Vacancy Notice No. 2009/602
Position and Grade: Programme Officer (P-3)
Organizational Unit: Department of Nuclear Energy
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 2 July 2009
Application Deadline: 14 August 2009
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term Temporary Assistance, 2 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The objective of the Department of Nuclear Energy is to foster the efficient and safe use of nuclear power by supporting interested Member States in: improving the performance of nuclear power plants, the nuclear fuel cycle, and the management of nuclear wastes; catalysing innovation in nuclear power and fuel cycle technologies; developing indigenous capabilities around the world for national energy planning; deploying new nuclear power plants; preserving and disseminating nuclear information and knowledge; and advancing science and industry through improved operation of research reactors.

The Programme Officer works in the Programme Coordination Group, which reports to the Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy. The Programme Coordination Group ensures overall coordination of activities that relate to, and interact with, all of the programmes managed by the Department of Nuclear Energy to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in programme implementation as well as to contribute to programme transparency and outreach.

Main purpose
As a member of a team led by the Programme Liaison Officer, the Programme Officer contributes to the planning, formulation and assessment of the programmes managed by the Department of Nuclear Energy through review and analysis of programme proposals, performance monitoring, programme evaluation and assessment, and reporting.

Role
The Programme Officer is: an adviser to programme managers on the formulation of programmes and reporting on implementation; an analyst and facilitator, reviewing and analysing performance data in order to facilitate performance assessment according to results-based principles; a team member, working collaboratively within the Department to enhance programme synergies and coordination of cross-cutting activities; and a substantive contributor, drafting and preparing various documentation.

Partnerships
The Programme Officer advises programme managers and consults with the Administrative Officer and staff in the Department of Management on matters relating to programme formulation, implementation and assessment. He/she liaises with colleagues throughout the Department of Nuclear Energy, and in other departments, on matters relating to programme formulation and coordination of cross-cutting programmes.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Under the guidance of the Programme Liaison Officer, contribute to and help coordinate across the Department, programme planning and formulation, performance monitoring, programme assessment, evaluation and reporting, ensuring programme integrity through translation of the strategic directions of the Medium Term Strategy and other documents into programme narratives, activities and resource allocations, and also ensuring coherence and homogeneity of the programmes/projects under the management of the Department of Nuclear Energy. Ensure consistency and coordinate between programme elements, including interdepartmental cross-cutting programmes and projects.
  • Track, analyse and follow the development of programme activities to ensure the inclusion of all programme elements in regularly changing programme structures.
  • Analyse overall programme delivery and collect data to facilitate not only programme assessment but also reporting on outputs and the achievement of outcomes, assessing performance using performance indicators.
  • Draft status reports and position papers and provide input to the drafting and preparation of documents for the Policy-Making Organs.
  • Represent the Department of Nuclear Energy and provide advice and input on its specific requirements to interdepartmental groups and bodies with respect to programme requirements, information systems for programme support and other related activities.
  • Act as back-up to the Administrative Officer.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Professional expertise:
    • Good knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, methods, approaches and tools relevant to programme and project management. Understanding of results-oriented planning, budgeting and evaluation;
    • Sound knowledge of policies, practices and procedures applied in international organizations;
    • Knowledge of fields of relevance to the programmes managed by the Department of Nuclear Energy desirable.
  • Strong analytical skills: Ability to evaluate programmatic requirements in a dynamic matrix management structure.
  • Strong communication skills, including excellent writing skills:
    • Ability to present and communicate information in a clear manner, and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style;
    • Ability to write well structured and concise reports.
  • Good interpersonal skills:
    • Ability to work in a team and establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
    • Diplomacy and tact in dealing with all counterparts.

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • University (or equivalent) degree in management, business administration, science or engineering, or a related field.
  • At least 5 years of relevant working experience in programme and project support, of which at least 3 years at the international level, preferably in an UN agency.
  • Experience in the planning, formulation, monitoring and assessment of programmes and projects in a UN context.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English. Working knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) and German 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 $35 502*, 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.