Unit Head (Nuclear Material Security)(P5)
JOB DETAIL
Organizational Setting
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 needs of its Member States related to nuclear safety and nuclear security.
The Division of Nuclear Security (NSNS) is responsible for establishing, coordinating and implementing the IAEA’s nuclear security programme to protect against, detect and respond to criminal acts or acts of nuclear terrorism and threats thereof. NSNS comprises four Sections:
•Nuclear Security of Materials Outside of Regulatory Control Section
•Nuclear Security of Materials and Facilities Section
•Information Management Section
•Programme Development and International Cooperation Section
The Nuclear Security of Materials and Facilities Section (MAFA) is responsible, upon request, to assist States for activities related to implementation of the CPPNM and its Amendment and the Code of Conduct on Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources, establishing and sustaining nuclear security systems and measures for nuclear material, other radioactive material, associated facilities and associated activities being under regulatory control. These activities include developing nuclear security guidance consistent with relevant binding and non-binding international instruments, as well as assisting Member States in implementing their effective nuclear security legislative and regulatory frameworks. The Section performs assessment and provides advice through the International Physical Protection Advisory Service and expert missions, assists human resource development, including education and training through international, regional and national training courses and workshops, develops methodologies and promotes dialogue and cooperation through consultancy meetings, Coordinated Research Projects and technical meetings, and assists security upgrades.
The Nuclear Material Security Unit is responsible for performing activities related to nuclear security of nuclear material in use and storage, nuclear security of the nuclear fuel cycle and associated facilities during their lifetime, including accounting and control of nuclear material for nuclear security purposes, and the technical implementation of the CPPNM and its Amendment.
Main Purpose
Under the supervision and guidance of the Section Head, Nuclear Security of Materials and Facilities Section, the Unit Head (Nuclear Material Security) will establish and implement projects on security for nuclear material and nuclear facilities within the IAEA nuclear security programme. The Unit Head will ensure planning and implementation of the relevant activities related to establishing and sustaining nuclear security regimes based on threat characterization and risk informed approaches and promotion of the implementation of INFCIRC/225/Rev-5. The Unit Head will also ensure implementation of IAEA activities related to physical protection including accounting and control of nuclear material and facilities and development and implementation of physical protection measures and systems at facilities.
In addition, the Unit Head will be responsible for carrying out certain implementation activities, in their role as Scientific Secretary, including development of nuclear security series documents, as well as other technical documents and training materials, preparation and conduct of training courses, international meetings, workshops and conferences, as well as methodologies for security of nuclear material and nuclear facilities. Further, he/she will be expected to provide considerable support to the implementation of actions to support State’s Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plans (INSSP).
Role
The Unit Head (Nuclear Material Security) is: (1) a project planner, leading planning, design and delivery of projects related to various subjects of nuclear security of materials and facilities including regulatory framework, physical protection inspections, physical protection upgrades at nuclear facilities, systems effectiveness; and accounting and control of nuclear material activities related to nuclear security of nuclear material in use and storage during their lifetime; (2) a specialist, implementing IAEA activities related to improving the nuclear security of materials and facilities; (3) a technical expert, identifying gaps and developing appropriate international guidance on nuclear security of nuclear material and nuclear facilities; and (4) a scientific secretary, developing nuclear security series documents, as well as other technical documents and training materials on the matters of nuclear security of materials and facilities.
Functions / Key Results Expected
- Lead a team of professionals to develop and implement projects on security for nuclear material and nuclear facilities within the Division of Nuclear Security.
- Coordinate IAEA activities related to improving the security of nuclear material and nuclear facilities in States.
- Lead the implementation of NSS 13 (INFCIRC/225/Rev5) by developing further guidance, training materials and delivering training courses.
- Assist States in establishing or improving their legal and regulatory frameworks for security of nuclear material and nuclear facilities
- Lead the review and assessment of physical protection designs of the nuclear facilities where the IAEA is supporting Member States on the security upgrades.
- Analyse the input from INSSPs for the structured planning of future projects for security of nuclear material and nuclear facilities and to develop annual work plans and identify funding needs.
- Carryout activities, including advisory and assessment missions, technical courses and workshops, technical support and human resource development activities.
- Ensure the continued high standing and recognition of the IAEA by representing the IAEA at national and international meetings as required; establish and maintain contacts with relevant international organizations, initiatives, committees and scientific societies.
- Plan, organize, manage and evaluate the work of the Unit, continuously reviewing effectiveness, focusing on priorities and driving for excellence in line with the IAEA’s quality management and results-based programming approach.
Competencies and Expertise
Core Competencies
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Security | National Nuclear Security Regimes | Substantial, in-depth knowledge of national nuclear security regimes, regulatory practices and methodologies, international nuclear security-related legal instruments. |
| Physical Protection | Nuclear Material Accounting and Control for Nuclear Security | In depth knowledge of good practices in accounting and control methodologies for nuclear materials and facilities. |
| Management and Programme Analysis | Project Management | Proven ability in planning, evaluation and implementation of security related projects for large nuclear facilities, with focus on protection of nuclear power plants and research reactors. |
| Physical Protection | Regulatory Framework | Knowledge of regulatory approaches for regulating nuclear security of materials and facilities, review and assessment of nuclear security design and evaluations. |
| Physical Protection | Security Management | Knowledge of the fuel cycle technologies, in particular for nuclear power plants systems important for security: Instrumentation and control, Safety, Security and Emergency systems. |
| Physical Protection | System Designs and Assesments | In-depth knowledge of nuclear security principles and designing of physical protection systems for nuclear facilities. |
Qualifications, Experience and Language skills
- An Advanced University degree in nuclear engineering, nuclear physics or other relevant technical field. PhD is an asset.
- Minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience at a managerial and operational level in nuclear security related or other relevant areas.
- Extensive international or national experience in nuclear security activities, especially in relation to nuclear material and facilities.
- Experience in leading small teams of technical staff.
- Experience in working with national and international organizations or institutes is desirable.
- Fluency in written and spoken English essential. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) 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 $ 43398*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks’ annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance
Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are 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. Staff members may be assigned to any location. 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. Testing may be part of the recruitment process
