Section Head, Programme Development and International Cooperation

Section Head, Programme Development and International Cooperation

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

July 7, 2026August 8, 2026ViennaAustria
Job Description
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 inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. Established in 1957, the IAEA has a mission to ensure that nuclear energy is used safely and securely, and to assist its member states in the development of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. The organization operates in over 170 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees. The IAEA's work encompasses a wide range of activities, including nuclear safety, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and safeguards, as well as technical cooperation and capacity building in nuclear science and technology.

Job Overview:
The Section Head for Programme Development and International Cooperation is a pivotal role within the IAEA's Department of Nuclear Safety and Security. This position involves providing strategic policy and programmatic advice to the Director and other organizational units, managing the processes for the development and application of systems to plan, monitor progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of program implementation. The Section Head will oversee the Nuclear Security Fund, ensuring that contributions are disbursed according to established conditions. This role also includes coordinating the education and training programs related to nuclear security, promoting adherence to international legal instruments, and facilitating collaboration with Member States. The Section Head is expected to be a leader and manager, guiding a team of professionals and ensuring effective resource planning to achieve the Division's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Section Head include:
  • Providing policy and strategy advice to the Director and other units within the organization.
  • Managing the development and application of systems for planning, monitoring, and evaluating program effectiveness.
  • Coordinating the development of programmatic policies affecting all sections in the Division of Nuclear Security.
  • Leading the facilitation of voluntary financial contributions from Member States, including negotiating conditions related to funding.
  • Overseeing the education and training program and the operation of the Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre.
  • Ensuring strategic approaches in collaborative planning across the Division, identifying linkages with related work units.
  • Reviewing the effectiveness of programs and focusing on priorities in line with a results-based framework.
  • Guiding the development of budgetary plans for the Division in alignment with the IAEA program and budget.
  • Monitoring the disbursement of extra-budgetary contributions and ensuring compliance with conditions placed on their use. 1
  • Preparing reports for donors and other key divisional reports. 1
  • Interacting with representatives from Member States to support their contributions to the Nuclear Security Fund.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Section Head position include:
  • A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Nuclear Science, Economics, or a relevant field of study, with an additional four years of relevant experience considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
  • A Master's degree in Finance, Nuclear Science, Economics, or a relevant field is preferred.
  • A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, budget planning, and program coordination, with at least five years at a managerial or supervisory level.
  • Experience in an international or national organization, governmental body, or regulated sector, preferably in nuclear, defense, or high-security domains.
  • Proven experience in managing large, complex budgets and successful resource mobilization for donor-funded projects.
  • Demonstrated experience in applying results-based management principles in planning and monitoring.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Finance, Nuclear Science, or Economics. An advanced degree (Master's) is preferred and may be required depending on the candidate's experience. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in financial management and program coordination, essential for the responsibilities of the Section Head.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, including financial management and program coordination. At least five years of this experience should be at a managerial or supervisory level, demonstrating the ability to lead teams and manage complex projects effectively. Experience in international or national organizations, particularly in sectors related to nuclear security, is highly desirable.

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 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 $101,540, along with a variable post adjustment and various benefits such as dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, and relocation expenses. Staff members 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. The appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report, and staff members may be assigned to any location. Candidates may also be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.
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