Unit Head (Nuclear Material Security)(P4)

This selection exercise may be used to generate a roster of pre-approved candidates to address future staffing needs for similar functions in any of the Departments and Offices of the Organization.

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 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) is responsible for the coordination of the design and delivery of programme of activities related to the security of nuclear material and nuclear facilities within the IAEA nuclear security programme. The Unit Head manages the team and works with nuclear security officers to prioritize, implement and monitor Unit’s activities based on needs identified by States, including within Integrated Nuclear Security Sustainability Plans (INSSPs) and other relevant sources of information. and coordinate obtaining the relevant inputs from the other Units within the Section and Division. The Unit Head will also manage relevant technical inputs of the Unit for definition, planning and evaluation of separate projects and tasks related to security for nuclear material and nuclear facilities, assisting to develop and sustain effective technical capabilities to support Member States nuclear security infrastructure, as well as identify the means for carrying out these projects and tasks. The Unit Head is also responsible for development and review of nuclear security guidance and other technical documents, training materials and reports, and for conduct of advisory services, expert missions and training events related to security of nuclear material and nuclear facilities. Further, he/she will coordinate provision of comprehensive technical input into the development and implementation of the States INSSPs and associated projects.

Role

Reporting to the Section Head MAFA, the Unit Head (Nuclear Material Security) is: (1) a coordinator, managing planning, design and delivery of programme activities related to Unit’s work, including regulatory framework, physical protection inspections and physical protection upgrades at nuclear facilities, systems effectiveness, accounting and control of nuclear material for nuclear security of nuclear material in use and storage during their lifetime; (2) a team leader, managing the Unit’s team in accordance with relevant Agency’s policies and procedures; (3) a technical expert, identifying gaps and supporting the development of appropriate international guidance on security of nuclear material and nuclear facilities, and providing technical inputs to development and implementation of INSSPs; (4) a technical officer for the relevant projects of particular technical complexity; and (5) a scientific secretary, developing nuclear security series documents, as well as other technical documents and training materials on the matters of security of nuclear material and associated facilities.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Coordinate IAEA activities related to improving the security of nuclear material and nuclear facilities in States.
Monitor and support the implementation of NSS 13 (INFCIRC/225/Rev5) by developing further guidance, training materials and delivering training courses.
Provide technical support to States in technical implementation of CPPNM and its Amendment, including through assistance in establishing or improving their legal and regulatory frameworks for security of nuclear material and nuclear facilities
Coordinate 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.
Oversee the development of relevant guidance, including within the IAEA Nuclear Security Series of publications.
Carry out activities, including advisory and assessment missions, technical courses and workshops, technical support and human resource development activities.
Contribute to 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 team, continuously reviewing effectiveness, focusing on priorities and driving for excellence in line with the IAEAs quality management and results-based programming approach.

The incumbent may perform his/her work in areas involving exposure to radioactive materials. Therefore, as an Occupationally Exposed Worker, he/she must be medically cleared by VIC Medical Service and is subject to an appropriate radiation and health monitoring programme, in accordance with the IAEA’s Radiation Safety Regulations.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)

Functional Competencies

Required Expertise

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Advanced University degree in nuclear engineering, nuclear physics or other relevant technical field. PhD is an asset.

University degree in nuclear engineering, nuclear physics or other technical field, with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of advanced university degree.

Minimum of seven years of relevant experience in nuclear security, including minimum of three years of managerial experience and experience at the operational levels.
Proven national experience in security of nuclear material and associated facilities and in other nuclear security related activities.
Experience in leading small teams of technical staff.
Experience in working with national and international organizations or institutes.
Good knowledge and understanding of the challenges for the implementation of IAEA’s Nuclear Security Plan are 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 $77326 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 46241, 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.