Senior Safety Officer (P-5)

Position and Grade:	Senior Safety Officer (P-5)
Organizational Unit:	Operational Safety Section Division of Nuclear Installation Safety Department of Nuclear Safety and Security
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	7 December 2012
Application Deadline:	20 January 2013
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Division of Nuclear Installation Safety is an organizational unit of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security. The objective of the programme implemented by the Division of Nuclear Installation Safety is to achieve and maintain a high level of safety of nuclear installations under design, construction or operation worldwide by: establishing and promulgating standards of safety for the protection of health, including standards for nuclear power plants and other nuclear installations (such as research reactors and fuel cycle facilities); and providing for the application of these standards through, inter alia, the provision of safety reviews and advisory services, the promotion of capacity building through education and training, the fostering of information and operating experience exchanges, the coordination of research and development, and support for the IAEA's technical cooperation programme. In addition, the Division helps ensure safety at nuclear installations by promulgating international safety instruments such as the Convention on Nuclear Safety and the Code of Conduct on the Safety of Research Reactors. The Operational Safety Section's main aim is to enhance Member States' capabilities to manage and maintain as high a level of operational safety of nuclear power plants as possible through operational safety review services. Also, it aims to improve operational safety in Member States through the use of IAEA safety standards, continuous self-assessment and to make available to Member States good industry practices and performance in nuclear installations worldwide. The Section's objective is to strengthen the capability of Member States to enhance their operational safety performance through the use of operational experience feedback and corrective action programmes, including the operation of the Incident Reporting System (IRS), and to support Member States in managing the possible consequences of human induced events of malevolent origin, with respect to safe plant operation. The Section seeks to enhance Member States' capabilities in managing and improving construction and commissioning of nuclear power plants, and in managing the safety of long term operation, taking into account the operational experience feedback, and physical ageing of material and structures. The Section also supports achieving good performance in the areas of operational safety management and safety culture. The operating environment is dynamic, participative and interactive with inputs received from the Board of Governors, the General Conference, policy and decision makers, and technical counterparts in Member States and the international development community. The Senior Safety Officer reports to the Head of the Section.

Main purpose

As a key member of the project management team led by the Section Head, the Senior Safety Officer manages projects and develops, organizes and implements the IAEA activities on operating experience of nuclear facilities and installations. He/she assists Member States in enhancing the safety of nuclear installations and facilities and promotes the preparation and use of Agency safety standards. He/she provides technical assistance at the request of Member States and ensures the application of the Agency's safety standards.

Role

The Senior Safety Officer is a: (1) programme planner and implementer, planning, developing and implementing activities aimed at helping Member States to enhance nuclear safety in their installations and facilities; (2) scientific secretary, planning and leading complex Technical Meetings; (3) mission leader, planning and leading technical and complex safety review and follow-up missions; and (4)technical and project officer, evaluating complex technical cooperation projects in the area of safety in nuclear installations and facilities.

Partnerships

The Senior Safety Officer engages in high level meetings with Member States' representatives to identify the needs and respond to the interests of Member States. In addition, he/she meets regularly with regulatory and operating organizations of Member States on objectives and findings of review and advisory services, and is involved in coordination and cooperation with international organizations (i.e. OECD/NEA (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development/Nuclear Energy Agency), WANO (World Association of Nuclear Operators) and the European Commission in developing and publishing selected joint reports and documents. Furthermore, the Senior Safety Officer works closely with appropriate technical departments within the IAEA, Member States' institutions and other relevant international organizations to ensure the effective implementation of nuclear installation safety activities.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Taking into account the issues and trends in the field, plan, develop and implement relevant aspects of the Agency's programme, conducting and managing projects and drafting and finalizing the publication of relevant technical reports. Organize and lead Technical Meetings to develop guidelines, standards, requirements, guides and manuals, which includes proposing the subject, preparing the scope, selecting the participants, coordinating input and drafting the final report. Contribute to the safety of nuclear power plants and installations by planning and leading safety review missions, preparatory meetings and follow-up visits. Identify the needs and make plans for the conduct of missions, study relevant documents, prepare mission reports for eventual transmittal to Member States. Provide support to technical cooperation projects by reviewing, evaluating and providing recommendations on project documents. Contribute to improvement of the IAEA Incident Reporting System (IRS). Provide leadership in the development of training programmes and courses. Conduct training for complicated or sensitive topics. Represent the IAEA at national and international meetings. Provide support and relevant expertise for the Incident and Emergency System (IES) and participate in associated training and exercises.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to assess international nuclear safety issues in their complexity, including their international political and economic context. Good management and leadership capabilities. Strong interpersonal, communication and team-building skills. In-depth knowledge and experience of nuclear safety principles and state-of-the-art nuclear safety techniques. Thorough knowledge of common approaches to regulatory aspects of nuclear safety as well as international undertakings in the area. Good knowledge of IAEA safety standards. In-depth expertise and familiarity with operating experience. Good communication skills to deal with experts of different nationalities as well as the national counterparts in Member States. Expertise in project management. Excellent drafting and presentation skills in English.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced degree in engineering or physical/nuclear sciences, or equivalent experience, with additional in-depth knowledge of such complementary fields as nuclear power operation and operating experience, which are essential for the multidisciplinary activities specific to the post. Minimum of 10 years' experience in a nuclear power plant or regulatory authority, of which five should have been in a senior position. Four years' experience at international level connected with operating experience and peer review. Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is desirable.

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.