Safeguards Data Evaluator (P-2)

Organizational Unit:	Nuclear Fuel Cycle Analysis Section Division of Information Management Department of Safeguards
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	8 May 2013
Application Deadline:	5 June 2013
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards (SG) is the organizational hub for the implementation of IAEA safeguards. The IAEA implements nuclear verification activities for some 180 States in accordance with their safeguards agreements. The safeguards activities are undertaken within a dynamic and technically challenging environment including advanced nuclear fuel cycle facilities and complemented by the political diversity of the countries. The Department of Safeguards consists of six Divisions: three Operations Divisions: A, B and C, for the implementation of verification activities around the world; three Technical Divisions: Division of Concepts and Planning, Division of Information Management, and Division of Technical and Scientific Services; as well as two Offices: the Office of Safeguards Analytical Services and the Office of Information and Communication Services. The Division of Information Management (SGIM) comprises four Sections and provides the Department of Safeguards with data processing services, secure information distribution, information analysis and knowledge generation necessary to draw independent, impartial and soundly based safeguards conclusions.

Main purpose

Under the supervision of the Team Leader and the Section Head, to contribute to the IAEA's overall objective to maintain and further develop an effective and efficient verification system through the quality control and analysis of safeguards data.

Role

The Safeguards Data Evaluator is a specialist, providing, inter alia, statistical methodologies, statistical evaluations of safeguards data and preparing regular and special evaluation reports on measurement uncertainties in the form of Relative Standard Deviations (RSD), Material Unaccounted For (MUF), Shipper Receiver Differences (SRD) and D statistics, sampling plans and random inspection strategies and results, quality and effectiveness of the results of inspections as a service to departmental partners; and a team member, collaborating with colleagues to identify the best methods for random verification activities and the timely interpretation and evaluation of analysis results from State declarations and verification data.

Partnerships

The Safeguards Data Evaluator collaborates with colleagues within SGIM on consolidation of safeguards conclusions, evaluation challenges, approaches and problems; liaises with Operations Divisions and other Departmental partners in the framework of the yearly Safeguards Implementation Report (SIR) and of State Evaluation Reports (SER), supports the work of the Concepts and Planning Division (SGCP) in the context of State level approaches, and staff training, advises and provides authoritative guidance to nuclear safeguards inspectors, laboratory staff, plant operators, and State Systems of Accountancy and Control (SSAC) representatives in the field of statistical methodologies applied to safeguards.

Functions / Key Results Expected

The Safeguards Data Evaluator contributes directly to the IAEA's ability to draw timely and credible safeguards conclusions through, inter alia, the acquisition and processing of reports and declarations and through obtaining satisfactory and timely responses to questions regarding the correctness of State declarations and the implementation of safeguards measures. In particular, the incumbent will: Contribute to the evaluation of safeguards data consisting of accounting records and independent measurements by environmental sampling (ES), Non Destructive Assays (NDA) and Destructive Assays (DA) by: Controlling the quality of ES results provided by the Network of Analytical Laboratories (NWAL); Assessing the quality of plant operators' measurement and accounting systems; Evaluating the inspectors verification measurement uncertainties; Deriving measurement uncertainties in the form of Relative Standard Deviations (RSD) in support of field activities (e.g. verification sampling plans) and material balance evaluation; and Providing technical recommendations to inspectors and/or plant operators regarding the performance of their measurement systems. Participate in the preparation of verification sampling plans, contribute to improvements in stratification and sampling procedures as well as to the broader implementation of random inspections schemes under Integrated Safeguards. Implement and interpret the results of Near Real Time Accountancy (NRTA) systems for large plutonium Bulk Handling Facilities (BHF). Perform safeguards inspections, carry out complementary access and undertake other in-field verification activities. Participate in conferences, seminars and training programmes as instructor for the Team's areas of competency.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Technical expertise: Knowledge of the nuclear materials present in nuclear fuel cycle facilities and of the measurement methods used by operators and inspectors to determine their quantities; Familiarity with statistical methods, particularly as they pertain to estimation and hypothesis testing and to the estimation and propagation of measurement errors; and Familiarity with statistical sampling methodologies. Strong analytical skills to accurately interpret the results of statistical analyses of declared and verification data related to the nuclear fuel cycle. Strong planning and organizing skills to set clearly defined objectives, plan activities in a timely way and independently monitor performance against deadlines and milestones. Proven communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and conduct presentations on key issues by clearly formulating positions on issues, presenting options concisely as well as making and defending recommendations. Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain good relationships with colleagues as well as with experts and staff of measurement laboratories and to work harmoniously in a multicultural/multidisciplinary environment with respect and sensitivity for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

University degree in nuclear engineering, physics, chemistry, applied statistics, computer science or related disciplines. At least two years of relevant working experience as a nuclear fuel cycle analyst. Experience in statistical measurement error estimation and propagation and statistical sampling methodologies. Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of any other official IAEA language (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 $46 730 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $28 879*, 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. 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): Integrity, Professionalism 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.