Energy Economist (P-4)

Position and Grade:	Energy Economist (P-4)
Organizational Unit:	3E Analysis Unit Planning and Economic Studies Section Department of Nuclear Energy
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	13 December 2012
Application Deadline:	28 February 2013
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The objective of the Department of Nuclear Energy (NE) is to foster the efficient and safe use of nuclear power by supporting interested Member States in: improving the performance of nuclear power plants, the nuclear fuel cycle, and the management of nuclear wastes; catalysing innovation in nuclear power and fuel cycle technologies; developing indigenous capabilities around the world for national energy planning; deploying new nuclear power plants; preserving and disseminating nuclear information and knowledge; and advancing science and industry through improved operation of research reactors. The Planning and Economic Studies Section, located in the Department of Nuclear Energy, is responsible for the implementation of the Agency's subprogrammes on: (a) energy modelling, databanks and capacity building; and (b) energy-economy-environment (3E) analysis. The objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to perform analyses regarding national and regional electricity and energy system development, energy investment planning and energy-environment policy formulation. The Section also supports specific requests for economic analyses within the IAEA, particularly for nuclear infrastructure development or comparative assessments of nuclear technology applications versus non-nuclear alternatives.

Main purpose

As part of a team of energy analysts, the Energy Economist provides Member States with objective and authoritative information and analyses on how and under which conditions nuclear power can contribute to their national energy and sustainable development objectives.

Role

The Energy Economist plays three principle roles: (1) an analyst in the area of energy-economy-environment (3E) studies on topical issues in the area of sustainable energy development, climate change and nuclear power; (2) an adviser, providing authoritative and objective information to Member States and also working with Member States effectively towards meeting their national energy development objectives; and (3) a team member, working collaboratively on studies and analyses.

Partnerships

The Energy Economist works closely with Section members on capacity building efforts in energy-economy modelling and techno-economic assessments. He/she works with counterparts from Member State energy planning institutions involved in national energy and electricity planning studies so that Member States take ownership of the study/analyses. He/she advises the Department on matters of economics, finance and environmental issues related to nuclear power. The incumbent also maintains working relationships with other UN organizations engaged in energy and sustainable development.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Conducts, in cooperation with other relevant international organizations or Member States, comparative studies of the economic and environmental aspects of nuclear power and alternative energy options for electricity generation, desalination, and chemical fuel production. This includes developing innovative approaches to detailed comparisons of the nuclear energy option with alternatives utilizing economics as the final measurement standard (translating environmental, social, supply security and other aspects into economic terms). Leads topical economic or environmental assessments in response to specific requests from Member States, developing and applying innovative economic and statistical modelling tools in support of these analyses. Participates in advisory missions; provides support to technical cooperation projects on issues of economics and financing in personal meetings and in the form of report reviews and presentations. Supervises research contracts and coordinated research projects in support of capacity building in the area of novel approaches to comparative assessment of different energy options. Prepares reports, papers and presentations, provides authoritative guidance on different aspects of nuclear power and sustainable energy development for use by Agency staff, for peer reviewed publication or for dissemination to Member States or other international organizations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Deep understanding of the application of comprehensive life cycle assessments to the analysis of different energy and electricity generating options, including externalities, in an energy system context. Knowledge of the financing of capital-intensive infrastructure projects. Knowledge of energy analysis and planning tools; ability to think in terms of energy systems and database management tools. Ability to deliver outputs within prescribed time, budget and quality standards. Excellent communication skills: good report writing, editorial and presentation skills. Good interpersonal skills to deal effectively with experts and national counterparts. Teamwork: ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Ability to work in a multicultural environment with respect and sensitivity for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced university degree in energy economics, industrial economics, environmental economics, power engineering, operations research or another closely related field. Minimum of seven years of experience on energy and sustainable development strategies with particular emphasis on nuclear power. Experience in financial aspects of large-scale infrastructure projects, preferably in the energy sector. Extensive experience in energy system analysis as well as in the relevant analysis tools. Extensive experience in contributing to, or participating in, international projects. Excellent spoken and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) desirable.

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 $38 195*, 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.