Senior Technical Advisor (SG)(P5)

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 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. Within the Office of the Deputy Director General, the Section for Safeguards Programme Coordination (SPC) is the principal advisory body supporting the Department’s management. The Section provides coordination and support in the areas of safeguards implementation, programme and budget, human resources, performance monitoring, effectiveness evaluation, communication, and in formulation and execution of departmental policies and procedures.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Director, the Senior Technical Advisor provides technical advice and expertise on safeguards issues, particularly with regard to advanced safeguards approaches for new nuclear fuel cycle facilities and advanced concepts for verification at the facility and State level. He/she leads the Division’s efforts to maximize effectiveness and efficiency gains from the better use of modern and emerging verification methods and technologies. He/she provides direct support and technical advice to the Director on advanced safeguards methods applicable to isotope separation plants, and other novel nuclear facilities, as well as the verification methods at the State level. He/she provides strategic input into departmental plans for verification technology development.

Role

The Senior Technical Advisor is: 1) a technical expert with wide knowledge and an expert level understanding of the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear facilities and international safeguards, as well as emerging verification capabilities and requirements; 2) a focal point for the Department on advanced concepts and technical methods for safeguards verification; 3) a liaison, interacting with internal and external stakeholders on advanced safeguards concepts; and 4) a project coordinator, overseeing special divisional or departmental projects as requested.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Serve as the technical lead for divisional activities related to the research and development of advanced safeguards concepts and approaches.

Analyse both the opportunities and challenges posed by emerging verification technologies and develop reports to support capability development efforts of the Member State Support Programme, as well as senior management decision-making.

Lead divisional efforts on the development of advanced approaches for sensitive fuel cycle facilities, such isotope separation and reprocessing facilities.

Oversee related divisional or departmental projects, in the Department of Safeguards as needed.

Provide strategic input to departmental plans for verification technology development.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies (Competency Framework)

Name Definition

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.

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.

Functional Competencies

Name Definition

Analytical thinking Analyses information to identify cause and effect relationships and correlations. Identifies critical elements and assesses consequences of different courses of action and proposes solutions.

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.

Resilience Maintains a high level of performance when facing pressure and uncertainty. Able to remain calm and self-controlled, and to respond logically and decisively in difficult situations.

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 Expertise Description

Safeguards Nuclear Fuel Cycle/Nuclear Facilities Technical expertise in the nuclear fuel cycle and in the design, operation or regulation of nuclear fuel cycle facilities, particularly isotope separation plants for safeguards purposes.

Management and Programme Analysis Project Management In depth expertise in providing strategic oversight and facilitation of complex technical projects, especially those involving inter-disciplinary engagement as a senior technical advisor

Safeguards Safeguards System, Advanced Sound technical knowledge of international safeguards and their implementation as well as thorough knowledge of the legal instruments upon which IAEA safeguards are based (e.g. comprehensive safeguards agreements, additional protocols).

Qualifications, Experience And Language Skills

• Master's Degree - Advanced university degree in physical science, engineering, mathematics, political science, international relations or a safeguards-related discipline; PhD is considered as an asset.
• Bachelor's Degree - University degree in physical science, engineering, mathematics, political science, international relations or a safeguards-related discipline plus two years of additional relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of working experience in the nuclear field, preferably including experience in systems analysis, international safeguards, and developing and evaluating nuclear safeguards technologies, concepts and approaches.
• Experience developing R&D plans for safeguards, relevant technologies and applications.
• Experience in verification technology research and development, including the use of field testing and trials.
• Experience working in the international and nuclear non-proliferation environment.
• 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 $101540 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 50364*, 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.
  
  

Organization

SGCP-Division of Concepts and Planning

Primary Location

Austria-Vienna-Vienna-IAEA Headquarters

Job Posting

2025-06-24, 2:55:01 PM

Closing Date

2025-07-14, 10:59:00 PM

Duration in Months

36

Contract Type

Fixed Term - Regular

Probation Period

1 Year

Full Competitive Recruitment

Yes