Vacancy Notice No. 2008/921
Position and Grade: Senior Technology Analyst (P-5) (2 posts)
Organizational Unit: Trade and Technology Analysis Unit
Information Collection and Analysis Section
Division of Information Management
Department of Safeguards
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 24 October 2008 (re-opened on 15 May 2009)
Application Deadline: 12 June 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 implementation of IAEA safeguards. The IAEA implements nuclear verification activities for more than 140 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 (ICA) 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. ICA participates in the review and definition of processes and technologies for information collection, processing, dissemination and analysis in support of the State evaluation process.

Within ICA, the Trade and Technology Analysis Unit (TTA) develops and conducts nuclear trade and technology related information gathering, as well as review, analysis, evaluation and dissemination. TTA maintains the institutional memory on safeguards relevant covert nuclear related procurement activities. It develops and conducts outreach activities towards States and companies with a view to diversifying the IAEA information sources and providing a better understanding of nuclear proliferation concerns related to technology transfer and trading processes. The Unit also provides advanced scientific and technical expertise in support of specific investigations and State evaluation.

The Senior Technology Analyst reports to the Unit Head of TTA.

Main purpose
The Senior Technology Analyst leverages his/her broad understanding of the various aspects of sensitive nuclear technologies or nuclear weapons development to deepen the IAEA's understanding of nuclear proliferation concerns related to technology transfer and trading. He/she provides expertise in specialized sensitive nuclear technology or nuclear weaponization, analyses data and advises on verification of nuclear proliferation issues related to his/her expertise.

Role
The Senior Technology Analyst is an expert in nuclear technology or weaponization; a key contributor in the preparation and review of State evaluation reports as both senior technical expert and information analyst; an adviser to senior levels in consultations and investigations arising from ad hoc requests from TTA both at headquarters and in-field; a liaison, as appropriate, with representatives of other safeguards divisions, IAEA departments and Member States on issues of his/her expertise; and a technical expert in providing safeguards training with the provision of course material and presentations.

Partnerships
The Senior Technology Analyst advises senior management on broad-perspective analysis of nuclear weaponization concerns; consults and negotiates with counterpart Member State experts to verify sensitive factual information, consults with industry; participates in teamwork on a daily basis with other Unit members; cooperates with and provides advice and guidance to staff of the Department of Safeguards by coordinating and/or participating in defining analysis goals, setting priorities and evaluating task requests; and cooperates with the staff of the Department of Safeguards and other IAEA departments with respect to verification activities and to improve awareness of proliferation concerns related to sensitive nuclear technologies or nuclear weaponization.

Functions / Key Results Expected
The Senior Technology Analyst contributes essential expertise in specialized sensitive nuclear technology or nuclear weaponization to:
  • Prepare/review State evaluation reports and in departmental working groups, prepare reports and advise on technology issues, as required;
  • Further develop analysis approaches and methods related to revealing undeclared nuclear activities and covert trade of sensitive nuclear technology and prepare analysis guidelines;
  • Guide, review and evaluate the work with technical consultants on specific analytical and development projects, including the Department of Safeguards R&D programme and the IAEA's support projects, and coordinate/participate in preparing reports;
  • Plan, implement and report on verification activities at headquarters and in the field, when appropriate;
  • Provide authoritative technical expertise and advice concerning nuclear proliferation issues and investigations on sensitive nuclear technologies or nuclear weapons development. Undertake in-depth analysis of information and prepare analysis reports.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Professional expertise:
    • Broad knowledge of substantial elements of the nuclear fuel cycle and specific knowledge of at least one of the more sensitive technologies preferably related to uranium enrichment or nuclear weaponization;
    • Broad knowledge of the relevant processes, materials, components and equipment that are possible indicators of nuclear fuel cycle or nuclear weaponization related activities and facilities;
    • Extensive technical knowledge of nuclear proliferation issues;
    • Some knowledge of nuclear or dual-use export/import controls, customs or law enforcement activities.
  • Analytical skills: Good demonstrated capabilities to identify and analyse links between activities, facilities and technology transfers that may raise proliferation concerns.
  • Strong interpersonal skills: (i) 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; (ii) to participate effectively in and lead teamwork; and (iii) to act with tact and diplomacy in dealing with Member States.
  • Supervisory and management skills.
  • Strong planning and organizing skills to set clearly defined objectives, plan activities in a timely way and monitor performance against deadlines and milestones.
  • Ability and willingness to demonstrate initiative, to take decisions and to work independently.
  • Learning attitude: Ability and willingness to keep abreast of technological developments and to share knowledge.
  • Strong sense of confidentiality to handle sensitive information.
  • Good communication skills, including demonstrated ability to produce high quality analytical reports and to deliver technical briefings in a clear and structured manner.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • University (or equivalent) degree in nuclear science or engineering, chemistry, physics or electronics/ instrumentation/ computer science.
  • At least 10 years of relevant experience in civilian or military nuclear industry, including experience in non-proliferation.
  • Experience in the design, manufacture, operation and procurement of goods or services related to sensitive nuclear technologies or nuclear weaponization.
  • Proven experience in and knowledge of procedures for handling sensitive technical knowledge and issues on a State level.
  • Experience in investigations into nuclear proliferation activities is an advantage.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English. Working knowledge of other IAEA official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) desirable.

NOTE: This is not an established IAEA 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 $77 190 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $45 156*, 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.