Vacancy Notice No. 2008/607
Position and Grade: Technical Head (Infrastructure and Planning) (P-5)
Organizational Unit: Nuclear Power Engineering Section
Division of Nuclear Power
Department of Nuclear Energy
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 18 April 2008
Application Deadline: 2 June 2008
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term temporary assistance, 2 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The objective of the Department of Nuclear Energy (NE) 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 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 Department consists of two divisions: the Division of Nuclear Power and the Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology. Each Division is composed of various Sections. The operating environment is dynamic, participative and interactive with inputs received from the IAEA Board of Governors, the IAEA General Conference, policy and decision-makers, and technical counterparts in Member States and the international development community.

The Technical Head leads the activities in the infrastructure and planning area, reports to the Head of the Nuclear Power Engineering Section, and is supported by an average of 3-5 staff members.

Main purpose
As a member of the team led by the Section Head and as lead technical expert, the Technical Head guides, coordinates, and supervises the IAEA's projects on infrastructure and planning for the introduction of nuclear power programmes within the Nuclear Power Engineering Section in the Division of Nuclear Power.

Role
The Technical Head is: (1) a team leader who plans, directs, coordinates and supervises the activities on infrastructure support for Member States interested in nuclear power, planning and support for Member States' first nuclear power project and development of future nuclear infrastructure arrangements in accordance with Member States' needs, and who monitors their implementation; (2) a substantive expert contributor who manages and contributes to projects of particular complexity and/or sensitivity; (3) a scientific secretary to international scientific meetings related to the future application of nuclear power who as such oversees preparation and editing of scientific reports, manuals, proceedings and other scientific publications; and (4) a coordinator of inter-agency collaborative projects within the UN system who reviews and provides systematic overviews and prepares technical documentation and papers for discussions.

Partnerships
The Technical Head engages high-level technical and political counterparts in Member States' in the programme planning and implementation area to ensure effective transfer and sharing of technical (nuclear) and managerial know-how, and promotes partnership building with appropriate international organizations and other relevant institutions. In addition, he/she meets regularly with the Section Head, other technical heads and colleagues in the Department to ensure effective utilization and integration of all resources (human, financial and technical). He/she also works with and coordinates work with technical experts in the Department of Technical Cooperation to ensure a seamless integration of all projects and programs.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Plan, guide, coordinate and monitor implementation, and supervise the activities of the subprogramme on infrastructure and planning for the introduction of nuclear power programmes in accordance with Member States' needs, including but not limited to nuclear power engineering and compliance of Member States with the requirements and recommendations of the IAEA's guidance in these same areas.
  • Coordinate the provision of specialized technical input to technical cooperation projects in the subject area and provide technical guidance; evaluate proposals, develop work plans; provide support in planning and implementing training courses and workshops.
  • Broaden and deepen the field of knowledge by organizing scientific meetings related to the specialized field, and serve as scientific secretary; prepare scientific programmes, contribute to the preparation and editing of scientific reports, manuals, proceedings and other scientific publications; prepare and organize in-house meetings in support of the Section's scientific programme.
  • Maintain the 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 in other relevant international organizations, committees and scientific societies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Comprehensive and current knowledge of infrastructure and planning for the introduction of nuclear power programmes.
  • Familiarity with and understanding of the specific needs and conditions of developing countries and proven ability in matters relating to strengthening human capacity development in developing countries.
  • Strong interpersonal skills: Ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural and multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
  • Planning and organizing skills:
  • Demonstrated ability to set clearly defined objectives and to plan activities/projects well in advance, taking into account possible changing circumstances;
  • Ability to identify and organize the required resources and to monitor performance against deadlines and milestones.
  • Supervisory skills: Ability to provide staff with a clear direction, to delegate work and to motivate staff.
  • Communication skills: Ability to write technical documents in a structured manner and to deliver effective oral presentations.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • Advanced university (or equivalent) degree in nuclear, mechanical or chemical engineering or in a related technical discipline.
  • At least ten years of recent relevant professional experience in nuclear power, design and development activities, including at the international level.
  • Comprehensive experience in the management of scientific projects.
  • Experience of working in a national/international nuclear organization or institute desirable.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English essential. Knowledge of Arabic, French, Russian, or Spanish desirable.

NOTE: This is not an established Agency post. It is fixed term temporary assistance post, subject to the availability of funds.

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 $58 309*, 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.