Vacancy Notice No. 2008/012
Position and Grade: Uranium Production Specialist (P-4)
Organizational Unit: Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Section
Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology
Department of Nuclear Energy
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 25 February 2008
Application Deadline: 9 May 2008
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Section is one of two sections in the Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology in the Department of Nuclear Energy. The Section promotes the development of fuel cycle options that are safe, environment-friendly, economically viable and proliferation-resistant, and promotes information exchange on the exploration, mining and processing of uranium and thorium, the design, manufacturing and performance of nuclear fuels, the management of spent fuel, and the development of advanced and innovative nuclear fuels and fuel cycles.

The current position is in the subprogramme on uranium resources and production, which has currently one professional staff. In recent years, activities on uranium exploration, mining and production of uranium concentrate have increased worldwide to meet the increasing uranium demand. The IAEA will thus increase its activities in this area.

Main purpose
As a member of a team under the direct supervision and guidance of the Head of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Section, and the overall guidance of the Director of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology, the incumbent ensures a results oriented programmatic response to Member States' priorities by organizing training programmes, workshops and technical meetings, preparing state-of-the-art reports and supporting technical cooperation (TC) projects.

Role
The Uranium Production Specialist is: (1) a programme developer and implementer, contributing specialized knowledge and experience to the planning and development of the Agency's programme in nuclear materials activities; (2) a scientific secretary/technical expert, planning and leading moderately complex Technical Meetings; (3) a mission leader, planning and leading moderately complex review missions; and (4) a technical and project officer, evaluating moderately complex TC projects, and promoting, coordinating and evaluating moderately complex coordinated research projects (CRPs) in the area of nuclear power, fuel cycle and materials activities and waste technology.

Partnerships
The activity on uranium and other raw materials for the nuclear fuel cycle involves the effective transfer and sharing of technical and manageable know-how and the promotion of partnership with appropriate UN organizations, OECD/NEA (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development/Nuclear Energy Agency), WNA (World Nuclear Association), NEI (Nuclear Energy Institute) and other relevant institutions involved in uranium exploration, mining and production cycle activities and the related environmental issues. The incumbent should integrate continuous inputs received from Member States and other international communities, the Board of Governors into programme design and implementation.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Contribute specialized knowledge and experience to the planning, development and implementation of the Agency's programme on uranium and other (thorium) raw materials resources for fuel cycles.
  • Plan and lead moderately complex Technical Meetings in nuclear power, including proposing their subject, preparing their scope, selecting participants and coordinating the preparation of reports and documents.
  • Plan and lead moderately complex or sensitive training activities, preparatory meetings and follow-up visits, and the assessment of nuclear energy needs; provide technical input to the preparation of mission reports.
  • Evaluate moderately complex TC projects, develop action plans and plan, organize and participate in seminars, workshops, expert missions and training courses.
  • Promote, coordinate and evaluate moderately complex CRPs in Member States and conduct moderately complex studies and assessments related to issues and trends. Develop international recommendations and guidance on nuclear power with a view to addressing Member States' specific needs as regards not only nuclear fuel cycle and materials activities but also nuclear power and waste technology development.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in nuclear fuel cycle activities on uranium and/or thorium.
  • Substantial knowledge of bilateral and other nuclear support programmes and the sustainability of the support given.
  • Proven ability to work in the nuclear energy data environments and the ability to balance business needs and energy requirements.
  • Proven ability to use standard software (Microsoft Office) and the Internet.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural and multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
  • Planning and organizing skills: Demonstrated ability to set clearly defined objectives; to plan activities/projects well in advance, taking into account possible changing circumstances; ability to identify and organize required resources and to monitor performance against deadlines and milestones.
  • Communication skills: Ability to write technical documents in a structured manner and to deliver effective oral presentations.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • Advanced university (or equivalent) degree in geology, nuclear, mining or chemical engineering, or metallurgy.
  • At least 7 years of relevant working experience in the field of uranium exploration, mining or production, preferably in the area of processing uranium ores and uranium bearing minerals.
  • Experience/involvement in nuclear fuel cycle activities at the international level.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of French, Russian or Spanish desirable.

Remuneration
The Agency offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $63 052 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $42 371*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, 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.