Team Leader (Quality Management) (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.

This is a re-opening of the vacancy. Candidates who already applied do not need to re-submit another application.

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards carries out the IAEA’s duties and responsibilities as the world’s nuclear inspectorate, supporting global efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. The primary role of the Department is to develop and implement IAEA safeguards to ensure that there is no diversion of declared nuclear material from peaceful activities and no indications of undeclared nuclear material or activities in a State as a whole.
The Department comprises nuclear safeguards inspectors, responsible for carrying out inspections and verifications of all-safeguards relevant information for nuclear facilities in over 180 States; and technical staff responsible for a wide range of activities including: developing concepts and approaches for implementing safeguards; developing and maintaining safeguards equipment; providing analytical and laboratory services for sample analysis; collecting, evaluating and analysing safeguards-relevant information; providing information and communication technology infrastructure and services; and providing programme coordination support.
The Office of Safeguards Analytical Services (SGAS) is responsible for the analysis of inspection samples collected in the field. Located about 45 km south of Vienna in Seibersdorf, SGAS is organized into three sections: the Nuclear Material Laboratory (NML), the Environmental Sample Laboratory (ESL) and the Coordination and Support Section (CSS). The laboratory sections conduct the screening, chemical treatment and measurement of the inspection samples. The Coordination and Support Section provides a variety of key services to the laboratories, as well as managing the network of analytical laboratories. SGAS also manages analytical and inspection activities in a dedicated On-Site Laboratory at the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant in Japan.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Section Head, the Team Leader (SGAS-QMT) leads and manages a team responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the Office's quality management system, including retention of ISO 9001 certification. The Team Leader (SGAS-QMT) oversees the development and implementation of the quality assurance programmes applied to analyses produced by the Safeguards Analytical Laboratory (SAL), which encompasses the Nuclear Material Laboratory (NML) and the Environmental Sample Laboratory (ESL), as well as the IAEA Network of Analytical Laboratories for Safeguards (NWAL). Additionally, the Team Leader (SGAS-QMT) leads continuous improvement processes for the development of the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and the maintenance of the Laboratory IT infrastructure, supporting continued operations and timely reporting of quality-assessed analytical results and services.

Role

The Team Leader (SGAS-QMT) is: (1) a manager, providing clear directions, supervision, and feedback to team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment; (2) a technical expert, defining strategic direction and guiding the development of the internal quality management system and external quality assurance programme; (3) a manager of IT projects for the development and enhancement of LIMS software and the maintenance of the Laboratory’s IT infrastructure; (4) a coordinator, maintaining extensive collaboration with a broad range of partners and stakeholders; and (5) an adviser to the Office and the Department on quality issues associated with analytical services.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Lead the work of the Quality Management Team and manage resources to ensure the timely and effective delivery of services.
Plan, coordinate, and oversee activities to ensure efficient workflows and productivity.
Guide and supervise the development and implementation of the quality management system of the Office of Safeguards Analytical Services, including maintaining external ISO 9001 certification.
Guide and supervise the development and implementation of the internal quality assurance and quality control measures at the Safeguards Analytical Laboratories.
Plan, design, and assess the quality assurance measures (laboratory intercomparisons) applied to the NWAL.
Coordinate IAEA efforts and Member State Support Programmes (MSSP) tasks supporting the strengthening of the NWAL quality assurance programme.
Report to the Department on the quality of safeguards sample analyses produced by the NWAL and recommend optimal utilization of the laboratories.
Plan and manage IT projects for the development of the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and the maintenance of the Laboratory IT infrastructure.
Engage actively in departmental quality management initiatives to foster continuous improvement.

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 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. ResilienceShows resilience and composure, even in difficult or adverse circumstances. Is prepared and able to make difficult decisions in the best interest of the Agency and remains committed to seeing them through. 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 Information TechnologyProject ManagementDemonstrated expertise in coordinating software development projects supporting the evaluation of technical or scientific data. Management and Programme AnalysisProject ManagementProven ability to plan and manage technical projects in a scientific environment and deliver quality products to deadlines. SafeguardsQuality Management of Analytical MeasurementExpertise in developing internal quality assurance and control measures applied to processes producing technical or scientific data and organizing interlaboratory comparisons according to international standards (ISO 17043).

Asset Expertise

FunctionNameExpertise Description ChemistryAnalytical TechniquesExperience in one or more analytical techniques relevant to safeguards (e.g. analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence, gamma/alpha spectroscopy, microanalysis techniques for particle characterization).

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• Master's Degree - Advanced university degree in analytical chemistry, applied nuclear physics or a related field.
• Bachelor's Degree - First level university degree in analytical chemistry, applied nuclear physics or a related field with two additional years of relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in a national or international organization in technical project and quality management, preferably in the nuclear field.
• Experience in designing, maintaining or auditing quality management systems according to one or more international standards as applied to a laboratory setting (e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 17025). Quality auditor certification an asset.
• Experience in the management, development, and mentoring of staff/project team.
• Experience with international safeguards and international organizations an asset.
• 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 $84672 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 39372*, 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.