinary Services of their country, academia or industry and have experience at the regional and/or international level and are motivated and committed to advancing standards’ implementation and taking action based on PVS Pathway outputs. They are fluent in at least two WOAH official languages. As WOAH continues to promote diversity and inclusion, the membership of the pool should be diverse in expertise, balanced by gender and represent expertise and experience across its five Regions (Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East).
The working language of the PVS Pathway Expert Training Programme will be English. Further information about the responsibilities of PVS Experts are available in the dedicated Terms of Reference.
Depending on your level of experience with WOAH and the PVS Pathway, different learning pathways are open to you through this application process. If you are new to the PVS Pathway, you are eligible to apply for both the webinars and face-to-face components of the Training Programme.
If you are already experienced in the PVS Pathway and are already qualified as a PVS Expert, you are eligible to apply for the webinar Programme. Regardless of your status, anyone wishing to join the Training Programme must apply through this application; others will not be considered for this round of training.
Different modalities and number of places are available for each component of the Training Programme, which includes:
- Participation in eLearning opportunities only (unlimited participants)
- Participation in remote learning events (selection for 80-100 participants) and eLearning opportunities
- Participation in the face-to-face training event (selection for up to 40 participants), remote learning events, and eLearning opportunities
1. Selection Process
Following reception of applications, the Assessment Panel will screen and shortlist applicants, based on eligibility check and scoring against the minimum and merit-based criteria in the application form. Approximately 80-100 candidates will be shortlisted for the remote training programme.
Then, based on participation in eLearning modules and webinar content, consisting of expert-led discussions, and scenario-based assessments, continuous performance evaluation will be assessed through engagement and knowledge tests.
Next, approximately 35–40 top-performing participants advance based on performance in training, demonstrated readiness for field assignments, demonstrated strong understanding of WOAH Standards, and geographical, gender, and language balance.
Upon successful completion, candidates may be admitted to the PVS Expert Pool, subject to submission of required documentation (Declaration of Interests, Confidentiality Undertaking, etc.).
| Steps | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Open Call for Application published on WOAH channels | 18 May 2026 |
| Submission of applications by candidates | 30 June 2026 |
| Screening and Shortlisting of applications | 1 July – 23 August 2026 |
| Notification of retained candidates for Phase 1 | 1 September 2026 |
| Phase 1 : Distance Learning and Refresher Phase (refresher phase targets experienced experts) | September-October 2026 |
| Assessment of Participants | 2-5 November 2026 |
| Notification of retained candidates for Phase 2 | 6 November 2026 |
| Face-to-Face event for New candidates | 30 November – 4 December 2026 |
Decisions rendered are final. Additional opportunities for training may be offered at another time to candidates who are not selected for this round of training. Additional calls for applications will open for other training opportunities in the future.
2. Eligibility Criteria
Candidates are requested to fill the application form for the assessment of their eligibility. They must answer truthfully and provide all requested documentation in order to prove that they meet the following requirements:
| Criterion | Description | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Qualifications | Advanced university degree in veterinary medicine or a related disciplines (e.g., epidemiology, public health, laboratory sciences, economics, law, etc.). | Attach certificates or self-certification |
| Professional Experience | Minimum of 10 years of professional experience relevant to Veterinary Services, with proven engagement in national or international activities and projects aligned with WOAH’s mandate. | |
| Knowledge of WOAH Frameworks | Demonstrated application of WOAH International Standards, in professional activities. | |
| Ethical and Professional Conduct | Strong ethical standards, integrity, impartiality, and adherence to WOAH’s principles of independence and confidentiality. | |
| Technical competencies | Technical competencies relevant to carry out activities included in the PVS Pathway Programme. | |
| Soft Skills and Interpersonal Competencies | Demonstrated ability to exercise an appropriate leadership style, communicate effectively, establish trust, work collaboratively in multicultural settings, facilitate dialogue, manage conflict constructively, meet deadlines, work within timelines, show flexibility, listening skills, and strong team and interpersonal skills. | |
| Language Proficiency | Excellent command (written and spoken) of at least one WOAH official language (English, French, or Spanish) and proficiency in at least a second WOAH language. Proficiency in additional languages (Russian, Arabic, Portuguese) is an added value. | Attach certificates or self-certification |
| Availability and Commitment | Willingness and ability to participate in all training components (remote and in-person), curiosity to learn new skills, be challenged, and adapt to WOAH’s practices and approach, and to be deployed on PVS missions when required (compatible with other professional commitments). Required attendance at webinars (5-8 1.5-hour sessions projected), actively participating in break-out discussions, completing required exercises, and technical exchanges. Ninety per cent of time mandatory frequence. If you are new to the PVS Pathway and selected, participate in a five‑day face‑to‑face workshop in Kazakhstan, planned from 30 November to 4 December 2026. | |
| International Exposure | Documented international experience or engagement outside of the candidate’s home country is an asset. | Attach certificates or self-certification |
| Compliance Documentation | Submission of updated CV and eventual motivation letter, language certificates and relevant references. |
3. Assessment Criteria
Each eligible candidate will be assessed and scored by the Assessment Panel based on the following weighted criteria:
| Criterion | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Technical and Subject-Matter Expertise | Proven expertise in one or more domains relevant to Veterinary Services (e.g., epidemiology, laboratory systems, legislation, economics, AMR, surveillance, wildlife, education, etc.). | 25% |
| Application of WOAH Standards | Demonstrated application of WOAH International Standards, PVS methodologies or other WOAH guidance | 15% |
| Professional Experience and Achievements | Leadership, publication record, participation in international projects, or contributions to policy or capacity building. | 15% |
| Analytical and Communication Skills | Capacity to analyse complex systems, write clearly and concisely, and communicate findings effectively. | 15% |
| Soft Skills and Leadership | Evidence of teamwork, facilitation, mentoring, and intercultural awareness. | 10% |
| Commitment to WOAH’s Mission | Demonstrated motivation to strengthen Veterinary Services and contribute to global public goods. | 10% |
| Languages or Regional Expertise | Language competencies and understanding of regional contexts. | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Benefits of applying and eventually becoming a PVS Expert
Learning certificates will be issued at the successful completion of each stage of the Training Programme.
If you have extensive experience, demonstrated subject matter expertise, professional competencies and transversal skills, do not hesitate to apply! Upon careful examination, if you believe that you meet the criteria in this call and the Terms of Reference, we invite you to apply for this training opportunity! Becoming a PVS Expert opens the door to diverse and enriching opportunities around the world.
Completing this application is required to become or maintain status as a PVS Expert.
To apply to this call, please register before 30 June 2026 (23H59 CET).
Please follow the instructions to fill the application form and upload your CV.
Note that the CV should clearly reflect and provide evidence of the mastered professional competencies and transversal skills according to the Terms of Reference, to allow a fair selection.
Applicants will be notified on 1 September 2026 on the results of this Call for Applications.