Unit Head (Nuclear Security Detection Architecture)(P4)

This is a re-opening of the vacancy. Candidates who already applied do not need to re-submit another application. All existing applications are still under consideration.

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 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 and guidance of the Section Head, Nuclear Security of Materials Outside of Regulatory Control the Unit Head (Nuclear Security Detection Architecture) is responsible for the coordination of the design and delivery of programme activities in relation to nuclear security detection architecture, within the IAEA’s nuclear security programme. The Unit Head manages the team and works with nuclear security officers to prioritize, implement and monitor Unit’s activities based on needs identified by States, including within Integrated Nuclear Security Sustainability Plans (INSSPs) and other relevant sources of information. and coordinate obtaining the relevant inputs from the other Units within the Section and Division. The Unit Head will also manage relevant technical inputs of the Unit for definition, planning and evaluation of separate projects and tasks related to the nuclear security detection architecture, assisting to develop and sustain effective technical capabilities to support Member States nuclear security infrastructure, as well as identify the means for carrying out these projects and tasks.
The Unit Head is also responsible for development and review of nuclear security guidance and other technical documents, training materials and reports, and for conduct of advisory services, expert missions and training events related to nuclear security detection architecture.
Further, he/she will coordinate provision of comprehensive technical input into the development and implementation of the States INSSPs and associated projects.

Role

Reporting to the Section Head MORC, the Unit Head (Nuclear Security Detection Architecture) is: (1) a coordinator, managing planning, design and delivery of programme activities related to nuclear security detection; (2) a team leader, managing the Unit’s team in accordance with relevant Agency’s policies and procedures; (3) a technical expert in nuclear security detection of material out of regulatory control, identifying gaps and supporting the development of appropriate international guidance on nuclear security of nuclear material and nuclear facilities, and providing technical inputs to development and implementation of INSSPs; (4) a technical officer for the relevant projects of particular technical complexity; and (5) a scientific secretary, developing nuclear security series documents, as well as other technical documents and training materials on the matters of nuclear security detection architecture.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Coordinate IAEA activities related to improving the nuclear security detection architecture in States.
Lead the development of guidance, within the IAEA Nuclear Security Series of publications, and facilitate their acceptance and use by States.
Develop work plans for activities to support Member States activities to improve their national nuclear security regimes.
Provide expert support to States efforts, upon request, to identify and make recommendations regarding establishment, improvement and sustainability of an effective nuclear security systems and measures for detecting nuclear and other radioactive material out of regulatory control.
Contribute to capacity building, including implementation of training, workshops, exercises and seminars related to nuclear security detection architecture.
Lead the design and delivery of nuclear security activities identified in the INSSPs for individual States.
Analyze the input from INSSPs for the structured planning of future projects for security of nuclear material and nuclear facilities and to develop annual work plans and identify funding needs.
Contribute to the continued high standing and recognition of the IAEA by representing the IAEA at national and international meetings as required; establish and maintain contacts with relevant international organizations, initiatives, committees and scientific societies.
Manage and maintain a nuclear security equipment laboratory in support Member States to establish and improve their capabilities on nuclear security detection.
Plan, organize, manage and evaluate the work of the team, continuously reviewing effectiveness, focusing on priorities and driving for excellence in line with the IAEAs quality management and results-based programming approach.

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. 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 Material Out of Regulatory ControlDetection Systems and MeasuresExcellent knowledge of nuclear security detection architecture. Material Out of Regulatory ControlDetection equipmentTechnical understanding of, and ability to, operate detection equipment. Nuclear SecurityNational Nuclear Security RegimesExcellent understanding of States' nuclear security regimes.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• Advanced University degree in nuclear science, engineering, or other relevant field.
• University degree in nuclear science, engineering, or other relevant field with two years of additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in nuclear security; including minimum of three years of managerial experience and experience at the operational level.
• Proven national experience in nuclear security detection architecture and activities involving nuclear and other radioactive material out of regulatory control.
• Experience in leading small teams of technical staff.
• Experience in working with national and international organizations or institutes.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the challenges for the implementation of IAEA's Nuclear Security Plan are 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 $84672 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 47840*, 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.