Laboratory Head (P-5)

Position and Grade:	Laboratory Head (P-5)
Organizational Unit:	Radioecology Laboratory IAEA Environment Laboratories Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station:	Monaco
Issue Date:	16 April 2014
Application Deadline:	13 May 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 IAEA Environment Laboratories consists of four laboratories, three of which are located in Monaco and one in Seibersdorf. The Division implements the IAEA Environment Programme and operates in a complex matrix environment with inputs from many parts of the organization, such as the Department of Technical Cooperation for the implementation of projects, and also collaborates with other Departments. The Radioecology Laboratory's mission is to improve knowledge about the behaviour and fate of radionuclides and other contaminants in the environment, with a particular emphasis on the biosphere. It aims to assist and enhance Member States' capabilities in the field of radioecology and its applications to ecotoxicology and biogeochemistry.

Main purpose

As a manager and team leader reporting to the Division Director, the Head of the Radioecology Laboratory leads a professional team in developing and implementing IAEA's policy and programme for providing technical support to Member States in understanding the processes relevant to sustainable coastal zone development and management through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques and technologies. The incumbent leads the Section's activities in these areas to ensure the efficacy of the IAEA's programme on a global level and is responsible for the management of the Section's financial and human resources.

Role

The Laboratory Head is: (a) manager and team leader in a specialized, multilateral environment characterized by diversity of views on the issues, ensuring the efficient and effective management of the assigned staff and analytical equipment in line with quality management standards and a results-based approach and finding practical solutions and presenting arguments that can achieve results; (b) adviser, providing analysis and background information to the Director on the formulation of strategies and policies related to the Section's technical responsibilities and facilitating their implementation; (c)facilitator of cooperation with other IAEA Departments and with other organizations working in this area of work (d) a substantive expert contributor, managing projects of particular complexity and/or sensitivity; and (e) a scientific secretary to international scientific meetings related to marine environment, preparing and editing scientific reports, manuals, proceedings and other scientific publications. (f) coordinator and officer responsible for the Section's technical support of the IAEA's technical cooperation programme and for promoting, coordinating and evaluating coordinated research projects (CRPs) in the relevant fields.

Partnerships

The Laboratory Head coordinates the planning and implementation of the REL's programmes with other relevant IAEA Divisions with a view to integrating the REL's activities in accordance with Member States' needs and fostering the REL's activities as a networking centre. In addition, the Laboratory Head engages high level counterparts in Member State institutions to ensure the effective transfer and sharing of technical and managerial know-how, and promotes partnership building with relevant institutions.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Plan, coordinate, supervise and monitor the implementation of the Section's activities in accordance with Member States' needs, using innovative policies and strategies, quality management standards and a results-based approach; Propose and develop new initiatives based on the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques focused on assessment of emergent problems affecting Member States in the area of coastal zone management; Oversee all steps relevant to the experimental and analytical work of the Section; Liaise with and respond to the priorities of Member States and international organisations requiring expertise and assistance in coastal zone management; Cooperate with the other NAEL Sections in the integration of nuclear and isotopic techniques for understanding environmental processes related to coastal management; Develop and implement coordinated research projects (CRPs); lead planning and implementation of national and regional technical cooperation projects; Publish reports, manuals and scientific papers associated with the above activities and represent the IAEA and the inter-agency programme on coastal zone management at international fora.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

In-depth knowledge of the principles and practical use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in environmental studies, including climate change and related issues; In-depth knowledge of analytical and radioanalytical techniques and methods relevant to the sustainable development and management of the coastal environment; Proven ability to apply best management practice to human and financial resource management; the ability to lead teams effectively, determining clear purpose, roles and responsibilities; Awareness of radiation protection issues which may affect the IAEA's Environment Programme Ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships and alliances with a wide range of stakeholders in the IAEA and in Member States to ensure the visibility and impact of the Section's activities; Good understanding of the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme and of development needs of IAEA Member States in relation to the mandate of the Environment Programme; High standards of integrity, fairness and transparency to ensure and promote a working environment based on mutual respect and trust; Communication skills: Strong presentation skills; Strong skills in writing technical reports and scientific papers. Interpersonal skills: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with IAEA staff at all levels and scientists and technical staff from Member States; Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate work in a team environment comprising scientific, technical and administrative staff and to build and maintain collaborative partnerships across organizational boundaries; Proven ability to work in a multicultural environment with respect and sensitivity for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced university or equivalent degree in science, with a strong background in environmental sciences and radiochemistry; A minimum of ten years of relevant experience (post-graduate) in research using radio-ecological techniques and their applications to marine studies; at least three years in national and international setting is desirable; Demonstrated experience in human and financial resource management, including experience in leading teams effectively and setting clear goals, roles and responsibilities; Demonstrated experience in the management of complex, multinational research projects; Demonstrated experience in high-quality research related to environmental management/assessment as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications; Fluency in spoken and written English is essential. A working knowledge of at least one additional official IAEA language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $80 887 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $62 202*, 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. 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.