Laboratory Head (Animal Production and Health Laboratory)(P5)
JOB DETAIL
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 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 Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture assists Member States of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the IAEA in using nuclear techniques and related technologies to improve food security, alleviate poverty and promote sustainable agriculture. The Joint Centre consists of five Sections, each with an associated laboratory (located in Seibersdorf, 45 km south-east of Vienna), in the areas of: animal production and health; plant breeding and genetics; insect pest control; soil and water management and crop nutrition; and food and environmental protection.
The Animal Production and Health Section and Laboratory assist Member States in improving livestock productivity through the efficient use of locally available feed resources, reproduction and breeding practices, and disease diagnostic tools and control measures.
Main Purpose
As the Head of the Animal Production and Health (APH) Laboratory, and with the programmatic direction of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, to manage and lead the research & development activities of the Animal Production Laboratory relating to the development of improved vaccines and diagnostic tests for the control of animal and zoonotic diseases and to the development of tools for enhanced nutrition, reproduction, breeding and genetics’ strategies in the context of incorporating tracing, hormonal, immunological and molecular technologies to improve livestock production and health whilst protecting the environment.
Role
The Laboratory Head plays several key roles in the IAEA Laboratories and the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme: 1) team leader and research and development supervisor, ensuring the efficient and effective development and implementation of the Animal Production and Health Laboratory’s activities relating to research, training and services; 2) adviser to the Head of the Animal Production and Health Section in the Joint FAO/IAEA Division, and to the Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division, on programmatic, scientific, technical matters; and 3) advocate for relevant administrative matters.
Functions / Key Results Expected
– Ensure, as a committed team player in a matrix environment, full coordination and transparency in all activities and deliberations of the APH Laboratory vis- -vis internal and external stakeholders.
– Lead the development, adaptation, and validation of (bio)technologies related to the use of laboratory nuclear and nuclear derived/related techniques, laboratory assays and quality assurance procedures in immunology, biochemistry and molecular biology to facilitate programmes in animal breeding and disease control with a focus on the specific constraints applicable to livestock reproduction and breeding and to animal health, particularly in developing countries.
– Generate and provide scientific and technical input to the policy and standards development of the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme and other national and international bodies (FAO, WHO (World Health Organization), WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health), etc.).
– Develop and introduce innovative R&D approaches in the laboratory on sustainable intensification of livestock production systems, including direct laboratory activities at the IAEA Laboratories.
– Build and maintain strong strategic partnerships and alliances with a wide range of stakeholders in Member States’ research laboratories.
– Participate actively in the international scientific and research arena, formulate research projects, and attract external funding in support of the Laboratory’s activities.
– In programmatic consultation with the Head of the Animal Production and Health Section, contribute to the strategic direction of the subprogramme.
– Plan and implement the operational activities of the APH Laboratory within the subprogramme on sustainable intensification of livestock production systems through efficient management of the human, physical and financial resources.
– Drive the timely delivery of the Laboratory’s commitments and act as the focal point on all matters relating to animal production and health.
– Ensure visibility and impact of the Animal Production and Health Laboratory’s activities.
Competencies and Expertise
Core Competencies(Competency Framework)
| Name | Definition |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
Functional Competencies
| Name | Definition |
|---|---|
| Judgement/decision making | Consults 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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Health | Animal Diseases | Detection, surveillance and control of animal infectious diseases and zoonoses. |
| Animal Health | Animal Diseases | Technical knowledge of the role of vaccines and their application, and the role of biochemical, immunological and molecular techniques in animal reproduction and genetics, and disease control and anti-microbial resistance. |
| Animal Science | Animal Production | Proven expertise in the R&D fields of animal production and health, with particular reference to transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases. |
| Animal Science | Animal Production | Thorough understanding of global issues associated with animal production and health, experience in the identification and resolution of issues related to animal and zoonotic disease detection and control, animal reproduction and breeding, nutrition. |
Qualifications, Experience and Language skills
- At least a Postgraduate degree (e.g. MSc, PhD, DSc) in animal sciences, veterinary medicine and related bio-technological sciences. Doctor of veterinary Medicine (DVM) is an asset.
- A minimum of ten years of working experience in research on the application of immunological and molecular techniques in animal production and health – including transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases – and in the implementation of animal disease control, and reproduction and breeding strategies in a national and international setting.
- Extensive experience/exposure at international level in the area of work.
- Experience in the management of complex projects.
- Proven ability to apply best management practices in human and financial resource management with the ability to lead teams effectively, determining clear purpose, roles and responsibilities.
- Experience in contributing to policy development and priority setting in the implementation of disease diagnosis and livestock production strategies.
- Practical field experience in the transfer of immunological and molecular technologies applicable to animal production and health, preferably in developing countries.
- Knowledge of the principles and practice of livestock production, livestock genetics, breeding and reproduction, disease diagnosis and animal health, supplemented by an awareness of the fundamental role of nuclear and related techniques in alleviating constraints on livestock production and health in developing countries.
- Awareness of relevant FAO and IAEA mechanisms and procedures, including coordinated research projects and technical cooperation projects, a strong asset.
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
- Fluency in spoken and written English is essential. Fluency in French is a strong advantage. Working knowledge of at least one additional official IAEA language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) would be an advantage. Working knowledge of German an asset.
Remuneration
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $92731 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 47571*, 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.
