Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards carries out the IAEA’s duties and responsibilities as the world’s nuclear inspectorate, supporting global efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. The primary role of the Department is to develop and implement IAEA safeguards to ensure that there is no diversion of declared nuclear material from peaceful activities and no indications of undeclared nuclear material or activities in a State as a whole.

The Department comprises nuclear safeguards inspectors, responsible for carrying out inspections and verifications of all-safeguards relevant information for nuclear facilities in over 180 States; and technical staff responsible for a wide range of activities including: developing concepts and approaches for implementing safeguards; developing and maintaining safeguards equipment; providing analytical and laboratory services for sample analysis; collecting, evaluating and analysing safeguards-relevant information; providing information and communication technology infrastructure and services; and providing programme coordination support.

Operations Divisions, and the Office for Verification in Iran, perform and document safeguards verification activities and conduct analysis and evaluations aimed at providing assurances that States comply with their nuclear safeguards commitments. These teams implement a broad range of measures, including information analysis and in-field verification, to draw soundly based safeguards conclusions for States.

Main Purpose

The Senior Safeguards Technology Expert leverages his/her understanding of the various aspects of sensitive science and technology related to their area of expertise to deepen the IAEA’s understanding of nuclear proliferation concerns related to both indigenous R&D and technology transfer and trading. He/she provides expertise in their field, evaluates related information and advises on verification of nuclear proliferation issues related to his/her expertise.

Role

Reporting to the DPRK Team Leader, the Senior Safeguards Technology Expert is (1) a technical expert in their specialized field in the area of nuclear sciences and technology; (2) a key contributor in the preparation and review of State evaluation reports as a senior technical expert; (3) an adviser to senior levels for consultations and investigations arising from ad hoc requests generated from headquarters and in-field; and (4) a liaison, as appropriate, with representatives of other safeguards divisions, IAEA departments and Member States on issues of his/her expertise.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Provides technical evaluation of evaluation documents and participates in DPRK Team working groups, preparing technical reports and advising on technology issues, as required.
Conducts technical analysis and assessment of the DPRK nuclear programme in their area of expertise.
Develops evaluation methodologies related to the early detection of the possible misuse of nuclear material or technology through undeclared nuclear activities or related trade and activities of sensitive nuclear technology.
Guides, reviews and evaluates work with technical consultants on specific analytical and development projects.
Provides authoritative technical expertise and advice concerning nuclear proliferation issues and conducts investigations on sensitive science and technology issues related to nuclear proliferation.
Oversees the work of more junior colleagues, acting as a mentor and supporting their development, developing mechanisms to support collaborative working within the team.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)

Functional Competencies

Required Expertise

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• Master’s Degree – Advanced university degree in nuclear science or engineering, chemistry, physics or electronics/instrumentation/computer science or related field.
• Bachelor’s Degree – A first level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of advanced university degree.
• Other – In-depth theoretical and practical training in areas relevant to safeguards.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in the nuclear industry or in a post focusing on technical non-proliferation analysis.
• Experience in technical non-proliferation analysis and extensive knowledge of proliferation issues.
• In-depth knowledge of the nuclear fuel cycle and extensive experience with the science and technology of at least one of the following fields:
  • isotope separation, particularly with application to uranium enrichment at an R&D and industrial production scale;
  • reprocessing of irradiated fuel;
  • nuclear reactors, particularly gas-graphite moderated reactors and light water reactors;
  • nuclear weapons research and development, including the design, manufacture, operation and procurement of goods or services related to nuclear weapons research.
• Experience in, and knowledge of, procedures for handling sensitive technical knowledge and issues on a State level.
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean, 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 $92731 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 55546*, 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.