Vacancy Notice No. 2007/013
Position and Grade: Food Irradiation Specialist (P-4)
Organizational Unit: Food and Environmental Protection Section
Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture
Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 2 March 2007
Application Deadline: 16 April 2007
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The joint FAO/IAEA programme of nuclear techniques in food and agriculture provides support to Member States of the FAO and IAEA in the use of nuclear techniques and related biotechnologies for the development of improved strategies for sustainable food security. These activities are conducted by coordinating and supporting research, providing technical and advisory services, providing laboratory support and training, and collecting, analysing and disseminating information.

The food and environmental protection subprogramme provides support to countries in their efforts to ensure the safety and quality of food and agricultural commodities while at the same time facilitating international trade. A primary objective of the subprogramme is to improve Member States' application of the revised international standards for post-harvest applications of food irradiation. Irradiation is a proven and effective post-harvest method for reducing food-borne pathogens in foods and for controlling insect pests - including pests of quarantine importance - in agricultural commodities.

The Food Irradiation Specialist works in a team of 6 professional and administrative staff and reports directly to the Head of the Food and Environmental Protection Section. Duties are primarily undertaken at Headquarters with frequent international travel.

Main purpose
As a member of a team led by the Section Head, the Food Irradiation Specialist coordinates support and research, provides technical and advisory services and collects, analyses and disseminates information related to the application of food irradiation for sanitary and phytosanitary purposes, including for food safety.

Role
The Food Irradiation Specialist plays several key roles: technical adviser and research coordinator, helping to ensure the efficient and effective development and implementation of research and training; adviser to Section, Division and other Agency staff on programmatic, scientific and technical matters; and liaison, providing public outreach on issues related to the transfer of irradiation technologies to Member States.

Partnerships
The Food Irradiation Specialist engages with national counterparts in Member States' institutions in the area of programme planning and implementation to ensure the effective transfer and sharing of technical information and he or she develops partnerships with appropriate UN and other international organizations and institutions. The incumbent also works closely with the appropriate departments, which includes close collaboration on technical cooperation activities with both intergovernmental and non governmental organizations (IGOs and NGOs), to ensure the effective utilization of technical inputs to programme design and implementation.

Functions / Key Results Expected
The following functions all contribute directly to the overall context of the subprogramme objective to enhance capabilities of Member States in the application of irradiation to improve food safety and quality and increase international trade:
  • Plan and implement coordinated research projects on food irradiation, including the evaluation of research contracts and the publication of results;
  • Coordinate work with other national and international organizations, including UN bodies;
  • Prepare information on food irradiation, including maintenance and updating of information in relevant web-based resources and databases;
  • Organize panels, symposia and training courses, serve in scientific missions and represent the Agency at relevant meetings;
  • Service the technical cooperation programme through the evaluation of relevant project requests and by assisting with the implementation of expert assignments, training and purchase of equipment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Experience in and knowledge of the application of food irradiation, including irradiation facilities, public acceptance and food microbiology, especially in developing countries.
  • Knowledge of international and regional agreements and standards related to food safety and plant protection.
  • Good communication skills: ability to prepare and deliver briefs and reports, make presentations and disseminate information.
  • Familiarity with the use and application of information technology, including the use of web-based resources.
  • Good people skills:
    • Ability to interact effectively with internal and external counterparts;
    • Ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • Advanced university degree in food irradiation, food science and technology, food microbiology, plant pathology or a related field.
  • At least seven years' work experience in food irradiation, including extensive experience at international level.
  • Experience in research as well as in technology transfer related to commercial applications of irradiation.
  • Experience in the application of measurements to meet sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for food and agricultural commodities, including the application of risk assessment procedures relevant to food control and plant protection systems.
  • Experience in the formulation and delivery of outcome-oriented projects, including financial and human resources.
  • Excellent knowledge of English, both oral and written. Knowledge of other official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an advantage.

Remuneration
The Agency offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $61 834 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $31 164*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual leave, home leave, pension plan and health insurance.

How to apply to the IAEA

* Subject to change without notice

Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged

Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.