Vacancy Notice No. 2008/908
Position and Grade: Security Systems Engineer (P-4)
Organizational Unit: Seals Unit
Surveillance, Seals and Remote Monitoring Section
Division of Technical Support
Department of Safeguards
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 16 July 2008 (re-opened on 15 April 2009)
Application Deadline: 13 May 2009
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term Temporary Assistance, 2 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The Department of Safeguards is the organizational hub for the IAEA's safeguards work. The IAEA inspects nuclear and related facilities under safeguards agreements with more than 140 States.

Within the Department of Safeguards, the Division of Technical Support is responsible for providing technical support in safeguards specific equipment matters to the three Operations Divisions.

The Seals Unit, which is responsible for safeguards sealing systems and containment verification, is located in the Section for Surveillance, Seals and Remote Monitoring in the Division of Technical Support. The operating environment is collaborative, with due regard given to confidentiality.

Main purpose
The incumbent provides expert assistance on issues related to information security components of safeguards equipment at headquarters and in the field and supports the implementation of safeguards instruments by assessing their compliance with international safety regulations.

Role
The Security Systems Engineer takes the lead role in assessing the data security and data protection of safeguards equipment during the design and implementation steps. The incumbent is an adviser to the other Unit Heads and Section Heads in the Division and to the Director of the Division on all aspects related to authentication, encryption, tamper resistance and compliance with international safety regulations; and an advocate for the implementation of established procedures for the use of information secure components of safeguards equipment.

Partnerships
The Security Systems Engineer provides support to staff in the Division. He/she works closely with inspectors and other operations staff to discuss possible weaknesses in the data security and data protection of safeguards equipment systems/approaches applied in the field and proposes solutions.

Furthermore, the Security Systems Engineer liaises with R&D laboratories/organizations to coordinate vulnerability assessments and certification of safeguards equipment. He/she also interfaces with external counterparts to evaluate and apply up-to-date technologies for enhancing IAEA data security needs.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Define development requirements for data security and data protection for safeguards equipment systems.
  • Undertake initial assessment of safeguards equipment systems with respect to information security, data and physical protection, safety, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
  • Participate in the planning and completion of acceptance tests for safeguards equipment at headquarters and in the field.
  • Contribute to the development, formulation and implementation of standardized methodology and procedures to assess and strengthen information security for safeguards equipment systems and compliance with international safety and EMC regulations.
  • Plan, implement and upgrade documentation as required for the authorization process.
  • Coordinate with third party experts and equipment system manufacturers regarding vulnerability assessments.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Technical expertise:
    • In-depth relevant technical knowledge to enable the assessment of equipment components/systems for potential flaws in data security, data protection, and physical tamper resistance.
    • Knowledge of international regulations in the area of equipment safety and EMC.
    • Familiarity with IAEA safeguards equipment and approaches highly desirable.
  • A high standard of integrity, fairness and transparency to ensure and promote a work environment based on mutual respect and trust.
  • Ability and willingness to keep abreast of technological developments and to share knowledge.
  • Good communication skills: Ability to write technical documentation and procedures and to deliver oral presentations in a clear manner.
  • Strong planning and organizing skills to set clearly defined objectives, plan activities in a timely way and monitor performance against deadlines and milestones.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain good relationships with internal and external counterparts and to work harmoniously in a multicultural/multidisciplinary environment with respect and sensitivity for diversity.
  • Innovative thinking.
  • Commitment to quality.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • Advanced university (or equivalent) degree in physical science, e.g. electronic/computer engineering or associated disciplines.
  • At least 7 years of working experience in systems engineering with particular focus on data security, cryptographic processes and standards, vulnerability assessments, tamper protection components and compliance with international safety standards.
  • Work experience at the international level is an asset.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English. Working knowledge of at least one additional official IAEA language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) or German an advantage.

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

Remuneration
The Agency offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $64 521 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $31 615*, 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.