Nuclear Safety Officer, Vienna, Austria

International Atomic Energy Agency; Wien; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

International Atomic Energy Agency is seeking a Nuclear Safety Officer (P4) to plan and coordinate safety projects for research reactor and nuclear installation safety. The role leads technical reviews, missions, and capacity-building activities with Member States and international partners.

The candidate will provide expertise on safety assessment methods, regulatory oversight, and international safety standards, with experience in international projects and strong English communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant science/engineering field with additional experience considered in lieu of advanced degree.
• Master's degree in a related engineering/physical/nuclear field is preferred.
• Minimum seven years of relevant professional experience, including international environments.
• Experience applying nuclear safety principles and advanced safety techniques.
• Experience organizing technical meetings, capacity-building missions, and advisory missions.
• English language skills; knowledge of other IAEA languages is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate projects to strengthen safety of nuclear installations.
• Lead technical safety reviews, mission planning and follow-up activities.
• Provide advice on safety assessment methodologies and regulatory oversight.
• Organize capacity-building projects at national, regional and international levels.
• Contribute to safety information systems and incident reporting programs.
• Represent the IAEA in professional meetings and collaborative projects.

Skills

Nuclear safety ageing management

Operating experience feedback

Research reactor safety

International project experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/physical/nuclear/chemical/mathematical/behavioural science/social psychology or related field

Master's degree in engineering/physical/nuclear/chemical/mathematical/behavioural science/social psychology or related field

Job description

Job Description - Nuclear Safety Officer(P4) (2026/0376 (209719))

Job Description

Nuclear Safety Officer(P4) - ( 2026/0376 (209719) )

Organization

NSNI-Research Reactor Safety Section

Primary Location

Job Posting

2026-10-13, 8:06:29 AM

Closing Date

2026-11-03, 10:59:00 PM

Duration in Months : 36

Contract Type : Fixed Term - Regular

Full Competitive Recruitment : Yes

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 security. The objective of the Division of Nuclear Installation Safety (NSNI) is to achieve and maintain a high level of safety of nuclear installations worldwide that are under design or construction or in operation. The Division does this by establishing standards of safety for the protection of health, including standards for nuclear power plants and other nuclear installations and facilities, and by providing for the application of these standards through, among other things, support for the IAEA's Technical Cooperation programme, the rendering of safety review services, the promotion of education and training, the fostering of information exchange and the coordination of research and development. In addition, the Division helps ensure safety at nuclear installations by supporting international safety instruments such as the Convention on Nuclear Safety and the Code of Conduct on the Safety of Research Reactors.

NSNI comprises five Sections:

• External Events Safety Section
• Operational Safety Section
• Safety Assessment Section
• Regulatory Activities Section
• Research Reactor Safety Section

The Research Reactor Safety Section (RRS) works with Member States to develop an international research reactor and fuel cycle facility safety enhancement plan and regime. Activities in this area include monitoring research reactors subject to project and supply agreements, and assisting Member States possessing such reactors in fulfilling all the relevant safety obligations. The Section also covers a wide range of topics related to research reactor and fuel cycle facility safety, including siting, design, construction, commissioning, operation, utilization and decommissioning.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Section Head, the Nuclear Safety Officer plans and coordinates assigned projects to support specific Divisional programmes and services aimed at strengthening the safety of nuclear installation through proper site selection, installation design, systems design; and regulatory and operating policies and practices.

Role

The Nuclear Safety Officer is:

1. a project planner and implementer, contributing to the development and implementation of activities aimed at promoting the Divisional programmatic objectives;
2. a scientific secretary and technical expert, planning and leading Technical Meetings and consultancies;
3. a mission leader, planning and leading technical safety reviews and follow-up missions;
4. a technical officer, leading and evaluating technical cooperation and extra-budgetary operational and coordinated research projects.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Depending on the Section focus, functions may include to:

• Lead projects of internal and external experts to develop, implement and evaluate safety standards.
• Provide Member States with advice and assistance in the application of safety assessment methodologies and safety standards, including to organize peer review missions to determine the effectiveness of regulatory oversight and to formulate an action plan for the Member State to address identified deficiencies.
• Provide advice and assistance to Member State and industry association reviews of operating organization management systems, safety culture, human resources management and scientific and technical capacity including participation as an expert advisor and technical expert on Member State and industry association review missions.
• Organize and manage capacity building projects, including education, training and exercises at the national, regional and international levels to address all the nuclear safety related areas, including safe operation, emergency preparedness and response, and regulatory effectiveness.
• Provide expert technical input and maintain / operate nuclear safety information systems such as the Incident Reporting System (IRS), and Incident Reporting System for Research Reactors (IRSRR) and Fuel Incident Notification and Analysis System (FINAS); provide support and relevant expertise for the Incident Emergency System (IES); and participate in associated training events and exercises.
• Participate as an active member and IAEA representative in professional meetings, conferences and projects.

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.

Planning and Organizing Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans.

Communication Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions.

Achieving Results Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned.

Teamwork Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.

Name Definition

Judgement/decision making Consults with supervisor/manager and takes decisions in full compliance with the Agency’s regulations and rules. Makes decisions reflecting best practice and professional theories and standards.

Partnership building Identifies and builds partnerships. Develops and maintains long lasting partnerships to strengthen relationships. Delivers programmatic outputs and acquires resources in support of Agency goals.

Technical/scientific credibility Ensures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable.

Required Expertise Function Name

Nuclear Safety Ageing Management for Research Reactors Experience in ageing management of nuclear installations, and ability to assist Member States in implementing ageing management programmes for research reactors

Nuclear Safety Operating Experience Feedback Programmes Experience in collecting and disseminating operating experience of nuclear installations, and ability to support IAEA incident reporting systems

Nuclear Safety Research Reactor Safety Experience in development or application of IAEA safety standards or national regulations for research reactors, and ability to assist Member States in application of IAEA safety standards in these areas

Asset Expertise Function Name

Nuclear Safety Fuel Cycle Facility Safety Knowledge on main safety issues of nuclear fuel cycle facilities, and ability to assist Member States in application of IAEA safety standards in these areas

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Bachelor's Degree - University degree in engineering/physical/nuclear/chemical/mathematical/behavioural science/social psychology or a related field, with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Master's Degree - Advanced university degree in engineering/physical/nuclear/chemical/mathematical/behavioural science/social psychology or a related field.

Minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience, including experience in an international environment.

Experience applying nuclear safety principles and state-of-the-art nuclear safety techniques.

Experience organizing and leading technical meetings, capacity building missions, and other expert and advisory missions.

Experience drafting and finalizing publication of relevant technical reports guidelines, manuals, publications and other resources.

Experience in international projects an asset, particularly with developing countries.

Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Excellent oral and written command of English.

Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

• 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.