Vacancy Notice No. 2008/037


Position and Grade:	Unit Head (P-5)
Organizational Unit:	Radiation Protection Unit Radiation Safety and Monitoring Section Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety Department of Nuclear Safety and Security
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	13 June 2008
Application Deadline:	11 August 2008
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety develops and maintains standards for radiation protection, radioactive waste safety and safety in the transport of radioactive material that enable the beneficial uses of radiation to be exploited while ensuring appropriate protection of workers, the public and medical patients. It also assists Member States in the implementation of these standards and provides related services.

The Radiation Safety and Monitoring Section is responsible for the delineation of a global radiation safety regime to protect workers, patients and the public from all types of exposure to natural or artificial radiation, according to the most recent scientific knowledge and information. The Section is also responsible for the provision of radiation monitoring and protection services for staff members and experts who may be exposed to ionising radiation due to activities conducted by the IAEA.

The Radiation Protection Unit is responsible for supporting the Radiation Safety Standards Committee (RASSC) and for providing oversight of the development of radiation safety standards within the Safety Standards Series. It serves as the focal point for the development of general radiation protection documents for all types of exposure and situations, and for their integration and implementation. It also develops safety standards and guidance related to the protection of the public in exposure situations arising from the use of material from NORM (naturally occurring radioactive material) and from interventions in existing exposure situations resulting from emergencies. Finally, it maintains professional links with other international and specialist organizations concerned with radiation safety and promotes international coherence and consistency of radiation safety practice.

The environment of the Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety is dynamic, participative and interactive with continuous inputs received from internal technical counterparts and external counterparts in Member States, from other international organizations and from the international scientific community.

Main purpose

As a team leader reporting to the Section Head, the Unit Head develops the Agency's policy on general radiation protection issues and protection of the public for incorporation in the IAEA's radiation safety standards, and leads the review and approval of such standards.

Role

The Unit Head has several roles: (a) programme developer and coordinator in a multilateral environment with diverse views on the issues, finding workable solutions and presenting arguments that can achieve results; (b) manager and team leader, to ensure that programmes and tasks are implemented effectively; (c) facilitator of inter-organizational cooperation in the development of radiation safety standards; and (d) adviser to the Section Head and Division Director on specialist issues.

Partnerships

The Unit Head engages senior counterparts in Member States and in other international and specialized organizations concerned with radiation safety standards in order to ensure the completeness, coherence and consistency of international guidance. In developing this approach and managing the Unit, the Unit Head works closely with the Section Head, unit heads, the unit staff, and other areas of the Department in achieving the desired goals, and advises on project evaluation, programme planning and implementation.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Lead, in close cooperation with the Section Head and other relevant senior IAEA staff, the IAEA's activities towards achieving international consensus on general radiation protection and protection of the public.
Lead the Secretariat's management of safety standards and other items submitted to RASSC for consideration and advice, including serving as Scientific Secretary to RASSC, and liaise with international and specialist organizations concerned with radiation safety standards. Build and maintain partnerships across work areas in the Department and beyond to ensure the coherence and synergy of related programmes of work.
Build and maintain strategic partnerships and alliances with a wide range of stakeholders in Member States, international and other governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations to ensure acceptance of the Agency's radiation protection standards.
Lead the development of general radiation protection criteria, including criteria for the protection of the public, for all exposure situations arising from natural and artificial radiation sources, and for interventions in existing exposure situations resulting from emergency situations. Incorporate the criteria in the IAEA's safety standards and related guidance, and identify and implement means of enhancing the application of the safety standards in this area in Member States.
Plan and coordinate the Unit's work to ensure the delivery of programme objectives, including the supervision of staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of radiation safety principles and the science on which they are based.
Knowledge of the IAEA's Basic Safety Standards and the Safety Standards Series of publications and of other relevant international safety standards.
Demonstrated ability to manage human, financial and material resources towards the achievement of stated objectives, to plan and manage work programmes and to lead, motivate and supervise the work of others.
Communication skills:
- Strong presentation skills;
- Ability to write and edit scientific and technical reports.
Interpersonal skills:
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with IAEA staff at all levels, with representatives of Member States and with counterparts in international organizations;
- Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative partnerships across organizational boundaries;
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced university degree in health physics or a related scientific discipline.
10 years' experience in radiation protection, including at least 5 years at a managerial level involving the development of radiation protection policy, either at the national or international level.
Experience in the development of international safety standards and guidance on the subject of radiation protection and in the implementation of those standards.
Fluency in both written and spoken English. Working knowledge of another official IAEA language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset.

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 $58 083*, 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.