Communications Specialist (NA)(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 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.

Main Purpose

Under the supervision of the Departmental Programme Coordinator and in close coordination with the Office of Public Information and Communication, the Communications Specialist manages the Department’s internal and external communications. In so doing, the incumbent analyzes the Department’s communication needs in relation to its target audiences and also prepares speeches, reports, articles and other communications with adapted scientific content and style appropriate to the audience, venue and message. He/she raise awareness among scientific and general audiences of the nuclear techniques developed in the department the outcome achieved through their effectiveness.

Role

The Communications Specialist is a (i) a specialist formulating and carrying out Departmental and Divisional communication strategies; (ii) a facilitator conveying the vision and messages from senior managers as well as the objectives and results of the programme into communication outputs; (iii) a collaborator working with others, as appropriate, to enhance their outreach activities and to help improve their presentation skills and (iv) a substantive contributor supporting the DDG as the primary speechwriter

Functions / Key Results Expected

Draft speeches for the Deputy Director General, departmental reports, including Nuclear Technology Report, and other communications based on scientific inputs received from the expert staff in the divisions of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications;
Identify on a regular basis the communications and information need of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications.
In close collaboration with the team, design the Department Communications Strategy Plan, and applying appropriate communication tools that meet stakeholder needs and fulfil statutory and other IAEA requirements.
Maintain the internal Departmental website and updating the content of NA relevant web pages on the external website based on the inputs from the Divisions, working in close coordination with the Office of Public Information and Communication ensuring consistency with the Agency style and statutory requirements.
Collaborate with the Office of Public Information and Communication on preparation of promotional material and exhibitions aimed at promoting the achievements of the Department to agreed target audiences and ensuring adherence to the guidance provided by the Office of Public Information and Communication.
Provide material and editorial support to senior management ensure a consistent approach and message and working with Departmental staff to enhance their presentation skills.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)

Name	Definition
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Planning and Organizing	Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans.
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Communication	Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions.
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Achieving Results	Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned.
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Teamwork	Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.

Functional Competencies

Name	Definition
&nbsp
Client orientation	Helps clients to analyse their needs. Seeks to understand service needs from the client’s perspective and ensure that the client’s standards are met.
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Judgement/decision making	Consults with supervisor/manager and takes decisions in full compliance with the Agency’s regulations and rules. Makes decisions reflecting best practice and professional theories and standards.
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Partnership building	Identifies and builds partnerships. Develops and maintains long lasting partnerships to strengthen relationships. Delivers programmatic outputs and acquires resources in support of Agency goals.

Required Expertise

Function	Name	Expertise Description
&nbsp	&nbsp	&nbsp
Public Information and External Relations	Diplomacy and Understanding of Political Sensitivities	Sound judgement and grasp of the broad political context in which the IAEA operates.
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Public Information and External Relations	Outreach	Ability to adapt communication to a variety of styles appropriate to varied audiences (journalistic, technical/scientific, multicultural staff in the working environment) and venues (speeches, technical reports, news articles, presentations).
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Public Information and External Relations	Public Information and Communication	Ability to convey complex technical issues using language and concepts that are both technically accurate and understandable to general audiences.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Bachelor’s Degree – University degree in communications, public or foreign relations, science, or another relevant field with two years of additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of advanced university degree.

Master’s Degree – Advanced university degree in communications, public or foreign relations, science, or another relevant field.

Minimum of seven years of working experience in communication and technical writing, preferably with strong international experience.
Experience in communicating on science and technology subjects, a degree or work experience in scientific field(s) would be an asset.
Experience in analyzing the communication needs of a large organization, preferably in an international environment, and identifying opportunities and solutions for addressing those communication needs on an ongoing basis.

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 $ 44772, 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.