Vacancy: Section Head

Section Head, Vienna Position and Grade:	Section Head (P-5)
Organizational Unit:	Process Design Section Division of Concepts and Planning Department of Safeguards
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	8 November 2011
Application Deadline:	19 December 2011
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards is the organizational hub for the implementation of IAEA safeguards. The IAEA implements nuclear verification activities for more than 160 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; and three Technical Divisions, (i) Division of Concepts and Planning, (ii) Division of Information Management, and (iii) Division of Technical and Scientific Services, as well as two Offices: the Office of Safeguards Analytical Services and the Office of Information and Communication Systems. The Division of Concepts and Planning is responsible for departmental strategic planning including research and development, preparing safeguards policy and guidance documentation, developing safeguards concepts, approaches, and procedures, training and quality management. The Section for Process Design is one of four sections in the Division of Concepts and Planning. Within the framework of the implementation of an ISO 9001 compliant quality management system in the Department, the goal of which is to improve effectiveness and efficiency, the Section is responsible for designing processes to implement new concepts and approaches, implementing methods to measure process performance and producing guidelines for their implementation. The Section supports process improvement activities in the Department by leading and/or facilitating continual process improvement groups and delivering training in quality management tools and techniques to staff in the Department. The Section is also responsible for managing the management system document repository, running the internal quality audit programme and coordinating the implementation of knowledge management in the Department.

Main purpose

Reporting to the Director, the Section Head manages, coordinates and contributes to the continual improvement of the effectiveness and efficiency of departmental processes, through the implementation of the Department's quality management system (QMS). This function encompasses designing processes to implement new safeguards concepts and approaches, developing methods for measuring performance of new and existing processes; implementing methods for continuous improvement of internal processes; running internal quality audits; maintaining the departmental document management system; and coordinating departmental efforts to manage knowledge.

Role

The Section Head is: (1) a coordinator for the implementation of the Department's Quality Management System; (2) an analyst and evaluator of the performance of complex technical processes to determine necessary improvements; (3) a leader, promoting good performance and teamwork and creating an environment where staff can develop their skills and share knowledge and experience and; (4) a manager of the human, financial and material/equipment resources assigned to the Section.

Partnerships

The Section Head develops working partnerships and collaboration across the Department and throughout the IAEA, as well as with Member States. In particular, the incumbent works in close collaboration with his/her staff to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the Department's Quality Management System. He/she works closely with management and staff of the Department, and leads teams of technical specialists and managers in carrying out process improvement, corrective action, and internal quality audits. Furthermore he/she interacts with other Departments and Offices within the IAEA in order to develop and implement Agency-wide quality management policies, approaches, and practices including knowledge management.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Management and organization Plan, organize, and supervise the work and deliverables of the Section and optimize the utilization of human, financial and material/equipment resources. Contribute to and coordinate the Section/Divisional input for the preparation of the Departmental programme, budget estimates, financial plans and travel plans. Implementation of the departmental Quality Management System Improve existing processes and quantify improvements through continual process improvement and the corrective and preventive action processes. Assure the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department's work through internal quality audit, quality assurance or quality control as appropriate. Advise on and coordinate knowledge management activities in the Department. Ensure consistency of application and reporting of safeguards through the provision of model Facility Attachments, Article 90 Statements and Article 10 Statements, etc. Develop and maintain the quality management system infrastructure, including the maintenance of the document repository, and provide training and advice on the use of QMS tools and techniques. Serve as the Departmental Quality Manager coordinating the implementation of the departmental QMS and advising the DDG on quality issues. Coordination Lead and/or participate in interdepartmental efforts to develop, share and implement Agency-wide quality management policies, approaches and practices, including knowledge management. Maintain contacts with State representatives and technical experts and participate in consultations and meetings with them. Participate in safeguards verification activities, technical visits and missions, and training activities in various countries.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong leadership skills, so as to provide effective guidance to a team of professional and support staff, with an ability to provide feedback to staff and encourage staff development. Demonstrated ability to manage human, financial and material resources towards the achievement of stated objectives. Good knowledge of the nuclear fuel cycle. Knowledge of the international nuclear safeguards system and the legal instruments upon which IAEA safeguards are based (e.g., comprehensive safeguards agreements, additional protocols). In-depth knowledge of quality management principles and practices, including knowledge management. Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with Agency staff at all levels and with representatives of Member States. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member and a leader of cross-functional and multicultural teams with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Demonstrated ability to write clear and concise reports and to make effective presentations.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced university (or equivalent) degree in science, engineering, or management and formal training and/or qualification in quality management. Minimum of 10 years of nuclear experience, either in the nuclear industry or research with knowledge of nuclear safeguards and/or nuclear materials management, including experience in implementing quality management. Demonstrated experience in responsible positions involving management of technical projects and supervision of staff. Experience in the organization and conduct of working groups and technical meetings. Experience in international safeguards is desirable. Excellent command of spoken and written English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) an advantage.

NOTE: The incumbent of the post will be considered to be a radiation worker and will be subject to an appropriate programme of physical and special medical surveillance arranged by the IAEA.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $80 629 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $53 054*, 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 to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.