Section Head, External Events Safety Section

Job Posting Organization:
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an international organization established in 1957, with a mission to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. The IAEA has a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees and operates in over 170 countries. Its headquarters is located in Vienna, Austria, and it plays a crucial role in nuclear safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, ensuring that nuclear technology is used safely and responsibly across the globe.

Job Overview:
The Section Head of the External Events Safety Section (EESS) is responsible for managing and leading a team dedicated to enhancing the safety of nuclear installations through proper site selection and design. This role involves developing and implementing policies and programs aimed at strengthening nuclear safety on a global scale. The Section Head will oversee the financial and human resources of the section, ensuring that the IAEA's initiatives are effectively executed. The position requires a blend of technical expertise, managerial skills, and the ability to communicate the IAEA's vision to various stakeholders. The Section Head will also be involved in providing technical input for safety standards and coordinating safety review missions, ensuring that the IAEA's programs align with the needs of its Member States.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Section Head include planning, initiating, developing, implementing, guiding, coordinating, and supervising the activities of the External Events Safety Section. This includes providing technical and managerial leadership in areas such as site selection and evaluation processes for nuclear installations, seismic safety assessments, and safety evaluations against external hazards. The Section Head will collect and disseminate findings from extreme external events, manage the development and publication of safety standards, and lead complex safety review missions. Additionally, the incumbent will identify strategies to enhance the Section's capabilities, coordinate technical input for cooperation projects, and promote collaboration with other sections within the IAEA. The role may involve exposure to radioactive materials, requiring medical clearance and adherence to safety regulations.

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 accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in nuclear applications or in the field of site selection and evaluation 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 knowledge of nuclear physics and reactor design, as well as proven experience in a cross-functional environment.

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 crucial for understanding the complexities of nuclear safety and the technical aspects of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in nuclear applications, particularly in site selection and evaluation, and the design and protection of nuclear installations against external events. Within this experience, at least five years should have been spent in a senior or middle management role, demonstrating the ability to lead teams and manage complex projects effectively. International experience, especially in relation to IAEA safety standards, is highly valued.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written command of English is mandatory. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

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, 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 diversity and encourages 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 for discrimination and misconduct.