Vacancy Notice No. 2009/039


Position and Grade:	Unit Head (P-5)
Organizational Unit:	Radiation Safety and Monitoring Section Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety Department of Nuclear Safety and Security
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	5 June 2009 (re-opened on 24 July 2009)
Application Deadline:	7 August 2009
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety develops and maintains standards for radiation protection, radioactive waste safety and safety in the transport of radioactive material that enable the beneficial uses of radiation to be exploited while ensuring appropriate protection of workers, the public and medical patients. It also assists Member States in the implementation of these standards and provides related services.

The Radiation Safety and Monitoring Section is responsible for the delineation of a global radiation safety regime to protect workers, patients and the public from all types of exposure to natural or artificial radiation, according to the most recent scientific knowledge and information. The Section is also responsible for the provision of radiation monitoring and protection services for staff members and experts who may be exposed to ionizing radiation due to activities conducted by the IAEA.

The Radiation Protection of Workers and Monitoring Unit is responsible for the development of standards and other guidance on all aspects of occupational radiation protection, in consultation with other international organizations, e.g. the International Labour Organization (ILO). The Unit also provides for the application of these standards in Member States, fostering information exchange, promoting education and training, and supporting technical cooperation activities in the field of occupational radiation protection. The unit operates the IAEA/ISOE (Information System on Occupational Exposure) Technical Centre. In addition, the Unit is responsible for the newly established ISOE in Medical, Industrial and Research areas (ISEMIR), as well as the general management of other networks on occupational exposure. The Unit provides support on occupational radiation safety issues for Member States embarking on nuclear power or new technologies.

The environment of the Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety is dynamic, participative and interactive with continuous inputs received from internal technical counterparts and external counterparts in Member States, from other international organizations and from the international scientific community.

Main purpose

As a team leader reporting to the Section Head, the Unit Head develops the IAEA's policy and programme on the radiation protection of workers and leads the Unit's activities to ensure the efficacy of the IAEA's programme on a global level.

Role

The Unit Head is: (a) a programme developer and coordinator in a specialized, multilateral environment with diverse views on the issues, finding practical solutions and presenting arguments that can achieve results; (b) a senior specialist, whose extensive experience in and knowledge of the area form the basis for mutual respect vis-à-vis high-level regulators and operators in Member States; (c) a manager, ensuring that programmes and tasks are implemented effectively; (d) an adviser/promoter, conveying to multiple audiences the IAEA's vision and mission in this area; and (e) a facilitator of cooperation with other organizations and with other Departments in the IAEA dealing with this area of work.

Partnerships

The Unit Head engages senior counterparts in Member States and in other international and specialist organizations concerned with occupational radiation protection to promote the IAEA's activities and to ensure that the IAEA's programme maintains its state-of-the-art level. In developing this approach and managing the Unit, the Unit Head works closely with the Section Head, other Unit Heads, the staff in the Unit and in other areas of the IAEA in achieving the desired goals, and advises on project evaluation, programme planning and implementation.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Lead the development and implementation of the IAEA's programme on occupational radiation protection, including the IAEA's own radiation monitoring and protection service. Serve as a focal point on the service to other organizational areas in the IAEA.
Lead the IAEA's activities to promote and encourage the application of the IAEA's safety standards on occupational radiation protection through the provision of technical assistance, education and training, and by networking, with a view to establishing a harmonized approach at the international level.
Lead the collaboration with other relevant international organizations, in particular with ILO, to ensure a harmonized approach to occupational radiation protection.
Lead the IAEA's involvement in the ISOE sponsored by the IAEA and the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Nuclear Energy Agency.
Lead the ISEMIR network.
Ensure harmonization of and collaboration between networks on occupational radiation protection.
Build and maintain partnerships across work areas in the Department and beyond to ensure the coherence and synergy of related programmes of work.
Plan and coordinate the work of the Unit to ensure the delivery of programme objectives, including the supervision of staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of radiation safety principles and the science on which they are based.
Knowledge of the IAEA's Basic Safety Standards, the Safety Standards Series of publications and of other relevant international safety standards.
Demonstrated ability to manage human, financial and material resources to achieve stated objectives and to plan and manage work programmes.
Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team of professional and support staff and provide effective guidance to them.
Communication skills:
- Strong presentation skills;
- Ability to write and edit scientific and technical reports.
Interpersonal skills:
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with IAEA staff at all levels, with representatives of Member States and with counterparts in international organizations;
- Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative partnerships across organizational boundaries;
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced university degree in radiation safety or physical sciences appropriate to the duties of the post.
At least 10 years experience in the field of occupational radiation protection, of which at least 5 should have been concerned with the management of an occupational radiation protection programme.
Experience in all areas of occupational radiation protection, including the development of international safety standards, the application of safety standards and the management of occupational radiation protection services.
Participation in international activities related to occupational radiation protection.
Experience in the application of international safety standards in developing countries desirable.
Fluency in both written and spoken English. Working knowledge of another official IAEA language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an asset.

NOTE: The incumbent will be considered to be a radiation worker and be subject to an appropriate programme of physical and special medical surveillance arranged by the IAEA.

Remuneration

The Agency 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 $51 100*, 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.