Section Head (Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition)(P5)

This is a re-opening of the vacancy. Applicants who have already submitted their application do not need to re-apply.

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 Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section and Laboratory assist Member States in developing improved soil and water management practices for sustainable intensification of agricultural production systems, the conservation of natural resources, the effective use of external inputs, and the remediation of contaminated agricultural land and water, through applied and adaptive research and development activities, technology transfer and capacity building.

Main Purpose

As a member of a team reporting to the Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, the Section Head ensures that the activities of the SWMCN Section and its Laboratory contribute to the results-based SWMCN subprogramme relating to the development of improved soil, water and crop nutrient management techniques and technology packages involving the use of nuclear and related techniques to enhance sustainable agricultural production systems that are resilient to climate change and variability, enhance soil carbon and water storage, minimise greenhouse gas emissions and remediate agricultural land that has been degraded or contaminated through nuclear emergencies or emerging pollutants.

Role

The Section Head is: a team leader, ensuring the efficient and effective management of assigned staff, physical and financial resources in line with quality management standards and a results-based approach; a technical leader, leading a multidisciplinary team in the Section focused on ensuring the efficient and effective development and implementation of the sub-programmatic activities, capacity building, technical support, policy advice and information exchange for Member States, as it relates to the sub-programme; and a technical officer, evaluating IAEA technical cooperation projects, and providing technical support to coordinated research projects (CRPs) in the area of soil, water and crop nutrient management.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Manage the Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section, providing leadership and guidance to staff, and establishing and monitoring standards of excellence in performance.
• Ensure full coordination and transparency in all activities and deliberations of the Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section with internal and external stakeholders.
• In consultation with the Head of the Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory, contribute to the strategic direction of the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme on soil and water management and crop nutrition, provide leadership and guidance to all staff assigned, develop the sub-programme and its budget including the establishment of goals, priorities and working plan, and monitor and report outputs.
• Ensure the visibility and impact of the Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Subprogramme's activities.
• Within the general framework of the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme, lead the development, adaptation and validation of nuclear and related techniques to improve soil, water and crop nutrient management practices.
• Ensure the generation and provision of scientific and technical input to the policy and standards development of the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme and other national and international bodies (e.g. FAO and CGIAR centres).

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)

NameDefinition 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. 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.

Functional Competencies

NameDefinition Commitment to continuous process improvementAssesses the effectiveness of functions and systems as well as current practices; streamlines standards and processes and develops innovative approaches to programme development and implementation. 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. 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 Soil ScienceAgricultural Water ManagementIn depth knowledge and field experience on the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in soil, water and crop nutrient management for sustainable production systems. Soil ScienceCrop Nutrition and QualityIn-depth knowledge of the use of isotopic techniques for monitoring contamination of agricultural land and water quality for environmental protection and remediation. Soil ScienceSoil and Water ManagementIn depth knowledge and experience in the use of isotopic and nuclear techniques in soil and water management, soil nutrient cycling, greenhouse gas emission monitoring and nuclear emergency remediation and preparedness.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• Master's Degree - Advanced University Degree in Soil Science, Agronomy or related disciplines with proven background in the use of nuclear techniques in soil, agricultural water and crop nutrient management. PhD in above area would be a strong asset.
• Minimum of ten years working experience in research and development on soil-plant-water interactions that influence soil quality, land productivity and water use efficiency for sustainable agricultural production systems at both national and international settings.
• Experience in leading functional teams, and management and administration of human and financial resources, programme planning and budgeting, especially in high quality R&D activities related to soil science and related disciplines using nuclear techniques as one of research tools.
• Experience in policy development of soil-plant-water management strategies for sustainable agricultural production systems that are resilient to climate changes and variability and minimise GHG emissions.
• In-depth knowledge of monitoring contamination of agricultural land and water for remediation purposes through the use of isotopic techniques.
• Ability to keep abreast of relevant technological developments and to seize opportunities to make an impact on sustainable agricultural production in developing Member States.
• Awareness of relevant FAO and IAEA mechanisms and procedures, including Coordinated Research Projects and Technical Cooperation Projects would be an asset.
• Ability to develop and formulate the subprogramme and projects related to water, soil and environmental management, and to mobilise extra-budgetary funding for the subprogramme.
• Ability to convey scientific information both to scientific and non-scientific audiences in a clear manner.
• 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 $101540 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 55339*, 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.