Section Head (SGAS-CSS)(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 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 Director of SGAS, the Head of the Section for Coordination and Support is responsible for the SGAS quality management system including quality assurance in safeguards analytical services, the management of sampling logistics and coordination of Network of Analytical Laboratories (NWAL), SGAS IT systems, and the mechanical workshop, and coordination of budget. The Section Head takes overall responsibility for planning, setting work goals and priorities, providing technical overviews and guidance to members of the Section, as well as monitoring and reporting on the Section’s work.
Role
The Section Head is a: (1) leader and manager of a Section consisting of 3 Teams, ensuring efficient and effective support to the Department of Safeguards for analytical services coordination and from the mechanical workshop; (2) coordinator of the NWAL and logistics of nuclear materials; (3) custodian of the ISO 9001:2015 certificate, and promoter of the continuous improvement of quality assurance for Safeguards sample analysis; and (4) adviser to the Director of SGAS on programmatic and budgetary issues.
Functions / Key Results Expected
Management and organization:
Lead, manage, organize, direct and supervise the work and deliverables of the Section and optimize the utilization of human, financial and equipment resources;
Engender trust in order to ensure a balanced workload distribution among staff, monitors staff work performance and assesses staff development needs;
Ensure the provision of adequate and timely inspection sample consignments and related logistics services to the Office and the Department;
Oversee the development and maintenance of the SGAS-specific IT infrastructure and the laboratory information management system (LIMS);
Facilitate the continuous development of the SGAS quality management system, in full accordance with the ISO 9001:2015 standard;
Ensure the safe, efficient and cost effective operation of the mechanical workshop;
Manage space to optimize its utilization for laboratory and non-laboratory functions of the Office;
Lead and guide the development and implementation of the NWAL, and provide regular quality control services to assure the analytical performance of the NWAL.
Coordination:
Coordinate and define the Division’s inputs for the preparation of the Divisional and Departmental programmes, budgets, financial plans, Safeguards laboratory asset management plan and Seibersdorf infrastructure replacement plan;
Conduct Section meetings, coordinate Divisional financial implementation and participate in meetings of Divisional and Departmental coordination;
Foster partnership building with stakeholders within the Department of Safeguards; Liaise with stakeholders from other Departments on Seibersdorf site common issues.
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 |
|---|---|
| Analytical thinking | Applies business analytics to establish programme priorities. Makes rational judgements from the available information and analysis. |
| 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. |
| Knowledge sharing and learning | Identifies and establishes systems and mechanisms to facilitate development of best practice and knowledge management. Encourages staff members to learn continuously and to share knowledge through mentoring, networking and development, and training opportunities. |
| 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. |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Safeguards | Destructive Assay | Knowledge of and experience with nuclear and environmental sample analysis, and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). |
| Management and Programme Analysis | Programme Management | Thorough knowledge of and experience with management principles and ability to foster an environment that promotes good performance, integrity, self-development and innovation. |
| Safeguards | Quality Management | Knowledge of and experience with ISO 9001-based Quality Management system (QM) and Quality Assurance/Control (QA/QC) of analytical laboratory. |
| Safeguards | Sample Collection and Logistics | Knowledge of and experience with nuclear material sample logistics and shipment, and Network of Analytical Laboratory (NWAL). |
Qualifications, Experience and Language skills
- Advanced university degree in nuclear science, nuclear engineering or a related field.
- First level university degree in nuclear science, nuclear engineering or a related field plus two years of relevant laboratory experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
- Minimum of 10 years relevant professional experience in the nuclear industry or research institute.
- Experience in successfully leading staff in an international environment.
- Extensive experience in managing multidisciplinary technical teams as well as funds and processes.
- Practical experience in disciplined approaches to project management.
- Experience in strategic planning, operational planning, budgeting, allocation of resources, procurement, property management, and quality management.
- 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 $ 55453*, 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.
