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 safety and security related needs of its Member States.

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 framework based upon the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, and the development and application of safety standards for the management of radioactive waste, decommissioning, remediation and environmental releases.

The Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Management Unit develops safety standards for the management of all types of radioactive waste and spent fuel and promotes their application among Member States, and provides the Secretariat for the Joint Convention and the Waste Safety Standards Committee (WASSC). The Unit fosters the exchange of information among Member States through the organization of meetings, conferences and dedicated projects on the management of radioactive waste, and the sharing of insights gained from advisory and peer review missions with other Member States. It provides leadership for review and training services to operators, regulators and other specialized organizations involved in the safety of radioactive waste and spent fuel management. The Unit provides technical support to a substantial number of projects supported by the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme and the Asian Nuclear Safety Network, including training courses and dedicated workshops.

Main Purpose

The consultant will develop a repository of knowledge on safe management of radioactive waste, decommissioning and discharges for evolutionary and innovative nuclear reactors (including Small Modular Reactors and fusion reactors), with a particular focus on challenges they could present to the application of relevant international safety standards.  The consultant will work with existing experts amongst IAEA staff and experts from Member States and other international organisations as appropriate to populate the repository and document findings on the need for additional guidance.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Provide technical expertise and contribute to IAEA technical publications and projects on safe management of radioactive waste, decommissioning and discharges
• Design and support facilitation of technical meetings and consultancy meetings, particularly in relation to safe management of radioactive waste, decommissioning and discharges from evolutionary, and innovative reactors
• Critically review information on safe management of radioactive waste, decommissioning and discharges for evolutionary and innovative reactors to identify aspects that could present challenges to the application of relevant international safety standards
• Provide technical advice to the development of capability-building events (seminars, webinars, training courses) and training material
• Provide input to the preparation of work plans and funding proposals, and report on the implementation of projects

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree (Bachelor’s) in Nuclear Science, Nuclear Engineering, or another relevant field.
• Minimum of seven years’ experience in projects related to safe management of radioactive waste, decommissioning or discharges.
• Knowledge of the IAEA safety standards and experience in their development or application.
• Knowledge of radioactive waste management, decommissioning or environmental safety.
• Knowledge of evolutionary and innovative reactors (including SMRs and fusion reactors) an asset.
• Good communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in planning and conducting technical meetings.
• Experience of managing and implementing multidisciplinary, results-based projects / activities.
• Ability to work in a team. Experience of working with national and international organizations or institutes is an asset.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of another official IAEA language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) an asset

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of € 300, based on qualifications and experience. In case duty travel is required within the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs are provided. Health coverage and pension fund are the responsibility of the incumbent.