Vacancy Notice No. 2008/608
Position and Grade: Nuclear Engineer (Radioactive Waste Disposal) (P-4)
Organizational Unit: Waste Technology Section
Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology
Department of Nuclear Energy
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 25 April 2008
Application Deadline: 9 June 2008
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term temporary assistance, 2 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology is a Division of the Department Nuclear Energy, which aims to increase the capabilities of interested Member States for relevant policymaking, strategic planning, technology development and the implementation of safe, reliable, economically efficient, proliferation resistant and environmentally sound nuclear fuel cycle and waste management programmes.

One of its two sections, the Waste Technology Section covers a broad spectrum of activities and is organized into units responsible for radioactive waste characterization and conditioning, waste disposal, decommissioning and site remediation. Efforts are mainly focused on the development and implementation of better technology transfer mechanisms, the promotion of sustainable and safer processes and procedures, and the provision of direct assistance through the technical cooperation programme.

The unit responsible for waste disposal assists Member States in the development, transfer and demonstration of technologies appropriate for the disposal of all types of waste and in national efforts to gain public confidence in waste disposal schemes.

The incumbent deals mainly with matters relating to the disposal of high level and long lived waste and also spent nuclear fuel. The position also involves activities dealing with the disposal of low level radioactive waste.

Main purpose
As a member of a team led by the heads of the respective unit and the Section, the Nuclear Engineer manages the network established under IAEA auspices of national underground research laboratories for geological disposal and contributes the experience gained to the establishment and operation of a new international network of low level waste disposal centres.

Role
The incumbent is a: (1) manager of the network of centres of excellence established for training and demonstration activities in underground research laboratories; (2) partnership builder, establishing, developing and maintaining an international network of low level waste (LLW) disposal centres in close relationship with the staff responsible for LLW disposal activities; (3) technical officer, arranging and conducting activities required for the successful and timely publication of technical documents, as an outcome of tasks in the field of the geological disposal of high level and long lived radioactive waste falling under his/her responsibility and as defined in the IAEA programme; (4) scientific secretary/technical expert, planning and leading moderately complex Technical Meetings.

Partnerships
The incumbent ensures the overall coordination of Member State experts participating in network activities by planning and implementing training activities, facilitating the sharing of information and experience among network participants. He/she organizes communication and exchanges on project related matters among all countries participating in the network. He/she also has a key role in facilitating the sharing of experience and transfer of knowledge in the field of radioactive waste disposal.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Coordinate R&D work and demonstrations carried out within the framework of cooperative projects involving underground research laboratories by organizing scientific and technical meetings and associated training activities (courses, workshops, fellowships and scientific visits).
  • Formally establish, promote and develop a second international network on LLW management centres by organizing appropriate scientific and technical meetings with senior executives.
  • Document current knowledge on geological disposal concept development and demonstration (e.g. for technical and non-technical audiences by means of technical reports).
  • Provide advice and technical assistance to Member States for specific projects in the field of radioactive waste management and disposal, as required, and contribute to the preparation of the IAEA's programme, financial plan, annual reports, etc.
  • Convene each year an average of 3-4 consultancies, 2-3 Technical Meetings or workshops, 1 Research Coordination Meeting, and implement a coordinated research project resulting in the development of 1-2 technical publications per year.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Good knowledge of relevant disciplines in nuclear, chemical, geological, and mining engineering.
  • Planning and organizing skills: ability to set clearly defined objectives; ability to plan activities/projects well in advance, taking into account possible changing circumstances; ability to identify and organize required resources, including external consultants, and to monitor performance against deadlines and milestones.
  • Strong communication skills: ability to write technical documents in a structured manner and to deliver 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
  • University (or equivalent) degree in the field of geosciences or nuclear engineering related to the disposal of radioactive waste, preferably geological disposal.
  • At least 7 years of working experience in a relevant field.
  • Extensive relevant experience at the international level.
  • In-depth knowledge and experience in scientific/technical principles of and developments in the field of the disposal of radioactive waste, in particular geological disposal of high level waste and near surface disposal of low level waste.
  • Experience of working in a national/international nuclear organization or institute desirable.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of 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 $63 052 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $48 739*, 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.