Vacancy Notice No. 2009/047
Position and Grade: Technical Head (Disposal) (P-5)
Organizational Unit: Waste Technology Section
Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology
Department of Nuclear Energy
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 2 July 2009
Application Deadline: 17 August 2009
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology is a Division of the Department Nuclear Energy which aims to increase the capabilities of interested Member States for relevant policy-making, strategic planning, technology development and the implementation of safe, reliable, economically efficient, proliferation resistant and environmentally sound nuclear fuel cycle and waste management programmes.

One of its two sections, the Waste Technology Section covers a broad spectrum of activities and is organized into units responsible for radioactive waste management (RWM) (pre-disposal and disposal), decommissioning, environmental remediation and management of disused radioactive sources. Efforts are mainly focused on the elaboration and implementation of comprehensive and integrated RWM strategies, the development of RWM infrastructure, the promotion of good practices for sustainable, safe and cost-effective RWM and the provision of direct assistance through the technical cooperation programme.

One of the main activities of the Section is to advise Member States on the planning and implementation of adequate strategies and methodologies for radioactive waste disposal, to collect and disseminate information on processes, technologies and good practices for safe and cost-effective disposal, and to provide direct assistance to Member States through the IAEA's technical cooperation programme on the development of infrastructure for radioactive waste disposal, the strengthening of technical capabilities, the selection of appropriate disposal solutions and technologies. The Section also contributes to supplementing national efforts to gain public confidence in waste disposal.

Main purpose
As the leader of a team of nuclear engineers and support staff, and under the supervision of the Waste Technology Section Head, the incumbent plans the work programme and implements the activities related to radioactive waste disposal, supervises and coordinates the activities assigned to the team, and reports to Departmental management on the progress and implementation of the programme.

Role
The Technical Head operates in the field of radioactive waste disposal either as: (i) a programme implementer and a coordinator of project activities with other professionals in the Section, ensuring that projects are developed and implemented in the most efficient and effective manner in line with quality management standards and the results-based approach; (ii) a scientific secretary/technical expert, planning, implementing and leading technical meetings; (iii) a technical and project officer implementing technical cooperation projects in the area of waste management; and (iv) a facilitator of cooperation with other organizations and with other divisions/departments in the IAEA dealing with similar areas of work.

Partnerships
The Technical Head provides advice and guidance to senior management on topics relevant to his area of work, staff in the Department of Nuclear Energy and staff in other Departments within the IAEA, in particular in the Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety. He/she also interacts and cooperates with external specialists and counterparts in other international organizations in the field of radioactive waste disposal. She/he manages the provision of technical assistance to Member States through the IAEA's technical cooperation programme.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Contribute to the preparation of the Agency's RWM programme, financial plan, annual reports, etc. and supervise, coordinate and monitor the progress of implementation of activities under his/her responsibility.
  • Foster, promote and develop the international cooperation on radioactive waste disposal through networking projects and activities.
  • Document current knowledge and good practices on development and implementation of radioactive waste disposal concepts for technical and non-technical audiences by means of publications.
  • Provide advice and technical assistance to Member States for specific projects in the field of RWM, including disposal.
  • Convene each year an average of 3-4 consultancies, 2-3 Technical Meetings or workshops, 1 Research Coordination Meeting, and implement a coordinated research project resulting in the development of 1-2 technical publications per year.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Professional expertise:
    • Good technical knowledge of relevant disciplines in nuclear, chemical, mining/civil engineering, geosciences and their applications to RWM in general and disposal of radioactive waste in particular;
    • Familiarity with predisposal technologies and their interfaces with disposal of radioactive waste;
    • Good understanding of socio-political and socio-economic aspects of radioactive waste disposal.
  • Management and supervisory skills: Ability to manage staff, providing clear direction and motivation, managing their performance appropriately and fairly and dealing with possible conflicts.
  • Leadership skills: Ability to communicate a common and inspiring vision, to adopt a strategic approach and to act as a catalyst for change.
  • Project management skills: Demonstrated ability in handling projects, including project planning, work assignment and supervision as well as progress review and reporting, using a recognized framework.
  • Strong planning and organizing skills to set clearly defined objectives, plan activities in a timely way, and monitor performance against deadlines and milestones.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills: Ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
  • Strong communication skills: ability to write technical documents in a structured manner and to deliver effective oral presentations.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • University (or equivalent) degree in the field of nuclear engineering or technical sciences.
  • At least 10 years of working experience in a relevant field.
  • Extensive relevant experience of cooperation at the international level and awareness of international programmes relevant to radioactive waste disposal.
  • In-depth knowledge and experience in strategies, methodologies, technologies and practices used to dispose of radioactive waste and awareness of innovative approaches and processes under development.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of French, Russian or Spanish desirable.

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.