Emergency Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an international organization that works to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to prevent its use for military purposes. Established in 1957, the IAEA has a mission to ensure that nuclear energy is used safely and securely, and to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation. The organization operates in over 170 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees. The IAEA's work encompasses various areas including nuclear safety, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and safeguards, as well as technical cooperation and research.

Job Overview:
The Emergency Communications Officer plays a crucial role in the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, specifically within the Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC). This position is responsible for coordinating communication efforts related to emergency preparedness and response, ensuring that information is exchanged effectively and that messages are clear, consistent, and scientifically accurate. The officer will develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy for nuclear and radiological emergencies, aligning with the IAEA's communication frameworks. This role involves leading the creation of guidance documents for public communication during emergencies and planning capacity-building activities. The Emergency Communications Officer is also expected to actively participate in emergency management during incidents, preparing background materials for the Director General and drafting public messages based on technical information. This position requires a blend of communication expertise, technical knowledge in nuclear safety, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Emergency Communications Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties including:

• Developing and implementing a communication strategy for nuclear or radiological incidents and emergencies in collaboration with the Office of Public Information and Communication (OPIC).
• Creating communication materials and tools for use during emergencies to meet the needs of both internal and external stakeholders.
• Contributing to OPIC’s Media, Multimedia and Outreach Section by drafting media lines, press releases, and organizing briefings or events.
• Managing the development of technical content related to public information within IAEA safety standards and guidelines.
• Coordinating the implementation of the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES) at the international level, including the development of guidelines and training materials.
• Providing expert guidance to Member States on public information strategies within their emergency preparedness and response programs.
• Writing relevant sections of the annual Nuclear Safety Review and other program documents.
• Participating in the IAEA's Incident and Emergency System (IES) and providing technical support during activations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in communications, journalism, public or foreign relations, science, or a related field relevant to nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response. Ideally, this should be complemented with communication modules. A university degree in communication or a related field, along with two years of relevant work experience, may be considered in lieu of the advanced degree. A doctorate degree is considered an asset. Candidates should also have a minimum of 7 years of experience in nuclear or radiological emergency communication or nuclear science with strong communication components, along with national or international experience in emergency preparedness and response.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as communications, journalism, public or foreign relations, or science. Candidates with a university degree in communication or a related field, combined with two years of relevant work experience, may be considered if they do not hold an advanced degree. A doctorate degree is an asset and may enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of experience in nuclear or radiological emergency communication or in nuclear science with a strong emphasis on communication. This experience should include national or international exposure to emergency preparedness and response issues. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate capabilities in coordinating emergency communication activities and analyzing the communication needs of large organizations or in an international context.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written command of English is mandatory. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, 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 $86,027, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Additional benefits include a variable post adjustment, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses, 6 weeks of annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan, and health insurance. The IAEA is committed to gender equality 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 on conduct incompatible with the aims of the United Nations.