WADA is recruiting an Athletes’ Anti-Doping Ombuds

This week, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) initiated the recruitment process for an Athletes’ Anti-Doping Ombuds – an Independent Contractor Position that is to report into WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo); and, maintain regular contact with WADA’s Athlete Committee and its Chair on issues of mutual interest.

In November 2021, the ExCo endorsed a one-year pilot project proposal for an Athletes’ Anti-Doping Ombuds Program, which was conceived and proposed by WADA’s Athlete Committee.  This included the commitment of a budget for the recruitment of an Ombuds, the setting up of regulatory documents and the establishment of terms of reference for launch in Europe in 2022.

WADA President Witold Bańka said: “WADA is pleased to support its Athlete Committee in promoting this unique and challenging opportunity for an independent Athletes’ Anti-Doping Ombuds. This person will help pilot the Ombuds Program in Europe for possible expansion to other regions following its implementation.  The Program is fully aligned with WADA’s commitment to be more athlete-centered and has the potential to be very impactful in helping athletes navigate the anti-doping system. This is yet another innovative way that our Athlete Committee is empowering athletes and promoting fairness in anti-doping.”

WADA Athlete Committee Chair Ben Sandford said: “WADA’s Athlete Committee is seeking the right person with the necessary professional experience and competence to bring the Athletes’ Anti-Doping Ombuds Program to life.  The Ombuds Program will be a neutral, impartial dispute resolution practice providing confidential and informal assistance to athletes bound by anti-doping rules under the World Anti-Doping Code. The Ombuds will advocate for fairness versus advocating for any individual or organization; act as a source of information and referral; aid in answering questions; and, assist in the resolution of concerns and critical situations. We firmly believe that this Ombuds service will provide a useful and needed service to athletes and the broader anti-doping community.”

For more information and/or to apply, please refer to the role description. For any queries, feel free to contact WADA’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Stuart Kemp at Stuart.Kemp@wada-ama.org or Athlete Committee Chair Ben Sandford at sandford.ben@gmail.com.