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 Safeguards carries out the IAEA’s duties and responsibilities as the world’s nuclear inspectorate, supporting global efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. The primary role of the Department is to develop and implement IAEA safeguards to ensure that there is no diversion of declared nuclear material from peaceful activities and no indications of undeclared nuclear material or activities in a State as a whole.

The Department comprises nuclear safeguards inspectors, responsible for carrying out inspections and verifications of all-safeguards relevant information for nuclear facilities in over 180 States; and technical staff responsible for a wide range of activities including: developing concepts and approaches for implementing safeguards; developing and maintaining safeguards equipment; providing analytical and laboratory services for sample analysis; collecting, evaluating and analysing safeguards-relevant information; providing information and communication technology infrastructure and services; and providing programme coordination support.

The Office of Safeguards Analytical Services (SGAS) is responsible for the analysis of inspection samples collected in the field. Located about 45 km south of Vienna in Seibersdorf, SGAS is organized into three sections: the Nuclear Material Laboratory (NML), the Environmental Sample Laboratory (ESL) and the Coordination and Support Section (CSS). The laboratory sections conduct the screening, chemical treatment and measurement of the inspection samples. The Coordination and Support Section provides a variety of key services to the laboratories, as well as managing the network of analytical laboratories. SGAS also manages analytical and inspection activities in a dedicated On-Site Laboratory at the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant in Japan.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Deputy Director General for Safeguards, the Director of the Office of Safeguards Analytical Services has the overall responsibility for all aspects of the operation and maintenance of laboratory services, as well as the further development of the analytical capabilities for IAEA safeguards. The Analytical Services include the Environmental Sample Laboratory, the Nuclear Material Laboratory and the Coordination and Support Section at the IAEA Laboratory compound in Seibersdorf, and covers the coordination of the NWAL and sample shipment logistics. The Director ensures that analytical results are reported in a timely and accurate manner, that the laboratories are in compliance with safety and security requirements, are appropriately equipped and maintained and that a Laboratory Quality Management System is in place. He/she contributes to improve safeguards effectiveness and efficiency. The Director provides authoritative guidance on the definition and implementation of technical solutions related to analytical laboratory services for Safeguards.

Role

The Director is: (i) an adviser and coordinator to the Deputy Director General on issues such as laboratory issues and analytical services; (ii) a leader, providing general strategic direction and motivating staff in the Office promoting good performance and teamwork and creating an environment where staff can develop their skills and share knowledge and experience; (iii) a manager, acting in accordance with the IAEA’s values and ethical standards in making decisions regarding human, financial, information and knowledge resources assigned to the Office and (iv) a chair and/or member of key departmental committees / sub-committees.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the development, maintenance and operations of safeguards laboratories, with particular emphasis on information integration, laboratory quality and security.
• Participate substantively a member of the Department’s senior management team in formulating safeguards policies, strategic planning and developing innovative approaches to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the safeguards system.
• Effectively and efficiently lead and manage an innovative and effective team of senior managers and staff and related financial resources assigned to the Office, including the planning and assignment of resources, the implementation of planned activities and assessment of the outcomes.
• Foster the preservation and growth of knowledge within the Office and the Department.
• Promote compliance with the Departmental quality management system in the Office, with particular emphasis on the development of new systems in accordance with industry best practices in terms of laboratory quality and project management.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)

Functional Competencies

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Advanced University Degree in nuclear science (nuclear physics, analytical chemistry, radio chemistry, chemical engineering or related topics). A first level university degree with additional two years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience. Of those, at least 10 years in management of analytical laboratories with highly professional teams including security, safety, risk and quality management, with a minimum of 5 years of experience at the senior level in an international organization or multinational company, with demonstrated capability in multicultural human leadership and financial resource and project management.

Experience in analysing radioactive materials and samples specifically safeguards inspection samples. An understanding of the nuclear fuel cycle verification issues, safeguards specificities and the current and upcoming challenges of the IAEA’s safeguards system is desirable.

Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, 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 $106023 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 61917*, 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

• 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.