Vacancy Notice No. 2009/082


Position and Grade:	Section Head (P-5)
Organizational Unit:	Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section Division of Human Health Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	1 November 2009
Application Deadline:	31 December 2009
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The main objective of the Division of Human Health is to enhance Member States' capabilities to address their needs related to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of health problems through the development and application of nuclear techniques within a framework of quality assurance. Priorities are given to the needs of developing countries. Delivery mechanisms are through the Agency's technical cooperation programme, coordinated research projects, advisory services and the collection, analysis and dissemination of information.

The Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section, one of four sections in the Division of Human Health, is responsible for planning and executing the IAEA's subprogramme on radiation oncology and cancer treatment, aimed at upgrading radiotherapy capability and research in developing countries for curing cancer, as well as safe clinical practice. The subprogramme's main objective is to enhance the use of effective cancer control strategies in Member States through the application of relevant nuclear techniques for the curative and palliative treatment of cancer, as well as improving knowledge of radiobiology as a basis for cancer prevention and effective treatment. Priority is given to the needs of developing countries. Delivery mechanisms are through the IAEA's technical cooperation programme, coordinated research projects, advisory services, the collection, analysis and dissemination of information, and the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT).

Main purpose

As a team leader reporting to the Division Director, the Section Head plans, manages, coordinates and supervises IAEA activities in radiation oncology and cancer treatment, in line with the strategic goals of the Division, through efficient management of human and financial resources.

Role

The Section Head is: (1) a team leader and manager of a group of approximately 6 staff members (radiation oncologists and a radiobiologist), ensuring the efficient and effective development and implementation of the Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section's activities; (2) a coordinator of the Section's technical support to the IAEA's technical cooperation programme in the relevant fields; (3) an adviser to the Director on programmatic, scientific, and technical issues in the relevant fields, and; (4) a facilitator of inter- and intra-Agency cooperation with other scientific and medical organizations and with other Divisions/Departments in the IAEA within the programmatic responsibilities in question.

Partnerships

The Section Head engages with senior counterparts in Member States and with colleagues in other international organizations to coordinate the Section's activities and to ensure that the IAEA's programme maintains its state-of-the-art level. He/she collaborates with the Section's staff and other managers and professional staff throughout the Agency to coordinate and ensure synergy in the IAEA's activities.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Plan, develop, and implement the subprogramme on radiation oncology and cancer treatment in line with the strategic goals of the Division, the results-based framework, and the expressed needs of Member States, including identifying Member States' needs, developing programme and budget proposals, coordinating staff activities, and monitoring and assessing programme performance.
Initiate and implement research and development projects and provide technical guidance to Member States with respect to improving the quality of radiation therapy.
Coordinate and provide technical support to technical cooperation projects in the subject area, with the aim of establishing a wide outreach and practical implementation of the IAEA's programme in Member States.
Manage the Section's coordinated technical inputs, and provide personal input in the field of radiation oncology to PACT.
Broaden and deepen the field of knowledge by organizing scientific meetings, prepare scientific programmes and serve as scientific secretary for such meetings, and prepare and/or edit/review reports, manuals, proceedings and other scientific publications.
Represent the IAEA at international meetings and conferences and coordinate the activities of the Section with other international organizations, committees and scientific societies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of current radiation oncology evidence-based practice.
Comprehensive knowledge of overall radiation oncology quality assurance, clinical procedures and safety of patients. Working knowledge of radiotherapy equipment.
Broad knowledge of cancer prevention and control, diagnosis, management by surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, and palliation.
Strong analytical skills with demonstrated expertise in human resources and financial management.
Familiarity with and understanding of the specific needs and conditions of developing countries in the relevant field.
Communication skills:
- Strong presentation skills and ability to communicate easily and well with both technical and non-technical staff at all levels;
- Strong skills in writing reports/papers.
Interpersonal skills:
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with IAEA staff at all levels, and with scientists and technical staff from Member States;
- Demonstrated ability both to lead and to facilitate work in a team environment involving scientific, technical and administrative staff, and to build and maintain collaborative partnerships with internal and external counterparts. Ability to mentor, develop and evaluate staff;
- Proven ability to work in a multicultural environment with respect and sensitivity for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Doctor of Medicine, specializing in radiation oncology (radiotherapy).
At least 10 years' experience after specialization, including working in a cancer centre or department.
Experience in staff supervision, leadership and team building, as well as in managing and budgeting scientific projects or clinical activities.
Experience in clinical radiobiology and medical oncology (chemotherapy).
Experience in participative management.
Recognized scientific status, demonstrable through recent international refereed publications and invited presentations at international radiation oncology events. Having a PhD in medical science, and supervising junior scientists for their PhDs, is an asset.
Fluency in spoken and written English essential. Working 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 $50 945*, 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.