Vacancy Notice No. 2008/043
Position and Grade: Section Head (P-5)
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: 24 June 2008 (re-opened on 23 September 2008)
Application Deadline: 24 October 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 promotes the development of fuel cycle options that are safe, environment-friendly, economically viable and proliferation-resistant, and encourages 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 Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Section is part of the Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology in the Department of Nuclear Energy.

The objective of the Department of Nuclear Energy is to foster the efficient and safe use of nuclear power by supporting interested Member States in: improving the performance of nuclear power plants, the nuclear fuel cycle, and the management of nuclear wastes; catalysing innovation in nuclear power and fuel cycle technologies; developing indigenous capabilities around the world for national energy planning; deploying new nuclear power plants; preserving and disseminating nuclear information and knowledge; and advancing science and industry through improved operation of research reactors.

The operating environment is dynamic, participative and interactive with inputs received from the Board of Governors, the General Conference, policy- and decision-makers, and technical counterparts in Member States and the international development community. The Section Head leads a team of approximately 15 nuclear engineers and support staff.

Main purpose
As a manager and team leader reporting to the Division Director, the Section Head initiates, implements, guides, coordinates, and supervises the IAEA's programme activities concerning nuclear fuel cycle and materials.

Role
The Section Head is: (1) a manager and team leader responsible for the effective development and implementation of the Section's activities; (2) a coordinator and officer responsible for the technical support provided by the Section to the IAEA's technical cooperation programme in the relevant fields; (3) a coordinator and adviser to the Director on programmatic, scientific, and technical issues in the relevant fields; (4) a facilitator of cooperation with other organizations and with other divisions/departments in the IAEA dealing with similar areas of work. The Section Head is responsible for the relevant administrative matters of the Section.

Partnerships
The Section Head works closely with senior counterparts in the IAEA, in Member States and with colleagues in the international community to coordinate the Section's activities and to ensure that the IAEA's programme maintains its state-of-the-art level. He/she interacts closely with the Section staff and other managers and professional staff inside and outside the Division to coordinate and synergize the IAEA's activities.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Serve as Head of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Section, which is responsible for the preparation, implementation and monitoring of, and reporting on, the IAEA's nuclear fuel cycle and materials programme and its budget. The programme covers the technology, general management and strategies with respect to:
    • raw materials for nuclear reactor fuel;
    • power reactor fuel technology and performance;
    • power reactor spent fuel management;
    • nuclear fuel cycle facilities;
    • advanced nuclear fuel cycle technology, fissile material management and databases.
  • Coordinate the Section's provision of specialized technical input to technical cooperation projects in the subject area and provide technical guidance.
  • Broaden and deepen knowledge of nuclear fuel cycles and materials by organizing scientific meetings, preparing scientific programmes, contributing to the preparation and editing of scientific reports, manuals, proceedings and other scientific publications, and organizing in-house meetings in support of the Section's scientific programme.
  • Contribute to an integrated delivery of activities through the coordination of international collaborative projects and promote the exchange of information on nuclear fuel cycle and materials technology worldwide.
  • Ensure the continued high standing and recognition of the IAEA in the scientific community by representing the IAEA at national and international meetings as required.
  • Establish and maintain contacts with individual scientists at various centres and at other relevant international organizations, committees and scientific societies.
  • Liaise with other IAEA divisions and with other international organizations on topics of mutual interest and provide assistance, as required, in other activities of the Division and to other IAEA units on subjects of relevance to nuclear fuel cycle and materials.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Technical expertise:
    • In-depth knowledge of the various components of the nuclear fuel cycle;
    • Good knowledge in nuclear or chemical engineering.
  • Excellent leadership capabilities.
  • Management skills: Demonstrated ability for human and financial resource management with the ability to lead a team effectively, determining clear goals, roles and responsibilities and fostering open communication among team members within a results based framework.
  • Strong communication skills, including report writing and editing, as well as the ability to make effective oral presentations.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • Advanced university (or equivalent) degree in nuclear or chemical engineering, nuclear chemistry, physics, metallurgy or environmental science.
  • At least 10 years of relevant experience, including 5 years in a senior position with management responsibility.
  • Experience in an international multidisciplinary environment.
  • Demonstrated experience in project management, including design, monitoring and implementation as well as the management of human and financial resources.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English essential. Working knowledge of French, Russian or Spanish would be 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 $58 083*, 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.