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 Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences is responsible for assisting and advising Member States in research and development for the nuclear sciences, especially the physical and chemical sciences. Specifically, the Division provides support to Member States in the following fields: production of radioisotopes and radiolabelled products for applications in health care and industry; radiation source applications; research reactor utilization; applications of accelerators and nuclear instrumentation; nuclear and atomic data for applications; controlled nuclear fusion and isotope hydrology and geochemistry.

The Isotope Hydrology Section is responsible for planning and implementing the IAEA’s water resources programme. The programme assists Member States in the sustainable management of all aspects of their water resources, but with a particular focus on isotope hydrology. Major activities include internationally coordinated research, global isotope monitoring, capacity building, and technical assistance to Member States to help them with the assessment, development and use of water resources. The Section also operates a well-equipped laboratory for the analysis of stable and radioactive isotopes. The laboratory trains counterparts in using analytical techniques for high-quality measurements of isotopes in water samples.

Main Purpose

As a member of a team led by the Section Head, the Isotope Hydrologist contributes to a results-oriented programmatic response to Member States’ priorities in the application of nuclear technologies to meet their development goals related to water resources.

Role

The Isotope Hydrologist is a substantive expert, managing complex projects and a coordinator of project activities with other professionals in the Section, ensuring that tasks are implemented in the most efficient and effective manner in line with quality management standards and the results based approach.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Lead and conduct synthesis, evaluation, and geospatial analysis of isotope distributions in precipitation, surface water and groundwater to develop new or improved methods for understanding climate and hydrological systems.
Contribute to and lead the formulation and implementation of coordinated research projects (CRPs) and other IAEA initiatives to use isotope techniques for water resources assessment and management.
Contribute to and carry out a strategic and technical analysis of current issues in water resources management where isotope techniques can be integrated to provide effective solutions.
Identify and nurture programmatic partnerships with other UN agencies, particularly to develop co-funded projects and for outreach purposes.
Provide technical support and guidance for IAEA technical cooperation projects in the field of isotope hydrology.
Lead and coordinate training of Member State scientists in isotope hydrology. , including the use of laser spectroscopy for isotope measurements in water, air and soil samples.
Plan, organize and participate in seminars, workshops, expert missions and training courses.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)

Functional Competencies

Required Expertise

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Doctorate Degree – Hydrogeology, geochemistry or related geosciences.

Minimum of seven years of practical experience in the application of isotope techniques for water resource management issues.
Substantial experience in conceiving, formulating and successfully implementing field or laboratory research projects, including proficiency in the use of geospatial and hydrological models.
Broad experience and knowledge of the principles of natural resource management, particularly water resource management. Experience in the use of geospatial and hydrological models highly desirable.
Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of another official IAEA language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) an asset.

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 $ 36885*, 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.