Vacancy Notice No. 2008/050
Position and Grade: Unit Head (P-5)
Organizational Unit: Surveillance Unit
Surveillance, Seals and Remote Monitoring Section
Division of Technical Support
Department of Safeguards
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 16 July 2008
Application Deadline: 29 August 2008
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The Department of Safeguards is the organizational hub for the IAEA's safeguards work. The IAEA inspects nuclear and related facilities under safeguards agreements with more than 140 States.

Within the Department of Safeguards, the Division of Technical Support is responsible for providing technical support in safeguards specific equipment matters to the three Operations Divisions.

The Surveillance Unit, which is responsible for safeguards surveillance systems, is located in the Section for Surveillance, Seals and Remote Monitoring as part of the Division of Technical Support. The operating environment is collaborative, with due regard given to confidentiality.

Main purpose
As a team leader reporting to the Head of the Section for Surveillance, Seals and Remote Monitoring, the incumbent leads the Surveillance Unit in terms of planning, supervision and implementation of its activities. The Unit Head takes the lead in cradle-to-grave responsibility for all IAEA video surveillance systems worldwide. She/he manages and directs a team of scientists, engineers and technicians in the most efficient manner to meet Divisional and Departmental strategic objectives in support of the needs of the Operations Division.

Role
The Unit Head plays several key roles: team leader, ensuring the efficient and effective implementation of the Surveillance Unit's development, installation, service and maintenance activities; adviser to the other Unit Heads and Section Heads in the Division and to the Director of the Division on surveillance related matters; and advocate for the Unit's administrative matters.

Partnerships
The Head of the Surveillance Unit provides supervision and guidance to the Unit's staff members. She/he establishes links and engages with Section Heads, Units Heads and application specialists by providing support related to safeguards equipment that utilizes surveillance features. Furthermore, the Unit Head works closely with representatives of the Operations Divisions to support their surveillance needs. She/he also interfaces with external counterparts in surveillance matters. She/he liaises with external R&D organizations and commercial equipment manufacturers on surveillance devices.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Lead the development and implementation of the IAEA's next generation surveillance systems, a phased project currently at an advanced stage of development.
  • Formulate the Unit's work programme and related budget.
  • Monitor and manage the appropriate configuration and operation of the surveillance laboratory.
  • Coordinate the implementation and support of safeguards surveillance devices around the world.
  • Coordinate the development and implementation of surveillance related infrastructure.
  • Review and analyse the programme to assess the quality and effectiveness of surveillance implementation, and propose changes to increase the effectiveness and to assure the quality of services.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Technical expertise:
    • In-depth knowledge of the principles and practices of surveillance devices, including relevant experience in cryptographic methods to ensure the highest level of secure data handling.
    • Familiarity with IAEA safeguards equipment and approaches highly desirable.
    • Learning attitude: Ability to keep abreast of technological developments.
  • Project/management skills:
    • Demonstrated ability in handling large, phased equipment development and implementation projects;
    • Demonstrated knowledge of human and financial resource management with the ability to lead multidisciplinary/ multicultural teams effectively, determining clear goals, roles and responsibilities.
  • Adherence to principles and values: A high standard of integrity, fairness and transparency to ensure and promote a work environment based on mutual respect and trust.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to deal effectively with internal and external counterparts.
  • Strong communication skills including effective presentation skills and the ability to write and edit technical reports.
  • Innovative thinking.
  • Quality and customer orientation.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • Advanced university (or equivalent) degree in communication technology, electronics, computer engineering, physics or an associated discipline.
  • At least 10 years of working experience, including at international level, in surveillance systems, preferably in the nuclear field. Of those, at least 5 years of experience in supervising staff.
  • Experience with safeguards equipment support or in a related field of work highly desirable.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English. Working knowledge of at least one additional official IAEA language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) or German would be an advantage.

Remuneration
The Agency 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 $59 440*, 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.