Section Head (Nuclear Power Engineering)(P5)

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 objective of the Department of Nuclear Energy (NE) is to foster the efficient and safe use of nuclear power by supporting interested Member States in: improving the performance of nuclear power plants, the nuclear fuel cycle, and the management of nuclear wastes; catalysing innovation in nuclear power and fuel cycle technologies; developing indigenous capabilities around the world for national energy planning; deploying new nuclear power plants; preserving and disseminating nuclear information and knowledge; and advancing science and industry through improved operation of research reactors.
The department has a dynamic, participative and interactive operating environment with inputs received from the Board of Governors, the General Conference, policy and decision-makers, and technical counterparts in Member States and the international development community.
The Division of Nuclear Power comprises the Nuclear Power Engineering Section (NPES), the Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section (NIDS), the International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles) Section (INPRO) and the Nuclear Power Technology Development Section (NPTDS). The Division provides core engineering, technological, capacity building and management support to interested Member States in the field of nuclear power.
The Nuclear Power Engineering Section (NPES) assists interested Member States in the development of the safe and effective operation of nuclear power plants and in the expansion of existing nuclear programmes. It provides guidance and encourages information exchange on engineering aspects of design, construction, commissioning, operations, maintenance, decommissioning; project management and management systems; supply chain and quality management, hand performance improvement; expansion planning and strategies.

Main Purpose

As a manager and team leader reporting to the Director of the Nuclear Power Division, the Section Head (Nuclear Power Engineering) plans, initiates, implements, guides, coordinates, and supervises the IAEA's programme activities concerning nuclear power engineering support for nuclear power programmes and the management for construction and operation of nuclear power plants.

Role

The Section Head (Nuclear Power Engineering) is: (1) a manager and team leader, responsible for the effective development and implementation of
the Section’s activities; (2) a coordinator and officer responsible for the technical support provided by the Section to the Member States and the IAEAs technical cooperation programme in the relevant fields; (3) an advisor to the Director
on programmatic, scientific, and technical issues in the relevant fields, and; (4) a facilitator of cooperation with other organizations and with other divisions/departments in the IAEA dealing with relevant areas of work. The Section Head is responsible for the relevant administrative matters of the Section.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Plan, manage, coordinate, monitor implementation, and supervise the activities of the Section in accordance with Member States' needs. These activities include, but are not limited to, technical review services and Member States' compliance with the requirements and recommendations of the IAEA's standards in a specific technical area. Activities include:
support of excellence in the operation of current nuclear facilities, specifically in the areas of: plant life management and long term operation; application of advanced technology in I&C (instrumentation and control), monitoring, diagnosis and inspection etc.; application of engineering tools; optimization of maintenance activities for enhanced safety, reliability and efficiency; component reliability assessment and clarification of degradation mechanisms; supporting innovations such as AI, robotics or advanced manufacturing; ;configuration management; and performance improvement; collection of nuclear power plant data; and
support of new countries considering embarking on nuclear power, or countries expanding their existing programme specifically by providing guidance for infrastructure building, organizing workshops and through technical cooperation projects or advisory services in the areas of project management, construction and commissioning; management systems; supply chain and quality management; and expansion planning and strategies,
Coordinate the Section's provision of specialized technical input to technical cooperation projects in the subject area and provide technical guidance. Evaluate proposals, develop work plans and provide support in planning and implementing training courses and workshops.
Broaden and deepen the field of knowledge by organizing scientific meetings in the specialized field and serve as scientific secretary. Prepare scientific programmes, contribute to the preparation and editing of scientific publications. Prepare and organize in-house meetings in support of the Section's scientific programme.
Contribute to an integrated delivery of activities through the coordination of international collaborative projects. Promote the exchange of information on nuclear power engineering and on other related experience gained worldwide.
Ensure the continued high standing and recognition of the IAEA in the scientific community by representing the IAEA at national and international meetings as required. Establish and maintain contacts with individual scientists at various centres and other relevant international organizations, committees and scientific societies.
Liaise with other IAEA divisions and with other international organizations on topics of mutual interest and provide assistance as required, in other activities of the Division and to other IAEA units on subjects of relevance to nuclear power engineering.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)

NameDefinition Planning and OrganizingSets clearly defined objectives for himself/herself and the team or Section. Identifies and organizes deployment of resources based on assessed needs, taking into account possible changing circumstances. Monitors team’s performance in meeting the assigned deadlines and milestones. CommunicationEncourages open communication and builds consensus. Uses tact and discretion in dealing with sensitive information, and keeps staff informed of decisions and directives as appropriate. Achieving ResultsSets realistic targets for himself/herself and for the team; ensures availability of resources and supports staff members in achieving results. Monitors progress and performance; evaluates achievements and integrates lessons learned. TeamworkEncourages teamwork, builds effective teams and resolves problems by creating a supportive and collaborative team spirit, remaining mindful of the need to collaborate with people outside the immediate area of responsibility.

Functional Competencies

NameDefinition Judgement/decision makingConsults with and seeks advice at the appropriate managerial level when making complex decisions. Facilitates dialogue and development of best practice to support judgement/decision making, in full compliance with the Agency’s regulations and rules. Leading and supervisingServes as a role model when leading and supervising others. Provides his/her team with clear direction, promotes a dynamic working climate and empowers others. Is open to new ideas and demonstrates creativity in search of excellence. Partnership buildingIdentifies interests and goals common to the Agency’s partners and its stakeholders to foster partnership building. Promotes collaboration with partners, colleagues across teams and stakeholders. Technical/scientific credibilityProvides guidance and advice in his/her area of expertise on the application of scientific/professional methods, procedures and approaches.

Required Expertise

FunctionNameExpertise Description Nuclear EngineeringConstruction of Nuclear Power PlantsKnowledge of and experience in the nuclear power plant construction, project management and/or the management of plant operations Management and Programme AnalysisGuidance DevelopmentGuidance and technical support for technical cooperation programme in the relevant fields. Nuclear EngineeringNuclear Engineering and TechnologyExtensive knowledge of nuclear engineering and technological processes in safe and reliable operation of nuclear power plants. Nuclear EngineeringNuclear Power Plant Life Cycle ManagementComprehensive understanding of stages and processes of the nuclear fuel cycle and related facilities. Management and Programme AnalysisProgramme ManagementManaging teams and complex projects; design, monitoring and implementation of programme activities and budget related to nuclear power engineering.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• Master's Degree - Advanced university degree in nuclear or engineering or in a related technical discipline.
• Bachelor's Degree - University degree in nuclear or engineering or in a related technical discipline with two years of additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of advanced university degree.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in nuclear power engineering activities, of which more than 5 years of international experience is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in the management of projects, including design, monitoring and implementation, as well as in the management of human and financial resources.
• Demonstrated knowledge and technical experience in safety practices and standards.
• Experience of working in international nuclear organization or institute desirable.
• 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 $103165 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 53646*, 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.