Vacancy Notice No. 2009/087


Position and Grade:	Unit Head (P-5)
Organizational Unit:	Waste and Environmental Safety Section Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety Department of Nuclear Safety and Security
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	24 September 2009
Application Deadline:	20 November 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 patients. It also assists Member States in the implementation of these standards and provides related services.

The Waste and Environmental Safety Section is responsible for the delineation of a global waste safety regime to protect the public and the environment from the effects of ionizing radiation on the basis of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, and for the development of safety standards for the management of all types of radioactive waste and the provisions for the application of the waste safety standards.

The main function of the Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Management Unit, which is in the Waste and Environmental Safety Section, is to establish safety standards for the management (predisposal) and the disposal of all types of radioactive waste and of spent fuel, and to provide for the application of these standards in Member States. It provides for the exchange of information in this area among Member States through the organization of meetings, conferences and safety assessment intercomparison projects, and the sharing of insights gained from advisory and appraisal missions with other Member States. It provides leadership for services to operators, regulators and other specialized organizations involved in safety aspects of the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel. The Unit provides technical support to a substantial number of projects supported by the IAEA's technical cooperation programme, including training courses. In addition, the Unit provides the Secretariat for WASSC (Waste Safety Standards Committee) and the Joint Convention.

The environment of the Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety is dynamic, participative and interactive, with continuous inputs received from internal and external technical 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 safety of radioactive waste and spent fuel management, and leads the Unit's activities to ensure the efficacy of the IAEA's programme on a global level.

Role

The Unit Head has several roles: (a) programme coordinator in a specialized, multilateral environment with diverse views on the issues, finding practical solutions and presenting arguments that can achieve results; (b) 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) manager, ensuring that programmes and tasks are implemented effectively; (d) adviser/promoter, conveying to multiple audiences the IAEA's vision and mission in this area; and (e) 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 the safety of radioactive waste management and the management of spent fuel to promote the IAEA's activities and to ensure 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 of the IAEA's safety standards and guidance material on the safety of radioactive waste and spent fuel management based on the most recent knowledge and experience in this area, with a view to establishing a harmonized approach by regulatory authorities at the international level.
Promote exchange of information among specialists on an international level regarding the latest developments in the area, e.g. through the organization of safety assessment intercomparison projects on technical topics related to radioactive waste management.
Lead and participate in international advisory and appraisal missions to Member States to determine the level of safety in radioactive waste management, and provide authoritative information, advice and guidance on the subject to national counterparts.
Build and maintain strategic partnerships and alliances with a wide range of stakeholders in Member States, international and other governmental organizations and the industry to ensure acceptance of the IAEA's related standards. Lead efforts within the IAEA to ensure the coherence and synergy of related programmes of work.
Plan and coordinate the work of the Unit to ensure delivery of the programme objectives, and supervise the staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of 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, or equivalent, in engineering or a related science (e.g. physics, chemistry).
At least 10 years' experience in the fields of radiation protection and radioactive waste safety, of which at least 5 years should have been related to the safe predisposal and disposal of radioactive waste, ideally at a senior or managerial level in a regulatory authority or a technical support organization.
Participation in international activities related to the radioactive waste management.
Experience in the application of international safety standards in developing countries desirable.
Excellent oral and written English communication skills, including report writing and editing and making oral presentations. Knowledge of French, Russian or Spanish would be an asset.

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 $53 801*, 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.