Consultant - Homebased Review of National Laboratory Analytical Capacity in Developing Countries

Job Posting Organization:
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose. Established in 1957, the IAEA has a mission to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health, and prosperity throughout the world. The organization operates in over 170 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees. The IAEA's Major Programme 2 focuses on 'Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection', which includes various programs aimed at enhancing the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and manage environmental challenges through nuclear and isotopic techniques.

Job Overview:
The consultancy role is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the national water analysis laboratory capacity in 36 least developed countries that are IAEA Member States. The consultant will be tasked with reviewing existing policy documents, regulatory frameworks, and laboratory profiles to prepare concise country reports that assess the analytical and isotope hydrology capacity of these nations. This includes evaluating infrastructure, methodologies, staffing, quality assurance, accreditation, and data management practices. The consultant will also analyze the relationship between water quality testing requirements and national policies, identifying gaps and challenges in the current systems. The ultimate goal is to support the IAEA's capacity-building initiatives by providing evidence-based insights into the water analysis capabilities of these countries.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare an implementation plan that outlines the methodology, information sources, country coverage, report template, and assessment criteria for reviewing national water analysis laboratory capacity and related policies.
• Compile and review national water policies, legislation, regulations, and monitoring guidelines for each of the least developed countries included in the assessment.
• Prepare concise country reports summarizing laboratory infrastructure, isotope hydrology capacity, analytical methods, staffing, quality assurance arrangements, accreditation status, and data management practices.
• Assess how laboratory capacity is linked to national water policy, including the legal requirements for water analysis and the specifications for sample types, parameters, and reporting obligations.
• Develop a comparative matrix and final synthesis report that highlights country-level findings, regional trends, evidence gaps, and priority needs for scientific and technical support.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced degree (master's) in environmental science, water resources management, hydrology, hydrogeology, analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, or environmental policy.
• A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in water quality monitoring, laboratory analysis, isotope hydrology, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in reviewing national policies and regulatory frameworks related to water resources management.
• Proven ability to compile and analyze information from multiple sources and prepare structured reports.
• Experience working with developing countries or international organizations is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (master's) in a relevant field such as environmental science, water resources management, hydrology, hydrogeology, analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, or environmental policy. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of water analysis and laboratory capacity.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in areas such as water quality monitoring, laboratory analysis, isotope hydrology, and environmental policy review. Candidates should have a strong background in assessing laboratory capacity and experience in compiling and analyzing data from various sources to create comprehensive reports.

Languages:
A good command of English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy offers a daily fee of up to €250, depending on qualifications and experience. If travel is required during the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs will be covered. Health coverage and pension fund responsibilities lie with the consultant.