Section Head (Research Reactor Safety Section)(P5)

This selection exercise may be used to generate a roster of pre-approved candidates to address future staffing needs for similar functions in any of the Departments and Offices of the Organization.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please note that the closing date for submission of applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant's location.

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Safety and Security (NS) formulates and implements the IAEA's nuclear safety and security programme, which encompasses the Agency's activities to protect people and the environment from radiation exposure, and responds to the needs of its Member States related to nuclear safety and security.
The objective of the Division of Nuclear Installation Safety (NSNI) is to achieve and maintain a high level of safety of nuclear installations worldwide that are under design or construction or in operation. The Division does this by establishing standards of safety for the protection of health, including standards for nuclear power plants and other nuclear installations and facilities, and by providing for the application of these standards through, among other things, support for the IAEA's Technical Cooperation programme, the rendering of safety review services, the promotion of education and training, the fostering of information exchange and the coordination of research and development. In addition, the Division helps ensure safety at nuclear installations by supporting international safety instruments such as the Convention on Nuclear Safety and the Code of Conduct on the Safety of Research Reactors. NSNI comprises five Sections:
• External Events Safety Section
• Operational Safety Section
• Safety Assessment Section
• Regulatory Activities Section
• Research Reactor Safety Section

The Research Reactor Safety Section (RRS) works with Member States to develop an international research reactor and fuel cycle facility safety enhancement plan and regime. Activities in this area include monitoring research reactors subject to project and supply agreements, and assisting Member States possessing such reactors in fulfilling all the relevant safety obligations. The Section also covers a wide range of topics related to research reactor and fuel cycle facility safety, including siting, design, construction, commissioning, operation, utilization and decommissioning.
 

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Division Director, the Section Head is the manager and team leader of the Research Reactor Safety Section, initiating, developing and implementing the IAEA's policy and programme on research reactor and fuel cycle safety. He/she leads the Section's activities to ensure the efficacy of the IAEA's programme on a global level and manages the Section's financial and human resources.

Role

The Section Head is: (a) a programme manager in a specialized, multilateral environment, finding practical solutions and presenting arguments that can achieve results; (b) an adviser, providing analysis and background information to the Division Director for the formulation of strategies and policies related to the Section's technical responsibilities and facilitating their implementation; (c) a managerial team leader, planning, managing, coordinating and supervising the activities of the Section in accordance with IAEA policies and programmes and Member States' needs and ensuring that programmes and tasks are implemented effectively; (d) a promoter, conveying to multiple audiences the IAEA's vision and mission in this area; and (e) a substantive technical expert contributor, managing and implementing projects of particular complexity and/or sensitivity.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Plans, initiates, develops, implements, guides, coordinates and supervises the activities of the Section. 

Provides technical and managerial leadership of the Section in the following areas: 

- enhancing the capabilities of Member States in relation to the application of the IAEA's safety standards by carrying out safety review services to research reactors and fuel cycle facilities 
- enhancing the capability of Member States in establishing and maintaining procedures for self-assessment of their compliance with the IAEA's safety standards
- coordinating and supporting Members States in the areas of education and training, including conducting coordinated research projects to enhance technical skills in Member States. 

Broadens knowledge on research reactor and fuel cycle safety through: 

- organizing scientific meetings, preparing scientific programmes, contributing to the preparation and editing of scientific reports, manuals, proceedings and other scientific publications, and organizing in-house meetings in support of the Section's scientific programme; 
- establishing and maintaining contacts with individual scientists at relevant organizations, committees and scientific societies. 

Plans, manages and leads the development, review and publication process of safety standards for research reactors and fuel cycle facilities. 

Plans, organizes and leads complex safety review missions, including preparatory and follows up visits, and assessment of Member States needs. Provide technical input and coordinate the preparation of mission reports. 

Identifies strategies and analyzes information to enhance the capability of the Section's programme to address Member States' needs and leads the IAEA's activities related to supporting the further strengthening of the international safety regime in the assigned technical areas. 

Coordinates the Section's provision of specialized technical input to technical cooperation projects in the subject area.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)NameDefinition  Planning and OrganizingSets clearly defined objectives for himself/herself and the team or Section. Identifies and organizes deployment of resources based on assessed needs, taking into account possible changing circumstances. Monitors team’s performance in meeting the assigned deadlines and milestones.  CommunicationEncourages open communication and builds consensus. Uses tact and discretion in dealing with sensitive information, and keeps staff informed of decisions and directives as appropriate.  Achieving ResultsSets realistic targets for himself/herself and for the team; ensures availability of resources and supports staff members in achieving results. Monitors progress and performance; evaluates achievements and integrates lessons learned.  TeamworkEncourages teamwork, builds effective teams and resolves problems by creating a supportive and collaborative team spirit, remaining mindful of the need to collaborate with people outside the immediate area of responsibility.

Functional CompetenciesNameDefinition  Judgement/decision makingConsults with and seeks advice at the appropriate managerial level when making complex decisions. Facilitates dialogue and development of best practice to support judgement/decision making, in full compliance with the Agency’s regulations and rules.  Partnership buildingIdentifies interests and goals common to the Agency’s partners and its stakeholders to foster partnership building. Promotes collaboration with partners, colleagues across teams and stakeholders.  Technical/scientific credibilityProvides guidance and advice in his/her area of expertise on the application of scientific/professional methods, procedures and approaches.

Required ExpertiseFunctionNameExpertise Description   Nuclear SafetyIAEA Safety StandardsExperience delivering international safety review missions and applying IAEA safety standards   Nuclear SafetyManagement and LeadershipProven leadership in managing technical programmes and multidisciplinary teams   Nuclear SafetyResearch Reactor SafetyAdvanced expertise in research reactor and fuel cycle safety

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Bachelor’s degree: A university degree in engineering or physical/nuclear sciences in combination with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Master’s degree: Advanced university degree in engineering or physical/nuclear sciences.

At least 10 years’ experience, of which 4 years is at an international level, in nuclear installation design, operation, or regulatory oversight, including 5 years in a senior position. Advanced expertise in research reactor and fuel cycle safety is preferred.
Proven leadership in managing technical programmes and multidisciplinary teams is required. 
Experience in developing nuclear regulations or implementing IAEA safety standards is required.
Strong capability in scientific communication (reports, publications, meetings) and stakeholder engagement is required. 

Experience delivering international safety review missions is preferred.
Experience in capacity-building, training coordination, or technical cooperation projects, is preferred.
Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) is preferred.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $101540 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 57370*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; Other benefits include 6 weeks' annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/professional-staff/conditions

General Information

Evaluation process

Appointment information