Header

Geospatial Data Assistant (G-6) , Vienna, Austria

Organizational Unit:Isotope Hydrology Laboratory
Isotope Hydrology Section
Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences
Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station:Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:14 February 2013
Application Deadline:14 March 2013
Type of Appointment:Either a Fixed-term appointment (if the candidate already holds a Fixed-term appointment) or Temporary-assistance appointment (in all other cases) may be offered, both subject to a probationary period of 1 year
CCOG codes:2.J.03, 2.A.05

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 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 following fields are supported. Production of radioisotopes and radiolabelled products for applications in healthcare 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 (IHS) is responsible for planning and implementing the IAEA's water resources programme. The programme assists Member States in the sustainable management of their water resources in all aspects, with isotope hydrology as an integral part of their scientific and institutional strengths. Major activities include internationally coordinated research projects (CRPs), global isotope monitoring, capacity building, and technical assistance to Member States for 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

Under the direction of the Laboratory Team Leader, the Geospatial Data Assistant will conduct geospatial analyses of water-isotope and tritium networks and related databases (GNIP, GNIR). He/she will assist with Section database management and operation, and maintenance of a global network of observation stations and counterparts. He/she will produce scientific mapping and database products using Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS), Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and statistical software. He/she will assist in maintaining the GIS infrastructure and IHS databases.

Working Relationships

The Geospatial Data Assistant will work in a team environment, interacting daily with colleagues in the WRP, IAEA counterparts (in Technical Cooperation projects, CRPs, etc.) and with Member State agencies. Interactions will involve information exchange, technical discussions, providing information and support on geospatial analysis of isotopic data, and providing maps and data products. He/she will act as the primary GNIP and GNIR data manager and coordinator and be the primary contact point for internal and external data and information requests.

Functions / Key Results Expected

  • Perform geostatistical and spatial analyses of isotopic data in the GNIP and GNIR networks and other WRP databases, including, but not limited to, modelling and mapping of global and regional isotopic data.
  • Compile incoming isotopic data from the isotope hydrology laboratory and contributing agencies into the GNIP and GNIR database.
  • Prepare shipment lists of laboratory products, including sampling equipment and GNIP and GNIR related technical guides and procedures.
  • Act as the primary contact to process GNIP and GNIR data requests (internally as well as externally) which cannot be routinely handled through the IAEA web-based data interface.
  • Prepare and map data sets using GIS and other modelling tools.
  • Maintain other WRP databases to ensure availability, timeliness, and quality of isotope data delivered to WRP clients, both in-house and externally.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with the Division of Information Technology for task related hardware and software matters and assist with procurement related to WRP databases.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Strong background in geospatial data analysis and map production using GIS, and relational database operation and design.
  • Familiarity with isotope nomenclature and a good fundamental understanding of the role of environmental isotopes in the global water cycle.
  • Excellent computing skills, with demonstrable experience in RDMS (Microsoft Access as the IAEA's standard desktop RDBMS), GIS (primarily, but not limited to ESRI ArcGIS), and statistical software packages (e.g. R, SPSS), including their programming and scripting.
  • Knowledge of computer network infrastructure and its administration desirable.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

  • Completed secondary education with a post-secondary diploma, certification or degree in GIS or relational databases.
  • Minimum of six years of relevant working experience.
  • Experience with ESRI ArcGIS, SQL Server, MS Access, R or SPSS.
  • English language test (level 2) at IAEA standard.
  • Language skills: Good working knowledge of spoken and written English essential. Knowledge of German desirable for interaction with local IT suppliers and technical services. Knowledge of another official IAEA language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) an advantage.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at €47 536 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), six weeks' annual vacation, pension plan and health insurance.

How to Apply

Internal and external applicants need to complete an IAEA Personal History Form. Internal applicants are required to apply online at https://personnel.iaea.org. External applicants are required to apply online athttp://recruitment.iaea.org. You can find more information about employment opportunities and working at the IAEA at http://www.iaea.org/About/JobsNo e-mail or hard-copy application will be accepted. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. Applications received after the application deadline will not be considered. Applicants who do not comply with the aforementioned application guidelines or do not meet the essential requirements specified in this Vacancy Notice will not be considered.

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report. Recruitment will be on a LOCAL BASIS only.Outside applicants are required to supply to the IAEA or to authorize it to seek all information relevant to their suitability for employment by the IAEA. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.

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): IntegrityProfessionalism and Respect for diversity. 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.