Vacancy Notice No. 2009/040
Position and Grade: Isotope Hydrologist (P-3)
Organizational Unit: Isotope Hydrology Section
Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences
Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 4 June 2009
Application Deadline: 20 July 2009
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The Isotope Hydrology Section in the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, is responsible for planning and implementing the Agency's water resources programme.

The water resources programme assists Member States in assessing and managing their water resources in all aspects, with isotope hydrology as an integral part of their scientific and institutional strengths. Major activities are focused on the effective use of isotope techniques for solving Member States' needs in water resources management. Programme scope and implementation strategy are coordinated with other national and international organizations active in the water sector, as well as with related Agency programmes, such as the marine environment, food and agriculture, and technical cooperation programmes.

The Isotope Hydrology Section consists of a Section Head and up to 20 professional and support staff. The Isotope Hydrologist reports to the Section Head and works in a team environment with other professionals in the Section.

Main purpose
As a member of a team led by the Section Head, the Isotope Hydrologist contributes to a results-oriented programmatic response to Member States' priorities in the application of nuclear technologies to meet their development goals related to water resources.

Role
The Isotope Hydrologist is: (1) a programme developer and implementer, contributing to planning and developing the Agency's programme in a specific area of isotope hydrology and water resources management; (2) a technical specialist, planning and conducting basic technical meetings and technical review missions, contributing to the evaluation of technical cooperation projects, and promoting, coordinating and evaluating moderately complex coordinated research projects (CRPs) in the area of water resources management.

Partnerships
The Isotope Hydrologist works closely with staff in the water resources programme and leads CRPs and normative activities. He/she also works with colleagues in the Department of Technical Cooperation to support projects under the IAEA's technical cooperation programme. The Isotope Hydrologist interacts with national, regional and international water resources management organizations and agricultural research centres.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Provide technical advice and service to IAEA Member States in the design, appraisal and implementation of projects aimed at nuclear techniques in water resources management.
  • Assist in the planning and implementation of programmes in the field of water resources management practices, conduct analytical studies, participate in task forces, and provide technical input to the policy and standards development of regional and international bodies.
  • Evaluate technical cooperation projects, develop actions plans and plan, organize and participate in seminars, workshops, expert missions and training courses.
  • Plan, manage and implement CRPs and technical meetings aimed at developing or adapting new applications of isotopes in hydrology.
  • Contribute to administrative reports and documents to be provided to senior management and governing bodies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • A strong technical background and practical experience in nuclear techniques in water resources management.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct applied research with field and/or laboratory studies.
  • Proven ability to analyse technical and scientific information.
  • Good communication skills. Proven ability to write clearly and concisely.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills:
    • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with IAEA staff at all levels, with representatives of the Member States and with external counterparts;
    • Demonstrated ability to interact effectively as part of an international team to achieve organizational goals through collaboration;
    • Ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • Advanced university degree, preferably a PhD, in hydrology, geosciences, natural resources management or related disciplines.
  • At least 5 years of working experience in developing and using isotope techniques for resolving problems of water resources management.
  • Practical field experience, including experience at the international level.
  • Experience as a coordinator or project manager in water resources management.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English essential. Knowledge of French or Spanish desirable.

Remuneration
The Agency offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $53 629 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $34 859*, 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.