Section Head, Radioisotope Products and Radiation Technology Section (P-5)

Organizational Unit:	Radioisotope Products and Radiation Technology Section Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	17 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 Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's major programme on nuclear techniques for development and environmental protection (Major Programme 2). This major programme comprises individual programmes in 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 comprises four sections, including the Radioisotope Products and Radiation Technology Section (RPRTS), which is responsible for carrying out IAEA activities to assist and advise Member States in assessing their needs for development, production and quality assurance of reactor and accelerator (cyclotron) based medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals (in close collaboration with the Nuclear Medicine Section of the Division of Human Health), as well as industrial applications of radiation, radioisotopes and radiation processing using gamma radiation, electron beams and X-rays. The operating environment is dynamic and interactive with inputs received from policy- and decision-makers and technical counterparts in Member States and the international development community. The environment is development-oriented and involves strong collaboration with a global network of nuclear science and technology specialists. The Section Head manages a group of five professionals, comprising two radiochemists/radiopharmacists, two radiation technologists and one industrial radiation expert, and three administrative support staff.

Main purpose

As a team leader reporting to the Division Director, the Section Head is manager of the two subprogrammes on "Radioisotope Products for Management of Cancer and other Chronic Diseases" and "Radiation Technology Applications for Health Care and Cleaner Industrial Processes and Practices", within the programme of Radioisotope Production and Radiation Technology, which is a part of the IAEA's Major Programme 2 on "Nuclear techniques for Development and Environmental Protection". In this role, the Section Head initiates, manages, coordinates and supervises IAEA projects under these subprogrammes, covering (i) radioisotope production using research reactors and cyclotrons/accelerators; (ii) radiation technology applications in industries, for environmental remediation and for novel material development; and (iii) industrial applications of radiation techniques, and liaison with professional bodies in these areas.

Role

The Section Head is: (1) a manager and team leader, of the activities of the Section, in accordance with Member States' needs; (2) a substantive expert contributor, managing projects of particular complexity and sensitivity; (3) a scientific secretary to international scientific meetings related to a specialized field; and (4) a coordinator of inter-agency collaborative projects within the UN system, including reviewing and providing systematic overviews, and preparing technical documentation and papers for discussions.

Partnerships

The Section Head engages high-level counterparts in Member States involved in programme planning and implementation to ensure the effective transfer and sharing of technical and managerial know-how and promotion of partnership building with other international organizations (such as the International Irradiation Association (iia), international professional bodies related to radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals (e.g. WCI, SRS, EANM, SNM), and OECD-NEA (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development-Nuclear Energy Agency)), NGOs and other relevant institutions, including major national nuclear centres in Member States, as well as professional societies. He/she meets regularly with the Division Director, other Section Heads and colleagues in the Department to ensure the effective utilization and integration of all resources (human, financial and technical). He/she ensures close cooperation and collaboration when necessary with other Divisions/Sections within the IAEA (such as the Division of Human Health, Joint FAO Division of Food & Agriculture, Research Reactor Section-Division of Nuclear Fuel & Waste Technology, Physics Section-NAPC) for effective implementation of projects of a cross-cutting nature.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Develop the subprogrammes on "Radioisotope Products for Management of Cancer and other Chronic Diseases" and "Radiation Technology Applications for Health Care and Cleaner Industrial Processes and Practices" in line with the strategic direction of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications and the recommendations from the meetings of the Standing Advisory Group on Nuclear Applications (SAGNA), and with the expressed needs of Member States. Plan, manage, coordinate, monitor and supervise implementation of the activities of the Section in accordance with Member States' needs: ensure that innovative policies and strategies, quality management standards and a results-based approach are part of the overall management of the Section; ensure quality reports on the implementation and performance assessment of projects and subprogrammes handled by RPRTS Section. Manage the Section's coordinated research projects (CRPs) in the subject area and act as project officer by providing technical guidance, formulating suitable research and development project proposals, evaluating research contract proposals and renewal requests, monitoring progress, collating relevant data/information, organizing periodic research coordination meetings and assisting in publishing relevant scientific information; ensure research projects are well managed and recognized within the scientific community. Broaden and deepen the field of knowledge by organizing scientific meetings related to the specialized field and serving as scientific secretary, preparing scientific programmes, contributing to the preparation and editing of scientific reports, manuals, proceedings and other scientific publications; prepare and organize in-house meetings in support of the Section's scientific programme. Maintain the high standing and recognition of the IAEA in the scientific community by representing the IAEA at international and national meetings as required; establish and maintain contacts with individual scientists at various centres and other relevant international organizations (for example the World Nuclear University), committees and scientific societies. Coordinate the provision of specialized technical input to technical cooperation projects in the subject area and provide technical guidance; evaluate proposals, develop work plans, select qualified experts, evaluate expert reports, provide technical evaluation of fellowship applications and guidance related to the programmes of study; provide support in planning and implementing training courses and workshops, including those to be held in cooperation with other international organizations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated scientific, managerial and leadership skills to lead a multidisciplinary team and to take a strategic approach. Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge, including research and teaching, in two or more of the following fields and general knowledge in the other fields: radiochemistry, nuclear physics, radioisotopes production in accelerator/cyclotron and research reactor, radiopharmaceuticals, radiation processing technology, industrial radiation techniques, and main applications of the above products and techniques. Familiarity with international projects and strategies in radioisotopes and radiation technology development. Extensive publication record in reputable scientific journals in the field of specialization and invitations to lecture at international meetings/events. Familiarity with IAEA projects, activities and services, as well as CRPs and technical cooperation projects related to the above fields. Proven ability to build collaborative partnerships with other international institutes active in the same area and demonstrated ability to maintain strong interpersonal relationships with peers and collaborators. Familiarity with and understanding of the specific needs and conditions of developing countries and proven ability in matters relating to strengthening human capacity development in developing countries. Strong communication skills, including demonstrated ability in drafting and reviewing technical documents and making effective oral presentations.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced university degree, preferably a PhD, in nuclear science or engineering, chemistry or physics with a specialization in radiochemistry or radiation technology, or physical sciences related to the nuclear field. Minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience in planning and project coordination related to two or more of the following areas, and general knowledge in others: radioisotopes production in accelerator/cyclotron and research reactor, radiopharmaceuticals, radiation processing technology, industrial radiation techniques, and main applications of the above products and techniques, of which at least five years should have been at the multinational/international level and three years at the managerial level. Demonstrated management experience in: implementing complex scientific projects, including planning, implementation, monitoring and management of human and financial resources; supervising and leading co-workers, as well as handling interpersonal matters. Proven experience of scientific and technical collaborations and similar interactions with major national/international nuclear centres and their programme managers. Fluency in spoken and written English. Working knowledge of other official IAEA languages (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 $80 734 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $45 695*, dependency benefits, diplomatic status, 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.