Vacancy Notice No. 2008/022
Position and Grade: Section Head (P-5)
Organizational Unit: Nuclear Data Section
Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences
Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 25 April 2008
Application Deadline: 9 June 2008
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences is one of five divisions in the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications (NA). The Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences comprises four Sections including the Nuclear Data Section (NDS) and is responsible for carrying out IAEA activities to assist and advise Member States in assessing their needs for research and development in the nuclear sciences, as well as supporting their activities in specific fields, including: atomic and nuclear data for applications; controlled nuclear fusion; plasma physics applications; production of radioisotopes and labelled compounds; industrial applications of radiation and isotopes; isotope hydrology and geochemistry; nuclear and analytical chemistry; radiation chemistry; and utilization of research reactors.

The operating environment is dynamic and interactive with inputs received from policy decision-makers and technical counterparts in Member States and the international development community. The environment is research-oriented and involves strong collaboration with a global network of atomic and nuclear data specialists. The incumbent manages a group of 11 professional and 5 support staff, including atomic and nuclear physicists, database and software programmers, and secretarial support.

Main purpose
As a team leader reporting to the Director of the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences, the Section Head initiates, directs, coordinates and supervises IAEA projects on atomic and nuclear data and energy and non-energy applications thereof. He/she is also the manager of the subprogramme on atomic and nuclear data within the Nuclear Science Programme, which is a part of the IAEA's Major Programme 1 managed by the Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy (NE).

Role
The Section Head plays several key roles: (1) as manager and team leader, he/she plans, directs, coordinates and supervises the activities of the Section in accordance with Member States' needs, and monitors their implementation; (2) as substantive expert contributor, he/she manages projects of particular complexity and sensitivity; (3) as scientific secretary to international scientific meetings related to a specialized field, he/she prepares scientific reports, manuals, proceedings and other scientific publications; (4) as coordinator of inter-agency collaborative projects within the UN system, he/she reviews and provides systematic overviews and prepares technical documentation and papers for discussions. The Section Head is responsible for the relevant administrative matters of the Section.

Partnerships
The Section Head engages and works with high-level counterparts in Member States involved in programme planning and implementation to ensure effective transfer and sharing of technical and managerial know-how and promotion of partnership building with appropriate UN organizations, NEA, NGOs and other relevant institutions, including major national nuclear data centres in Member States as well as professional societies. He/she meets regularly with the Director, other Section Heads and colleagues in the Department to ensure effective utilization and integration of all resources (human, financial and technical).

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Develop the subprogramme on atomic and nuclear data in line with the strategic direction of NE and NA and the recommendations from the biennial meetings of the International Nuclear Data Committee (INDC), and the Atomic and Molecular Data Subcommittee of the International Fusion Research Council (IFRC), and with the expressed needs of Member States.
  • Plan, direct, coordinate, monitor and supervise the implementation of the activities of the Section in accordance with Member States' needs: ensure innovative policies and strategies, quality management standards and a results-based approach are part of the overall management of the Section.
  • Manage the Section's Coordinated Research Projects (CRPs) in the subject area and act as Project Officer by providing technical guidance, formulating suitable research project proposals, evaluating research contract proposals and renewal requests, monitoring progress, collating relevant data, organizing periodic research coordination meetings and assisting in publishing relevant scientific information; ensure research projects are well managed and recognized within the scientific community.
  • Broaden and deepen the field of knowledge by organizing scientific meetings related to the specialized field and serving as scientific secretary, preparing scientific programmes, contributing to the preparation and editing of scientific reports, manuals, proceedings and other scientific publications; prepare and organize in-house meetings in support of the Section's scientific programme.
  • Maintain the high standing and recognition of the IAEA in the scientific community by representing the IAEA at international and national meetings as required; establish and maintain contacts with individual scientists at various centres and other relevant international organizations, committees and scientific societies.
  • Coordinate the provision of specialized technical input to technical projects in the subject area and provide technical guidance; evaluate proposals, develop work plans, select qualified experts, evaluate expert reports, provide technical evaluation of fellowship applications and guidance related to the programmes of study; provide support in planning and implementing training courses and workshops.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Demonstrated scientific and managerial skills to lead a multi-disciplinary team and to take a strategic approach.
  • Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge in the field of atomic and nuclear data, including research and teaching.
  • Extensive publication record in reputed scientific journals in the field of specialization and invitations to lecture at international meetings/events.
  • Familiarity with IAEA database activities and services, as well as coordinated research projects (CRPs) related to atomic and nuclear data.
  • Expertise in handling computerized databases and related systems desirable.
  • Proven ability to build collaborative partnerships with other international institutes active in the same area.
  • Familiarity with and understanding of the specific needs and conditions of developing countries and proven ability in matters relating to strengthening human capacity development in developing countries.
  • Strong communication skills in English, including demonstrated ability in drafting and reviewing technical documents and making effective oral presentations.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • Advanced university degree, preferably a PhD, in atomic/nuclear physics, chemistry, engineering, or a related field of physical science.
  • A minimum of ten years' relevant professional experience in planning and project coordination related to generation/compilation and evaluation of atomic and nuclear data, of which at least five should have been at the multinational/international level and three years at managerial level.
  • Demonstrated experience in the management of complex scientific projects, including planning, implementation, monitoring and management of human and financial resources.
  • Proven experience of technical collaborations and similar interactions with major national nuclear data centres and their database managers.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English. Working knowledge of Spanish, Russian or French an advantage.

Remuneration
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $75 432 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $58 309*, dependency benefits, diplomatic status, 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.