Closing date: Thursday, 18 December 2014

Position and Grade: Technical Lead (Fuel Engineering) (P-5)

Organizational Unit: Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Section, Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology, Department of Nuclear Energy

Duty Station: Vienna, Austria

Issue Date: 10 November 2014

Application Deadline: 18 December 2014

Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The objective of the Department of Nuclear Energy is to foster the efficient and safe use of nuclear power by supporting interested Member States in improving the performance of nuclear power plants, the nuclear fuel cycle, and the management of nuclear wastes; in catalysing innovation in nuclear power and fuel cycle technologies; in developing indigenous capabilities for national energy planning; in deploying new nuclear power plants; in preserving and disseminating nuclear information and knowledge; and in advancing science and industry through improved operation of research reactors.

The Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology comprises the Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Section, Waste Technology Section and the Research Reactor Section. The Division is responsible for the implementation of activities under a matrix structure of programmes on the nuclear fuel cycle and materials technologies, on the management of radioactive waste and on research reactors.

The Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Section assists interested Member States in the development of safe, environmentally friendly, economically viable, proliferation-resistant and sustainable fuel cycle options and it encourages information exchange on the exploration, mining and processing of uranium and thorium, the design, manufacturing and performance of nuclear fuels, the management of spent fuel, and the development of advanced and innovative nuclear fuels and fuel cycles.

Main purpose

As the lead technical expert in a team reporting to the Section Head, the Technical Lead manages, co-ordinates, and supervises the IAEA's projects on nuclear fuel engineering.

Role

The Technical Lead (Fuel Engineering) is: (1) a substantive expert contributor, managing projects of particular complexity and/or sensitivity; (2) a Scientific Secretary to international technical meetings related to a specialized field, overseeing preparation and editing of technical reports, manuals proceedings and other technical publications; (3) a manager planning, leading, co-ordinating, monitoring and supervising the activities of a Sub-Section in accordance with Member States' needs; (4) a coordinator of inter-agency collaborative projects with the UN system and other international organizations, reviewing and providing a systematic overview and preparation of technical documentation and papers for discussions.

Partnerships

The Technical Lead (Fuel Engineering) engages high level technical counterparts in Member States' institutions programme planning and implementation to ensure effective transfer and sharing of technical and managerial know-how and promotes partnership building with appropriate international organizations and other relevant institutions. In addition, he/she meets regularly with the Section Head, other Technical Leads and colleagues of the Department to ensure effective utilization and integration of all resources (human, financial and technical) received. He/she also works with and coordinates work with technical experts in the Technical Cooperation Department to ensure a seamless integration of all projects and programmes.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Broaden and deepen the field of knowledge by organizing technical meetings related to the specialized field and serve as scientific secretary; prepare technical programmes, contribute to the preparation and editing of technical reports, manuals, proceedings and other scientific publications; prepare and organize in-house meetings in support of the Section's scientific programme.
• Contribute to an integrated delivery of activities through coordination of inter-agency collaborative projects within the UN system; promote the exchange of information on safety related experience gained worldwide.
• Ensure the continued high standing and recognition of the IAEA in the scientific community by representing the IAEA at national and international meetings as required; establish and maintain contacts with individual scientists at various national centres, relevant international organizations, committees and scientific societies.
• Plan, lead, coordinate, monitor implementation, supervise the activities of the Fuel Engineering team in accordance with Member States' needs, including but not limited to nuclear fuel cycle and material technology, and ensure compliance of Member States with the requirements and recommendations of the IAEA's standards in these same areas.
• Coordinate the Team's provision of specialized technical input to Technical Cooperation Projects in the subject area and provide technical guidance; evaluate proposals, develop work plans; provide support in planning and implementing training courses and workshops.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Technical expertise: General knowledge of nuclear power reactor fuel development, design, manufacturing and operation. Expert-level knowledge in one of the disciplines involved in nuclear fuel engineering.
• Management and supervisory skills: Ability to manage staff, providing clear direction and motivation, managing their performance appropriately and fairly, and dealing with possible conflicts.
• Leadership skills: Ability to communicate a common and inspiring vision, to adopt a strategic approach and to act as a catalyst for change.
• Project management skills: Demonstrated ability in handling projects, including project planning, work assignment and supervision as well as progress review and reporting, using a recognized framework.
• Planning and organizing skills: Ability to set clearly defined objectives, to plan activities in a timely way and to monitor performance against deadlines and milestones.
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Communication skills: Ability to write technical documents in a structured manner and to deliver effective oral presentations.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

• Advanced university degree (or equivalent) in nuclear engineering, material science, or a similar field. Ph.D. degree would be an asset.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in nuclear power reactor fuel engineering, of which at least five should have been at the international level.
• Experience of working in a national/international nuclear organization or institute an asset.
• Fluency in spoken and written English essential. Knowledge of another IAEA official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.

Apply here: https://recruitment.iaea.org/vacancies/p/2014/2014_168.html