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Uranium Production Specialist (P-4)

Organizational Unit:Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Section
Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology
Department of Nuclear Energy
Duty Station:Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:15 February 2013
Application Deadline:28 March 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 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; catalyzing 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 the improved operation of research reactors.

The Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology is responsible for the management of programmes supporting all technologies of the nuclear fuel cycle with particular focus on uranium resources and production, nuclear power reactor fuel engineering, management of spent fuel from nuclear power reactors, topical issues of nuclear fuels and fuel cycles for advanced and innovative reactors, research reactors and also technologies for the treatment, storage and disposal of radioactive waste, management of disused sealed radioactive sources, and the decommissioning of installations and remediation of sites. The Division is also responsible for issues connected to the utilization, maintenance, refurbishment as well as the construction of new research reactors and the related fuel management.

The Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Section facilitates interested Member States in the development of fuel cycle options that are safe, environment-friendly, economically viable, proliferation-resistant and sustainable and it encourages information exchange on the exploration, mining and processing of uranium and thorium, the design, manufacturing and performance of nuclear fuels, the management of spent fuel, and the development of advanced and innovative nuclear fuels and fuel cycles.

Main purpose

As a member of a team reporting to the Section Head, the Uranium Production Specialist organizes training programmes, workshops and technical meetings; prepares state-of-the-art reports; participates in peer reviews of uranium production facilities; and supports technical cooperation (TC) projects. He or she specializes in the area of the uranium raw material production cycle, including exploration, geology, mining and milling, processing of ores to ore concentrate, related environmental protection issues and best practices, as well as having some knowledge of mine and mill reclamation and remediation. The Specialist will have particular expertise in some of these aspects to complement others in the group.

Role

The Uranium Production Specialist is: (1) a programme developer and implementer, contributing specialized knowledge and experience to the planning and development of the IAEA's programme; (2) ascientific secretary/technical expert, planning and leading Technical Meetings; (3) a mission leader, planning and leading moderately complex review missions; and (4) a technical and project officer, evaluating TC projects, and promoting, coordinating and evaluating coordinated research projects (CRPs).

Partnerships

The activity on uranium and other raw materials for the nuclear fuel cycle involves the effective transfer and sharing of technical and management know-how and the promotion of partnerships with appropriate UN organizations, the OECD/NEA (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development/Nuclear Energy Agency), WNA (World Nuclear Association), NEI (Nuclear Energy Institute) and other relevant institutions and organizations involved in uranium exploration, mining and production cycle activities and the related environmental issues. The Uranium Production Specialist integrates input received continually from Member States, other members of the international community and the Board of Governors into programme design and implementation.

Functions / Key Results Expected

  • Contribute specialized knowledge and experience to the planning, development and implementation of the IAEA's programme of supporting less prepared Member States in uranium resources development for nuclear fuel cycles by defining a "pathway to preparedness" for sustainable uranium mining.
  • Plan and lead moderately complex Technical Meetings on uranium production, including proposing their subject, preparing their scope, selecting participants and coordinating the preparation of reports and documents.
  • Plan and lead moderately complex or sensitive training activities, preparatory meetings and follow-up visits, and the assessment of uranium production needs; provide technical input to the preparation of mission reports.
  • Participate in peer reviews of facilities involved in the uranium production cycle, such as mine sites and uranium extraction facilities.
  • Evaluate TC projects, develop action plans and plan, organize and participate in seminars, workshops, expert missions and training courses.
  • Promote, coordinate and evaluate moderately complex CRPs in Member States and conduct moderately complex studies and assessments related to issues and trends. Develop international recommendations and guidance on uranium production with a view to addressing Member States' specific needs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Professional expertise: In-depth knowledge and experience in the technologies, methodologies and socio-economics of the uranium production cycle.
  • IT skills: Proven ability to use standard office productivity software and the Internet.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural and multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
  • Planning and organizing skills: Ability to set clearly defined objectives; ability to plan activities/projects well in advance, taking into account possible changing circumstances; ability to identify and organize required resources, including external consultants; and to monitor performance against deadlines and milestones.
  • Analytical thinking and decision making skills: Good judgement and objectivity in approaching problems and the ability to make decisions in the field of work.
  • Strong communication skills: Ability to write technical documents in a structured manner and to deliver effective oral presentations.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

  • University degree in chemical, metallurgical or mining engineering, geology, earth sciences or a related technical or scientific discipline. An advanced university degree is desirable.
  • In-depth knowledge gained through a minimum of seven years of hands-on experience in the uranium production cycle.
  • Experience/involvement in nuclear fuel cycle activities at the international level.
  • Experience in managing small teams and projects.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of French, Russian or Spanish desirable. Knowledge of other IAEA official languages (i.e. Arabic or Chinese) 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 $42 447*, dependency benefits, rental subsidyeducation grantrelocation 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. 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. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.