Section Head, Safety Assessment Section

Section Head, Safety Assessment Section

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

April 23, 2026May 14, 2026ViennaAustria
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an international organization that was established in 195
  • Its mission is to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to prevent its use for military purposes. The IAEA operates in over 170 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees. The organization focuses on nuclear safety, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and safeguards, ensuring that nuclear technology is used safely and responsibly across the globe.

Job Overview:
The Section Head of the Safety Assessment Section (SAS) plays a crucial role in managing and leading the IAEA's initiatives related to the safety assessment of nuclear installations. This position involves developing and implementing policies and programs that focus on ensuring the safety of nuclear installations against various hazards. The Section Head is responsible for overseeing the Section's activities, managing financial and human resources, and ensuring that the IAEA's safety standards are effectively applied and adhered to by Member States. The role requires a blend of technical expertise, managerial skills, and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders to promote the IAEA's vision and mission in nuclear safety.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Section Head will be responsible for planning, initiating, developing, implementing, guiding, coordinating, and supervising the activities of the Safety Assessment Section. Key responsibilities include providing technical and managerial leadership in enhancing Member States' capabilities regarding the application of IAEA safety standards, conducting safety assessment review services, and coordinating education and training initiatives. The Section Head will also lead the development and publication of safety standards for nuclear installations, organize complex safety review missions, and provide specialized technical input to technical cooperation projects. Additionally, the role involves promoting effective collaboration with other sections within the IAEA to support cross-functional exchange and interdependent work processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in engineering or physical/nuclear sciences. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in these fields combined with two years of relevant work experience may be considered. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in safety assessments and/or nuclear applications is required, with at least five years in a senior or middle management role. Demonstrated international experience, particularly in developing or applying IAEA safety standards, is essential. Candidates should also have proven experience in a cross-functional environment, showcasing the ability to build effective partnerships and facilitate information-sharing across teams.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in engineering or physical/nuclear sciences. Candidates with a first-level university degree in these areas, along with two years of relevant work experience, may also be considered. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of nuclear safety and the technical aspects of safety assessments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in safety assessments and/or nuclear applications. Within this experience, at least five years should have been spent in a senior or middle management role within industry, government, or regulatory environments. Candidates should have demonstrated international experience, particularly in relation to IAEA safety standards, and should be familiar with nuclear physics and reactor design/operation.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written command of English is mandatory. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish, is considered an asset and is beneficial for effective communication within the international context of the IAEA's work.

Additional Notes:
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package, including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $103,165, along with a variable post adjustment and various benefits such as dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, and relocation expenses. Employees are entitled to six weeks of annual leave, home leave travel, and are covered by a pension plan and health insurance. The IAEA is committed to gender equality and diversity in its workforce, encouraging applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries. Staff members are international civil servants and must adhere to the highest ethical standards, with a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims of the United Nations.
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