Radiation Protection, Health and Safety Officer

Position and Grade:	Radiation Protection, Health and Safety Officer (P-4)
Organizational Unit:	Office of the Deputy Director General Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	17 February 2014
Application Deadline:	16 March 2014
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 2, "Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection". This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on 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 Radiation Protection, Health and Safety Officer (RPSO) reports to the NA Laboratory Co-ordinator and also reports findings, in accordance with the Radiation Safety regulations, to the IAEA Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security Regulator. The RPSO works independently and with a high degree of integrity in implementing the laboratory radiation protection programme. The RPSO works primarily at the NA laboratories in Seibersdorf and also provides services to NA's laboratories in Monaco and Vienna.

Main purpose

The Radiation Protection, Health and Safety Officer ensures that all laboratory work with radiation sources including radioactive material is carried out safely and in accordance with the IAEA Radiation Safety Regulations and that the relevant local radiation safety requirements of the host countries are met. The RPSO is responsible for day to day coordination of activities necessary to fulfil radiation protection, health, biological and chemical safety requirements in the NA Laboratories and also provides support for security issues. This includes planning, provision of technical guidance and reporting as well as communication and training.

Role

The RPSO is a coordinator of oversight of all radiation sources, hazardous materials and related equipment and practices in place at the NA laboratories, a liaison organizing the authorization of such sources and practices by the IAEA Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security Regulator, providing relevant local guidance and training of staff, verifying compliance of all activities with the IAEA Radiation Safety Regulations and other relevant regulations and acts as an advisor on all radiation protection health and safety related matters.

Partnerships

The RPSO acts as a central point of reference linking with the IAEA Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security Regulator, with the Radiation Safety Technical Service Officer, the Agency Central Security Coordinator, the Incident and Emergency Centre, facility management staff in the Department of Management, the NA Directors, the Heads of Laboratories in Seibersdorf, Vienna and Monaco, the NA Divisional staff responsible for radiation protection, qualified experts and external authorities of the host countries, as required.

Functions / Key Results Expected

The RPSO will: Fully control and supervise the operations performed in the NA laboratories with radiation practices/sources, ensuring that these are in compliance with the established IAEA Radiation Safety Regulations and any other applicable requirements of the host country. Prepare, update, and keep under review radiation protection procedures/instructions accordingly. Prepare applications to request authorization for the use or renewal of radiation practices/sources as needed including the supporting documentation such as radiation safety analysis reports of NA Laboratories including radiological risk analyses, inventory of radiation sources and other relevant records, and their renewal when required. Organize and implement, in close cooperation with responsible staff in the Department of Nuclear Safety, the training of laboratory staff, stressing the importance of the safety culture. Ensure that staff applying radiation practices and using radioactive sources are qualified and appropriately trained in radiation protection and safety. Supervise the safe handling of sealed/unsealed radioactive sources and the operation of radiation generating equipment, including the transport and storage of radioactive sources and the safe management of radioactive waste, the explanation of local rules and working procedures to staff, dose monitoring and the establishment and implementation of emergency procedures (e.g. in the event of an accident involving radioactive material or the misplacement of a radioactive source). Control and keep records of the occupational exposure of laboratory staff, fellows/trainees and members of the public to ensure satisfactory compliance with the IAEA Radiation Safety Regulations and with the conditions specified in the authorization of the practice/material involved. Investigate any incidents of overexposure or any radiation accidents. Assure an integrated approach to radiation protection, health, safety and security in relation to laboratory activities. Provide support on issues related to chemical and biological safety as well as bio-hazard safety. Provide support on issues related to the security of NA Laboratories as required, including collaboration with the Central Security Coordinator to ensure that radioactive sources are protected in accordance with the IAEA's Nuclear Security Series. Undertake regular audits of radiation protection and safety within NA Laboratories. Prepare periodic and special reports to be submitted to the DG and the Regulator, about the results and achievements of implementation of the Radiation Protection Programmes of the NA Divisions, as required by the Radiation Safety Regulations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the IAEA's safety standards in radiation safety. Understanding of the role played by international organizations in radiation protection. Familiarity with laboratory environments and the use of radiation sources including radioactive materials. Familiarity with integrated management systems including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 17025 and OHSAS 18001 series of standards. Strong analytical skills. Communication skills: Strong presentation skills and the ability to draft technical procedures and technical reports to a publishable standard. Interpersonal skills: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with IAEA staff at all levels; Ability to facilitate working in a team environment with scientific, technical and administrative staff and to build and maintain collaborative partnerships across organizational boundaries; Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced university (or equivalent) degree in nuclear/radiation physics or health physics or nuclear engineering or a related discipline. A minimum of seven years of professional experience in radiation protection, and at least five years performing the responsibilities/functions of a radiation protection officer, including the organization/operation of radiation protection programmes, training workers in radiation protection, and particularly supervising laboratory activities involving open alpha emitting radionuclides. Documented extensive formal training in radiation protection and safety. Experience in supporting training activities and developing communication materials concerning radiation protection and training. Laboratory experience in the application of safety standards to radiation practices/sources. Fluency in spoken and written English. Good working knowledge of German and/or French is an asset. Working knowledge of another official IAEA language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) an advantage.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $67 611 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $46 854*, 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.