Unit Head

JOB DESCRIPTION

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's Major Programme 2, "Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection". This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies. These programmes are supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The Major Programme's objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage the marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes.

The Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences is responsible for assisting and advising Member States in research and development for the nuclear sciences, especially the physical and chemical sciences. Specifically, the Division provides support to Member States in the following fields: production of radioisotopes and radiolabelled products for applications in health care and industry; radiation source applications; research reactor utilization; applications of accelerators and nuclear instrumentation; nuclear and atomic data for applications; controlled nuclear fusion and isotope hydrology and geochemistry.

Additionally, the nuclear science activities carried out by the Nuclear Data Section and Physics Section in the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications fall under Major Programme 1.

The Nuclear Data Section (NDS) is primarily responsible for the generation and maintenance of a number of high-quality and fundamental nuclear and atomic databases and providing services to users worldwide. The main means of dissemination is via the NDS website, which provides interactive tools to present the required data.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Head of the Nuclear Data Section, the Unit Head leads a team of three physicists and support staff in nuclear data activities, develops international guidelines, assists Member States in enhancing the peaceful use of fission and fusion energy technologies and non-energy applications (medical applications, analytical science), develops and implements new programmes on training, and provides technical assistance at the request of Member States.

Role

The Unit Head is:(1) a programme developer and implementer, planning and developing the IAEA's subprogramme on the communication of nuclear databases to support fission and fusion energy research worldwide; (2) a scientific secretary/technical expert, planning and leading moderately complex Technical Meetings; (3) a project officer, coordinating and evaluating complex coordinated research projects (CRPs) aimed at promoting nuclear databases of a high quality in support of nuclear fission and fusion energy research; and (4) a nuclear physicist, capable of initiating new research paths needed for the development of nuclear data for applications.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Oversee and manage the staff and activities of the Nuclear Data Services Unit and support the Section Head in planning and monitoring the programme and budget.
• Plan, develop and implement the IAEA's programme in the development and dissemination of appropriate nuclear databases for a wide range of applications and research.
• Identify the critical needs for improved numerical nuclear physics data in nuclear technology applications.
• Promote, coordinate and evaluate complex CRPs, and conduct related complex studies. Develop international recommendations on the development and derivation of nuclear databases with a view to addressing the specific needs of Member States, planning and leading complex Technical Meetings.
• Plan, organize, assist in development and conduct training for complex technical topics.
• Provide authoritative guidance and technical input to the preparation of reports by staff.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)

Name
Definition

Communication
Encourages 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 Results
Sets 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.

Teamwork
Encourages 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.

Planning and Organizing
Sets 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.

Functional Competencies

Name
Definition

Commitment to continuous process improvement
Assesses the effectiveness of functions and systems as well as current practices; streamlines standards and processes and develops innovative approaches to programme development and implementation.

Partnership building
Identifies 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 credibility
Provides guidance and advice in his/her area of expertise on the application of scientific/professional methods, procedures and approaches.

Required Expertise

Function
Name
Expertise Description

Physics
Applications of Isotopes and Radiation in Industry
Familiarity of nuclear data needs in industrial markets for fission, fusion and other applications.

Information Technology
Computer Programming
Global understanding of modern programming and dissemination methods (python, git etc.)

Information Technology
Database Development
Familiarity with IAEA databases on nuclear data and the CRP scheme an asset

Physics
Neutron Physics
Knowledge of theoretical and experimental techniques. knowledge of common approaches to fission and fusion energy research.

Physics
Nuclear Physics
Knowledge of theoretical and experimental techniques. knowledge of common approaches to nuclear data for other applications such as medical isotope production.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• An advanced university degree in Nuclear Physics, Engineering or related field. A PhD in nuclear physics, engineering, or a related field is an asset.
• Minimum seven years of experience in a relevant field, of which at least half should have been at the international level.
• Proven experience in nuclear fission (and/or fusion) related data activities.
• Extensive experience in numeric database development and maintenance techniques.
• Experience of working in a national/international fission/fusion organization or institute desirable.
• Staff management experience, particularly with respect to encouraging their ability to develop technically-based databases and related products.
• Thorough knowledge of common approaches to fission and fusion energy research and other applications such as radioisotope production.
• Substantial knowledge of bilateral and other fission and fusion support programmes and the sustainability of advisory support.
• Proven ability to work in sensitive nuclear data environments and the ability to balance business needs, installation and instrumentation requirements.
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $77326 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 35415*, 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:

General Information

• The IAEA's paramount consideration in the recruitment of staff member is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• Staff Members shall be selected without any unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on a person's race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin or other similar shared characteristic or trait.
• The IAEA is committed to gender equality and to promoting a diverse workforce. Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly encouraged.
• Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity.
• The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and the IAEA, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

Evaluation process

• The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
• Candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.

Appointment information

• Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
• Staff members may be assigned to any location.
• Candidates appointed to posts in the Professional and higher categories are subject to IAEA rotation policy and their maximum tour of service shall normally be seven years.
• The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above.

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