Vacancy Notice No. 2008/077
Position and Grade: Satellite Imagery Analyst (P-4)
Organizational Unit: Satellite Imagery Analysis Unit
Information Collection and Analysis Section
Division of Information Management
Department of Safeguards
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 19 September 2008
Application Deadline: 9 November 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 implementation of IAEA safeguards. The IAEA implements nuclear verification activities for more than 160 States in accordance with their safeguards agreements. The safeguards activities are undertaken within a dynamic and technically challenging environment including advanced nuclear fuel cycle facilities and complemented by the political diversity of the countries.

The Division of Information Management comprises four sections and provides the Department of Safeguards with the services relating to data processing, secure information distribution, information analysis and knowledge generation necessary to draw independent, impartial and credible safeguards conclusions.

The Section for Information Collection and Analysis contributes to the all-sources information analysis necessary for the IAEA to produce credible conclusions, as required, concerning the compliance of States with their safeguards obligations. The Section participates in the review and definition of processes and technologies for information collection, processing, dissemination and analysis in support of the State evaluation process. It assists in defining information collection and analysis processes and the assessment of relevant tools and systems.

Within the Section, the Satellite Imagery Analysis Unit is responsible for the exploitation of satellite imagery within the Department. The Unit's staff have the following responsibilities: imagery analysis, including correlation/fusion with other sources (open source and geospatial); the production of analytical reports and other supporting materials and systems assisting field operations and state evaluations; imagery collection specifications; image processing using specialized software/hardware; processing/maintenance of geographic information; and the production/maintenance of site layouts and related attributes.

Main purpose
The Satellite Imagery Analyst is the expert in processing and analysis of multisensor Imagery in support of the Unit's mission for assisting the Department's objective with respect to nuclear verification preparation and evaluation activities.

Role
The Satellite Imagery Analyst is: (1) a specialist in imagery analysis activities associated with monitoring nuclear sites and facilities; (2) an author of analytical reports; (3) a coordinator for the integration of open source, State declared, and other collateral information into the imagery analysis process; and (4) a project manager of R&D programmes supported by IAEA Member States.

Partnerships
The Satellite Imagery Analyst is the focal point for specific imagery analysis tasks for the Operations Divisions, coordinating and consolidating customers' expectations, contributing to the establishment of priorities, and evaluating task requests.

Within the Division of Information Management, the incumbent is required to build and develop relationships with other analysts. He/she also guides support staff in the imagery acquisition process, the pre-processing of supporting geospatial data, and the research and collection of collateral information to support the imagery analysis process.

As well as developing and disseminating imagery analysis products, the incumbent is required to build partnerships with staff across the Department as required.

The incumbent will also develop and maintain relationships with external vendors, commercial firms, consultants and researchers in order to communicate the requirements of the imagery analysis process.

Functions / Key Results Expected
In cooperation with other imagery analysts and under the leadership of the Unit Head, the Satellite Imagery Analyst is responsible for the imagery analysis process for specific tasks in support of the Operations Divisions within the Department of Safeguards. The incumbent is responsible for the following:
  • Analysis of satellite images pertinent to safeguards verification by: analysing multisensor data, including high-resolution panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral and radar imagery; providing imagery expertise in the verification of State declarations generating high-quality analytical reports and presenting the findings within the Division and Department; and guiding support staff in the image collection/processing and open source compilation processes.
  • Developing new methods of satellite analysis, and testing them in international forums by: presenting methods and analytical techniques in workshops, conferences, and training courses; directing and managing Member State supported research and development programmes.
  • Collaborating with other staff of the Department on major cross-cutting projects such as: development of integrated analytical products, preparation of State evaluation reports, and IT enhancement activities requiring the development of requirements, including by contributing expertise and leadership to the design, development and population of GIS (geospatial information system) projects for nuclear sites and facilities.
  • Participating in on-site inspections, as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Technical expertise:
    • Extensive knowledge in satellite imagery analysis of nuclear and nuclear related facilities and an in-depth knowledge in the use of image processing techniques, electronic light table (ELT) capabilities, and geographic information system technologies. Good knowledge of multispectral, radar, thermal and hyperspectral imagery;
    • A strong working knowledge of imagery indicators associated with the nuclear fuel cycle;
    • Good knowledge of nuclear activities, with emphasis on imagery-related signatures and observables;
    • A good technical and geographical knowledge of nuclear proliferation, nuclear activities and other related technologies;
    • Strong knowledge of database and information technologies.
  • Communication and analytical skills: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and produce and present high-quality technical and analytical reports and publications.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • University (or equivalent) degree in remote sensing, nuclear science, geography, information technology or a closely related field.
  • At least 7 years of practical working experience, including 5 years of recent experience in multisensor imagery analysis for nuclear safeguards or nuclear proliferation purposes.
  • Demonstrated experience in presenting and/or teaching analytical methods and/or scientific findings skills involving imagery analysis and the nuclear fuel cycle.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

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 $37 957*, 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.