Entomologist (Human Disease Vectors)(P3)

This selection exercise may be used to generate a roster of pre-approved candidates to address future staffing needs for similar functions in any of the Departments and Offices of the Organization.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please note that the closing date for submission of applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant's location.

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's Major Programme 2, "Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection". This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies. These programmes are supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The Major Programme's objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage the marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes.
The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture assists Member States of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the IAEA in using nuclear techniques and related technologies to improve food security, alleviate poverty and promote sustainable agriculture. The Joint Centre consists of five Sections, each with an associated laboratory (located in Seibersdorf, 45 km south-east of Vienna), in the areas of: animal production and health; plant breeding and genetics; insect pest control; soil and water management and crop nutrition; and food safety and control.
The Insect Pest Control Section and Laboratory assist Member States with the development, dissemination and transfer of sterile insect and related environmentally friendly technologies for the area-wide integrated suppression, containment or eradication of major insect pests affecting crops, livestock and human health.

Main Purpose

Under the supervision of the Medical Entomologist, the Entomologist (Human Disease Vectors) formulates and implements research and development activities in relation to the development of the SIT (Sterile Insect Technique) package for human disease vectors, and assists with the transfer of these technologies to Member States.

Role

The Entomologist (Human Disease Vectors) is: (1) a contributor to the development of the SIT package for HDVs (Human Disease Vectors) through research activities at the Insect Pest Control Laboratory (IPCL) and through Coordinated Research Projects; (2) a technical officer who provides technical guidance to the IAEA TC Programme to transfer and validation the technologies related to the SIT for HDVs to MS, (3) a project officer of coordinated research projects, (4) a trainer and provider of technical support to fellows, visiting scientists, interns etc., (5) a contributor to normative activities such as development of protocols, manuals, guidelines, etc.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Develop, adapt and validate technologies related to the control of HDVs in the context of area-wide integrated pest management programmes that incorporate the SIT and, in alignment with the FAO and IAEA programmes and the identified needs of Member States, provide recommendations and advice on the transfer and implementation of these technologies to Member States.
Develop and introduce innovative R&D approaches to the development and implementation of the SIT package for HDVs at the Insect Pest Control Laboratory.
As technical and project officer be responsible for the coordination and implementation of national, regional and interregional projects under the IAEA technical cooperation programme.
Promote, coordinate and evaluate CRPs related to the development of the SIT package for HDVs.
Provide technical support and guidance to visiting scientists, fellows and collaborators from national, regional and international research institutes who will be hosted at the IPCL to conduct R&D in support of the SIT for HDVs, such as design experiments and develop protocols.
Provide input and evaluation to the development of manuals, guidelines, books, brochures, standard operating procedures on various aspects of SIT for HDVs in the context of area-wide integrated pest management. Contribute input on annual reports, newsletters, and external and internal subprogrammes.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)

NameDefinition Planning and OrganizingPlans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans. CommunicationCommunicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions. Achieving ResultsTakes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned. TeamworkActively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.

Functional Competencies

NameDefinition Analytical thinkingAnalyses information to identify cause and effect relationships and correlations. Identifies critical elements and assesses consequences of different courses of action and proposes solutions. Knowledge sharing and learningActively seeks learning opportunities and actively shares knowledge and information with others; shares specialized knowledge, skills and learning from experience across different situations and contexts effectively. Technical/scientific credibilityEnsures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable.

Required Expertise

FunctionNameExpertise Description Disease VectorsInsect Pest ControlExtensive experience on mass-rearing techniques of Human Disease Vectors with focus in Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes, including quality control management. Experience in mosquito radiation protocols and radiation dosimetry for insect irradiation. Working knowledge in the field application of the sterile insect technique for mosquito management, including handling, release, trapping and monitoring of sterile male mosquitoes.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• Bachelor's Degree - University degree in medical entomology, or related biological sciences.
• Advanced university degree is an asset.
• At least 5 years of working experience with R&D related to the SIT for HDVs (and/or other related pests). Working experience in an international setting would be a strong asset, such as practical field experience in transferring technologies related to the SIT for human disease vector in developing countries.
• Thorough technical knowledge of the biology of HDVs including mass-rearing techniques, insect quality control management, radiation protocols, handling, release methods, insect behavioural studies, trapping and monitoring and the validation of genetic sexing strains.
• In-depth knowledge of SIT principles and practice supplemented by an awareness of the fundamental role of area-wide integrated approaches to controlling HDVs. Awareness of relevant FAO and IAEA mechanisms and procedures, including the implementation of CRPs and TC projects an asset.
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $71335 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 38664*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; Other benefits include 6 weeks' annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/professional-staff/conditions

General Information

• The IAEA's paramount consideration in the recruitment of staff member is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• Staff Members shall be selected without any unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on a person's race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin or other similar shared characteristic or trait.
• The IAEA is committed to gender equality and to promoting a diverse workforce. Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly encouraged.
• Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity.
• The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and the IAEA, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

Evaluation process

• The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
• Candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.

Appointment information

• Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
• Staff members may be assigned to any location.
• Candidates appointed to posts in the Professional and higher categories are subject to IAEA rotation policy and their maximum tour of service shall normally be seven years.
• The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above.