Science and Technology Technical Lead(P4)

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 Safety and Security (NS) formulates and implements the IAEA's nuclear safety and security programme, which encompasses the Agency's activities to protect people and the environment from radiation exposure and responds to the needs of its Member States related to nuclear safety and nuclear security.
The Division of Nuclear Security (NSNS) is responsible for establishing, coordinating and implementing the IAEA's nuclear security programme to protect against, detect and respond to criminal acts or acts of nuclear terrorism and threats thereof. NSNS comprises four Sections:
•Nuclear Security of Materials Outside of Regulatory Control Section
•Nuclear Security of Materials and Facilities Section
•Information Management Section
•Programme Development and International Cooperation Section
The Nuclear Security of Materials Outside of Regulatory Control Section (MORC) is responsible, upon request, to assist States, for activities that assist States in establishing and maintaining nuclear security systems and measures for the prevention and detection of, and response to, nuclear and other radioactive material outside of regulatory control. These activities include developing nuclear security guidance that is consistent with the relevant binding and non-binding international instruments, as well as providing assistance, upon request, to States in implementing the nuclear security framework. In addition to the development of nuclear security guidance, the Section conducts the International Nuclear Security Advisory Service (INSServ) and expert missions, upon request, to help States to establish and maintain effective nuclear security regimes, provides training activities, develops methodologies, and assists in security upgrades relating to nuclear and radioactive material detection and response capabilities. The Section implements Coordinated Research Projects and technical meetings in the field of nuclear security of material out of regulatory control, assists Member States in the implementation of nuclear security measures to support Major Public Events, and organizes a large number of evaluation missions, training courses and workshops, and convenes technical meetings for methodology development.
The Nuclear Security Detection Architecture Unit is responsible for performing activities related to the detection of nuclear and other radioactive material, which is out of regulatory control, focusing on supporting States to develop their national nuclear security detection architectures. The Unit supports States’ efforts to establish strategies, design and implementation of detection operations, concepts of operation, evaluations and exercises, human resource development activities and sustainability strategies. The Unit has responsibility for the development and review of Nuclear Security Series publications dedicated to the detection of MORC and the development and implementation of training activities based on that guidance. The Unit also has responsibility for the NSNS Detection Equipment Laboratory.

Main Purpose

Under the supervision of the Unit Head, Nuclear Security Detection Architecture Unit, the Science and Technology Technical Lead will facilitate the work within the science and technology (S&T) to provide expertise and delivery of S&T content with and to Member States, in order to assist with developing and sustaining effective capabilities in this area.

Role

The Science and Technology Technical Lead is a: (1) a technical lead, leading programme design, coordination and delivery of nuclear security science and technology related activities contained in the Nuclear Security Plan, with Member States participation, monitoring and supervising their implementation; (2) a recognized expert in nuclear security sciences and technologies, contributing expertise and knowledge to Member States in the development, implementation, maintenance and sustainment of nuclear security activities, and participating in other nuclear security response activities, including training and exercises; (3) a coordinator and manager of projects of particular technical complexity and/or sensitivity involving the participation of experts from Member States and other relevant international organizations and/or initiatives as well as inter-agency collaborative projects; (4) a scientific secretary for international scientific meetings related to nuclear security, overseeing the preparation and editing of scientific or technical reports, manuals, proceedings and other publications that provide nuclear security guidance, as well as scientific or technical documentation and papers for discussions; and (5) a substantive contributor, providing inputs to nuclear security activities, in particular major public events, nuclear detection architecture and national response operations, and support plans and implementation of International Nuclear Security Advisory Service (INSServ) missions and relevant assessment services for States, upon request.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Coordinate and provide technical input and expertise related to nuclear S&T matters.
Ensure organization, facilitation and regular monitoring of research projects, research coordination meetings, technical meetings, consultancy meetings, as required, in nuclear security S&T related topics.
Develop and implement capacity building activities in S&T area, and supports work with Member States, based on Member States needs and priorities identified in particular during TMs.
Provide technical input and develop Nuclear Security Guidance documents, training materials and other publications in S&T related subjects and promotes their use by Member States.
Analyze information and trends to drive innovation and priorities for research and development of various tools and other applications and for capacity building in support of enhanced nuclear security.
Ensure timely collection, analysis, and dissemination of respective scientific and technical information and results obtained from related activities, such as research projects.
Promote effective and sustainable implementation of tools, software and other applications in Member States for enhanced nuclear security.

The incumbent may perform his/her work in areas involving exposure to radioactive materials. Therefore, as an Occupationally Exposed Worker, he/she must be medically cleared by VIC Medical Service and is subject to an appropriate radiation and health monitoring programme, in accordance with the IAEA's Radiation Safety Regulations.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies (Competency Framework)

NameDefinition 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. 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.

Functional Competencies

NameDefinition Judgement/decision makingConsults with supervisor/manager and takes decisions in full compliance with the Agency’s regulations and rules. Makes decisions reflecting best practice and professional theories and standards. Partnership buildingIdentifies and builds partnerships. Develops and maintains long lasting partnerships to strengthen relationships. Delivers programmatic outputs and acquires resources in support of Agency goals. 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 Material Out of Regulatory ControlDetection Systems and MeasuresKnowledge of nuclear security detection instruments used to detect Material out of regulatory control and on information alerts management. Nuclear SecurityNational Nuclear Security RegimesExtensive knowledge of national nuclear security regimes. Management and Programme AnalysisProject ManagementProven project management experience.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• Advanced university degree in nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, or other nuclear security related field. A university degree in nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, or other nuclear security related field with two years of relevant additional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• Minimum of seven years’ experience working in nuclear security, with emphasis on nuclear security science and technology in national and international settings, of which five years of experience in research, development and deployment of nuclear security systems.
• Proven experience in nuclear security science and technology in the following roles: project manager, researcher, program developer, and nuclear security operations.
• Proven scientific knowledge and skills in radiation detection equipment, physical protection systems, software and hardware tools, nuclear security emerging threats and technologies.
• Demonstrated contributions to relevant research projects, including their design, monitoring, implementation and evaluation, and to development of technical documents and guidance.
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, 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 $86027 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 46627*, 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.