Vacancy Notice No. 2008/802
Position and Grade: Programme Management Officer (P-4)
Organizational Unit: Division for Africa
Department of Technical Cooperation
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 21 April 2008
Application Deadline: 3 June 2008
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term temporary assistance, 2 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The Department of Technical Cooperation (TC) consists of a Division of Programme Support and Coordination and four regional divisions (Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Latin America) which are organized into two sections each. The objective of the regional divisions is to respond to relevant development priorities in Member States through effective programme management, increased engagement of Member States, partnership building and improved coordination in the region, and to contribute to increased self-reliance of Member States in the application of nuclear techniques.

The TC operating environment is dynamic, participative and interactive with inputs received continuously from the IAEA Board of Governors, the IAEA General Conference, policy- and decision-makers, and technical counterparts in Member States and in the international development community.

Main purpose
Under the supervision and guidance of the Section Head, the Programme Management Officer develops and manages innovative and complex programmes and projects in the area of nuclear technology based on Member States' development needs.

Role
The Programme Management Officer acts as substantive contributor and specialist adviser in developing and managing the TC programme and advising on programmatic and socio-economic issues and development conditions in assigned countries. Building on his/her solid knowledge of and experience in the TC programme, he/she elaborates concepts and/or develops new approaches and methodologies to meet complex programmatic challenges and to manage complex and/or sensitive situations in programme delivery.

The Programme Management Officer is responsible for a number of specific countries in the region, reports directly to the Section Head and shares support staff within the team.

Partnerships
The Programme Management Officer works closely with relevant technical divisions acting as focal point for a specific technical area. He/she establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with Member State institutions, development partners and civil society to increase awareness of the TC programme and to address emerging issues and facilitate programme delivery.

Functions / Key Results Expected
In particular, the Programme Management Officer:
  • Assesses and interprets the political, social and economic environment of assigned countries and provides inputs to country programme frameworks addressing TC strategy and policy issues; in collaboration with Member State institutions, technical departments and other partners, designs programmes/projects integrating best practices and innovative policies and strategies and applying quality management standards and a results-based approach;
  • Acts as TC focal point or resource person, where needed, for cross-departmental issues.
  • Assesses progress and reports on achievement of project results in line with quality management standards; identifies lessons learned and proposes adaptations and innovations to monitoring and assessment mechanisms and tools; monitors programme/project budgets and certifies and approves project disbursements to ensure that delivery is in line with approved project budgets and that delivery levels are met;
  • Expedites and coordinates project implementation, establishing collaborative relationships with Member State institutions and recommending innovative approaches to project execution and capacity building; ensures the timely and effective implementation of human resource and equipment components;
  • Develops and maintains networks and partnerships with national institutions and UN development agencies to contribute to increased awareness of TC; contributes to resource mobilization activities, proposing projects requiring additional funding and identifying funding options;
  • Contributes to the documentation of knowledge by proposing examples of best practices and success stories, as well as replicable strategies and approaches, and actively shares and applies this knowledge.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Demonstrated ability to analyse complex situations, grasp the critical aspects, and make timely and firm decisions based on sound judgement.
  • Sets challenging goals for him/herself, maintains focus on results, overcomes obstacles and takes responsibility for the results achieved.
  • Actively seeks opportunities to learn and responds positively to new tasks. Seeks and welcomes feedback and adjusts behaviour accordingly.
  • Ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment with respect and sensitivity for diversity.
  • Strong communication skills, including report writing and editing as well as oral presentations.
  • Is committed to the IAEA's strategy and to the consistent application of organizational policies and procedures. Understands the position of other organizational units and works effectively across organizational and functional boundaries.
  • Demonstrates openness and flexibility and responds positively to change. Identifies areas for improvement and generates new ideas to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Focuses on results in programme/project design, monitoring and implementation. Integrates new approaches and innovations, and ensures the cost-effective use of funds.
  • Designs programmes/projects that support the achievement of development goals and identifies sustainable approaches. Promotes capacity-building measures in programme/project design and implementation.
  • Builds relevant strategic partnerships and alliances with key stakeholders and partners. Identifies areas of common interest and recommends opportunities for collaboration and joint initiatives.
  • Possesses and applies knowledge of the TC programme and of TC strategies and approaches, and keeps abreast of new developments in the area of his/her profession.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • Advanced university degree in management, social sciences, science and technology, or international relations.
  • At least 7 years' experience in technical assistance programming at national or international level preferably in a nuclear field.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English essential. Knowledge of French highly 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.