Life Cycle Cost Specialist (P-4)

Application Deadline:	16 July 2012
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Office of Procurement Services contributes to the implementation of the IAEA's programmatic activities and mandates through the effective and efficient procurement of over € 200 million of goods and services annually. Half of these contracts are for delivery to counterparts in IAEA Member States in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America in support of IAEA field projects. The remainder are for delivery to the IAEA's Headquarters in Vienna, Austria, and its Laboratories at Seibersdorf, Austria, and Monaco. Field deliveries are of a wide range of nuclear, radiation detection, laboratory, cancer treatment and diagnosis, analytical instrument, and other field project equipment. The Life Cycle Cost Specialist reports directly to the Director of the Office of Procurement Services.

Main purpose

As a key member of the Office, reporting to the Director, the Life Cycle Cost Specialist ensures that equipment delivered under IAEA field projects is sustainable in the operational setting of the project counterparts and are procured at minimum life cycle cost, resulting in best value for money over the operational life of the equipment.

Role

The Life Cycle Cost Specialist is a coordinator of work within and between the IAEA's technical departments, technical cooperation project department, and project counterparts in studying sustainability and supportability issues of functional equipment delivered under IAEA projects; in ensuring that sustainability and life cycle cost issues are considered in every part of the procurement process (requirement definition, specification and evaluation criteria development, market survey, bid evaluation, and post-award administration).

Partnerships

The Life Cycle Cost Specialist collaborates with technical officers and technical cooperation project managers within the IAEA to facilitate effective use of functional equipment through its lifespan; to provide advice in evaluating alternate equipment to achieve a desired operational requirement; on whole of life cost issues; on the implications of buying in different ways; and in post-acquisition - tracking of reliability and maintainability of delivered equipment.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Provide advisory services on sustainability and life cycle cost issues. Ensure that all major IAEA procurement actions for functional equipment take sustainability and life cycle cost into account in achieving best value for money to the IAEA's project counterparts. Evaluate life cycle cost in bid evaluations as part of IAEA bid evaluation teams. Ensure functional equipment usage is maximized throughout its life cycle. Review prior and on-going results of delivery of functional equipment to project counterparts and determine corrective action to ensure delivered equipment and future procured equipment is sustainable and its usage is maximized. Set policy, procedures, and guidelines related to sustainability and life cycle cost issues, and recommend policy changes when needed, collaborating with Office of Procurement Services managers on continuous improvement of procurement policies and procedures. Work on an inter-departmental level to achieve harmonization of life cycle cost consideration in product specifications for similar items within the IAEA; coordinate market research and analysis with the technical divisions in creating or revising specifications to take into account changes in technology and the supplier base that impact life cycle cost and sustainability of equipment; coordinate with the Contracting Section in responding to technical questions during the bidding process; participate in evaluation of the bids received, and advise the Director on complex sustainability issues.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Experience in life cycle cost assessment for nuclear-related cancer treatment and diagnosis equipment, and/or functional analytical instruments. High-level technical expertise in fields related to the IAEA's mandate. Results-oriented approach and knowledge of current trends and practices in highly specialized technical procurement. Negotiating skills: ability to propose and provide persuasive arguments for the adoption of life cycle and sustainability considerations in an environment with a limited acquisition budget. Analytical skills: ability to articulate, conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas as well as impart knowledge and training skills. Planning and organizing skills: ability to plan, coordinate and manage multiple activities, and to coordinate and synthesize input from a multicultural broad-based expert group. Interpersonal skills: ability to establish harmonious and effective working relationships with team members and colleagues at all levels of the organization, with respect and sensitivity for diversity. Good communication skills: ability to write technical documents and evaluation and to make oral presentations.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced university degree in engineering, business administration, commerce or a similar field of study. Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience involving procurement, operation, logistics, or supply chain management of high-technology equipment and services, preferably in the nuclear power, radiation detection, or radiology industries. Relevant experience at international level. Proven technical leadership experience. Fluency in spoken and written English. Working knowledge of German desirable. Knowledge of another official IAEA language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $67 483 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $40 085*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance. How to apply to the IAEA Complete an Online Application * Subject to change without notice

Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. Staff members may be assigned to any location. 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. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.