Vacancy Notice No. 2008/064
Position and Grade: Safety Officer (P-4)
Organizational Unit: Operational Safety Section
Division of Nuclear Installation Safety
Department of Nuclear Safety and Security
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 12 September 2008
Application Deadline: 27 October 2008
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The Department of Nuclear Safety and Security consists of two divisions, the Division of Nuclear Installation Safety and the Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety. The objective of the programme implemented by the Division of Nuclear Installation Safety is to achieve and maintain a high level of safety of nuclear installations worldwide under design, construction or operation by: establishing standards of safety for the protection of health, including standards for nuclear power plants and other nuclear installations; and, providing for the application of these standards through, inter alia, support for the IAEA's technical cooperation programme, the rendering of services, the promotion of education and training, the fostering of information exchange and the coordination of research and development.

The Operational Safety Section's main aim is to enhance Member States' capabilities to manage and maintain a high level of safety in nuclear installations through operational safety review services. Also, it aims to improve operational safety in Member States through the use of IAEA safety standards and continuous self-assessment, and to make available to Member States good industry practices and performance in nuclear installations worldwide. The Section's objective is to strengthen the capability of Member States to enhance their operational safety performance through the use of operational experience feedback and corrective action programmes.

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 Safety Officer reports to the Head of the Section.

Main purpose
As a member of a team led by the Section Head, the Safety Officer contributes to project activities in the area of operating experience in general and incident reporting in particular. The incumbent develops and implements programmes on training, promotes the enhancement of the safety of nuclear installations worldwide and provides technical assistance and safety review services at the request of Member States.

Role
The Safety Officer is a: (1) programme developer and implementer, contributing to planning and development of the IAEA's programme in nuclear safety; (2) scientific secretary/technical expert, planning and leading moderately complex Technical Meetings; (3) mission leader, planning and leading moderately complex safety review missions; (4) technical and project officer, evaluating moderately complex technical cooperation projects.

Partnerships
The Safety Officer engages high level counterparts in Member States' institutions on programme planning and implementation to ensure effective transfer and sharing of technical know-how, and works with Member States' representatives and advisory groups to identify needs and respond to the interests of Member States in the safety of nuclear installations and facilities and in operating experience.

Furthermore, the Safety Officer works closely with appropriate technical departments within the IAEA, Member States' institutions and other relevant international organizations to ensure the effective implementation of nuclear installation safety activities and operating experience.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Contribute technical knowledge to planning, developing and implementing the IAEA's programme in the area of operating experience.
  • Operate the Incident Reporting System (IRS) by coordinating and providing technical support to participating countries for efficient operation and management of the system and contribute to its improvement.
  • Maintain and develop the database and web-based system to harmonize incident reporting systems for nuclear power plants, research reactors and fuel cycle facilities.
  • Plan and lead moderately complex technical meetings in the area of incident reporting and operating experience, including proposing a subject, preparing the scope, selecting participants, and coordinating the preparation of reports and documents.
  • Plan and lead moderately complex safety review missions, preparatory meetings and follow-up visits, and assess Member States' needs. Provide technical input to the preparation of mission reports.
  • Evaluate moderately complex technical cooperation projects, develop action plans, and plan, organize and participate in seminars, workshops and expert missions.
  • Promote, coordinate and evaluate moderately complex coordinated research projects (CRPs) in Member States in the area of incident reporting and operating experience.
  • Conduct moderately complex studies and assessments related to issues and trends in the area of incident reporting and operating experience.
  • Plan, organize and conduct training for moderately complex or sensitive topics.
  • Participate as an active member and IAEA representative in activities with other international organizations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • In-depth knowledge and experience of nuclear safety principles and state-of-the-art nuclear safety techniques.
  • Thorough knowledge of common approaches to nuclear safety as well as international undertakings in the area of incident reporting and operating experience. Expertise in incident reporting for nuclear power plants and fuel cycle facilities, as well as in programming and database maintenance.
  • 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.
  • Knowledge of IAEA safety standards and national standards in the area of operating experience.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • Advanced university degree in an engineering or nuclear sciences related field.
  • At least 7 years of experience in a nuclear related area, including some experience at international level.
  • At least 3 years of experience at international level related to operating experience.
  • Fluency in English essential. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is 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 $43 506*, 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.