Research Entomologist (Livestock Pests)(P4)

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please note that the closing date for submission of applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA’s Major Programme 2, “Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection”. This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies. These programmes are supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The Major Programme’s objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage the marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes.

The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture assists Member States of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the IAEA in using nuclear techniques and related technologies to improve food security, alleviate poverty and promote sustainable agriculture. The Joint Centre consists of five Sections, each with an associated laboratory (located in Seibersdorf, 45 km south-east of Vienna), in the areas of: animal production and health; plant breeding and genetics; insect pest control; soil and water management and crop nutrition; and food safety and control.

The Insect Pest Control Section and Laboratory assist Member States with the development, dissemination and transfer of sterile insect and related environmentally friendly technologies for the area-wide integrated suppression, containment or eradication of major insect pests affecting crops, livestock and human health.

Main Purpose

As a team leader reporting to the Laboratory Head, and with leadership from the IPC Section Head and the Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, the Research Entomologist ensures that the activities of the research group on Livestock Pests of the Insect Pest Control Laboratory contribute to the results of the IPC subprogramme relating to the development of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and other genetic control technologies for sustainable protection of agricultural production systems.

Role

The Research Entomologist is: (1) a team leader of the Livestock Pests team, ensuring the efficient and effective management of assigned staff, physical and financial resources in line with quality management standards and a results-based approach; (2) a technical leader, leading a multidisciplinary team in the Insect Pest Control Laboratory (IPCL) focused on ensuring the efficient and effective development and implementation of the Laboratory’s R&D activities, training and laboratory service as it relates to the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, and; (3) a technical officer, providing technical support to technical cooperation projects (TCPs), and to coordinated research projects (CRPs) in the area of development of the SIT package for livestock insect pests.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Lead the development, adaptation and validation of technologies related to the control of livestock pests in the context of area-wide integrated pest management programmes incorporating the sterile insect technique in alignment with the FAO and IAEA programmes and the identified needs of Member States, plan, monitor and transfer these technologies to Member States, including through the organization of training programmes for scientists and other stakeholders.

Develop and introduce innovative R&D approaches to the insect pest activities of the IPC subprogramme, including on-site laboratory activities at the IPCL, and within CRPs and TCPs undertaken at institutes in Member States. Provide substantive input into the planning and management of the scientific and technical aspects of this subprogramme and propose novel directions and approaches that enhance the subprogramme’s ability to support ongoing and future activities leading to sustainable development in Member States.

Through a continuous and concerted focus on outreach activities, the Research Entomologist keeps abreast of emerging technologies that can be further developed and validated at the IPCL, and therefore, ensuring that the most relevant and efficient technologies are deployed in addressing livestock pest control in Member States.

Provide expertise and guidance to visiting scientists, fellows and collaborators from national, regional and international research institutes who will be hosted at the IPCL to conduct R&D in the context of area-wide integrated pest management programmes incorporating the sterile insect technique.

Plans and implements the work on livestock pests in the Insect Pest Control Laboratory through efficient management of the human and physical resources. Effectively manage staff, generate work plans, order supplies, monitor work performance and assess staff development needs. In close consultation with the Head of the IPCL, identify appropriate human, physical and technical resource requirements and locate external consultants as required.

In close consultation and cooperation with the Head of the Insect Pest Control Laboratory participates in the development of strategic partnerships and alliances with key research laboratories in developed and developing countries and with scientists in national and regional organizations.

Provide assistance in the development of manuals, guidelines, books, brochures, standard operating procedures on the development of the SIT package for livestock pests in the context of area-wide integrated pest management. Ensure the timely delivery of the group’s commitments under the IPC subprogramme and contribute to annual reports, newsletters, and external and internal subprogramme evaluations .

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)

Functional Competencies

Required Expertise

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Master’s Degree – Advanced University degree in a relevant field of entomology or other related field.

Minimum seven years of working experience, of which three years hould preferably have been at the international level, in one or more of the following areas applied to arthropods: entomology, insect ecology, agriculture.
A thorough understanding of insect biology, ecology and behaviour.
Awareness of relevant FAO and IAEA mechanisms and procedures, including the implementation of CRPs and TC projects would be a strong asset.
Well-developed computer application skills, including statistical analysis of research data.
Experience in working with multidisciplinary and multicultural staff and colleagues in implementing R&D.
Experience in editing, formatting and publishing technical guidelines, manuals, standard operational procedures and scientific documents.
An up-to-date knowledge of new and upcoming technologies in the areas of entomology and ecology relevant to improving the application of the SIT for insect pests.
Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Ability to facilitate work in a team environment with scientific, technical and administrative staff and trainees and to build and maintain collaborative partnerships across organizational boundaries.

Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $77326 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 44076, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; Other benefits include 6 weeks’ annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/professional-staff/conditions

General Information

• The IAEA’s paramount consideration in the recruitment of staff member is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• Staff Members shall be selected without any unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on a person’s race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin or other similar shared characteristic or trait.
• The IAEA is committed to gender equality and to promoting a diverse workforce. Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly encouraged.
• Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity.
• The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and the IAEA, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

Evaluation process

• The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
• Candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.

Appointment information

• Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
• Staff members may be assigned to any location.
• Candidates appointed to posts in the Professional and higher categories are subject to IAEA rotation policy and their maximum tour of service shall normally be seven years.
• The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above.