Section Head (QA)(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 Technical Cooperation (TC) consists of the Office of the Deputy Director General, four regional Divisions (Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean), the Division of Programme Support and Coordination and the Division of the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT). It provides strategic direction for the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme, and is responsible (in close collaboration with Member States) for the planning, formulation, implementation and monitoring of the programme, in line with the IAEA Medium Term Strategy.
The Division of Programme Support and Coordination (TCPC) is responsible for the development, promotion and consistent application of strategies, policies, standards, tools and systems to support the TC programme. This includes quality assurance and enhanced results-based programme management, training and capacity development, efficient management of financial resources, data and information, as well as outreach and reporting.
The Quality Assurance Section (TCQAS) is responsible for the management of quality in TC process and policy development. It defines quality criteria, performance indicators and review mechanisms and facilitates their implementation, promotes results based management as an approach to quality, and prepares and delivers training and learning tools for IAEA staff and Member State personnel involved in the TC programme.
Main Purpose
The Section Head contributes substantively to the development and coordination of harmonized guidelines and tools to support TC Divisions, leads and guides the development and enhancement of the TC quality management system, ensures the implementation of a results-based approach in the programme cycle, and ensures high quality project portfolio planning, monitoring and reporting as needed by TC Divisions. He/she ensures consistency in implementation by managing and overseeing the development and implementation of relevant training.
Role
The Section Head is: 1) a coordinator, integrator and manager ensuring the overall quality of the TC project portfolio, including for the development focused initiatives, through a results-based planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation system; 2) an adviser to senior management on quality management standards, and results-based management and TC programme policies and processes; 3) a substantive expert providing authoritative interpretation and guidance related to TC programme policies and procedures; 4) a leader and manager, providing guidance and managerial support to the section team, and planning resources with a view to achieving efficient and effective results.
Functions / Key Results Expected
– Lead and guide the development of a harmonized quality programme management system including quality standards and continuous quality process improvement.
– Coordinate and monitor the implementation of the development focused initiatives.
– Contribute to the development and advise on best practice approaches and policies for the TC project portfolio quality framework.
– Coordinate, integrate and monitor the overall quality of the TC project portfolio, including for the development focused initiatives, leading and guiding the development and implementation of a results-based approach in the strategic planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation, by advising on performance indicators and ensuring the systematic integration of lessons learned.
– Ensure consistency and quality in implementation of the TC project portfolio cycle, including for the development focused initiatives, and coordinate the quality of management responses to OIOS (Office of Internal Oversight Services) recommendations.
– Coordinate the interface with OIOS (Office of Internal Oversight Services), the External Auditors and the Joint Inspection Unit on independent programme evaluations, audits and other studies relating to the improvement of TCP quality.
– Provide strategic guidance and coordinate with TC Divisions the development of a departmental training strategy for internal and external stakeholders, and implement training activities as requested, and in cooperation with TC Divisions to enhance the quality of project designs.
– Ensure timeliness, relevance and quality of the Project Progress and Achievements Reports (PPAR) , including information and data on lessons learned, monitoring reports, and training.
– Support intra-divisional functions, initiatives and projects as requested by the Head of the Technical Cooperation Department.
– Plan and manage the work of the Section, prepare work plans, ensure a balanced workload distribution, monitor work and performance and assess staff development needs.
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 |
|---|---|
| Client orientation | Examines client plans and develops services and options to support ongoing relationships. Develops solutions that add value to the Agency’s programmes and operations. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Leading and supervising | Serves as a role model when leading and supervising others. Provides his/her team with clear direction, promotes a dynamic working climate and empowers others. Is open to new ideas and demonstrates creativity in search of excellence. |
Required Expertise
| Function | Name | Expertise Description |
|---|---|---|
| Management and Programme Analysis | Development of Analytic Methodologies and Processes | Ability to i) improve the results-based management of the Programme; ii) apply quality assurance standards and methodologies; and iii) apply and improve monitoring, evaluation and reporting processes. |
Qualifications, Experience and Language skills
- Master’s Degree – Advanced university degree in management or in a scientific area, preferably in nuclear sciences or another relevant technical field. Additional background in development studies is an asset.
- Bachelor’s Degree – First level university degree in management or in a scientific area, preferably in nuclear sciences or another relevant technical field plus two years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
- Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in the management and strategic planning of technical cooperation programmes, (including design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation), preferably with seven years at international level, and solid experience in results-based management (RBM), quality management and the setting of key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Proven international experience in leading teams and managing large projects, notably building, leading and developing cohesive teams, determining clear goals, roles and responsibilities as well as providing feedback on performance and encouraging staff development.
- Experience in the nuclear field, including familiarity with nuclear technologies and applications, is an asset.
- Experience in working with national and international organizations or institutes 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 $92731 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 52857*, 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.
