Chemistry Team Leader (SGAS-ESL)(P4)

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards (SG) is the organizational hub for the implementation of IAEA safeguards. The IAEA implements nuclear verification activities for over 180 States in accordance with their safeguards agreements. The main objective of the Department is to maintain and further develop an effective and efficient verification system in order to draw independent, impartial and timely safeguards conclusions, thus providing credible assurances to the international community that States are in compliance with their safeguards obligations. Safeguards activities are undertaken within a dynamic and technically complex environment including advanced nuclear fuel cycle facilities and complemented by the political and cultural diversity of the countries.

The Department of Safeguards consists of six Divisions: three Operations Divisions 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); and three Offices (the Office for Verification in Iran, the Office of Safeguards Analytical Services and the Office of Information and Communication Services).

Within the Office of the Deputy Director General, Head of the Department of Safeguards, the Section for Safeguards Programme Coordination serves as the principal advisory body in support of the entire management of the Department including formulation and execution of departmental management policies and procedures. The Section provides internal coordination and support in the areas of programme and budget, human resources, performance monitoring, effectiveness evaluation, communication, reporting and project support.

The Office of Safeguards Analytical Services (SGAS) is responsible for the analysis of nuclear material and environmental swipe samples, as well as the coordination of logistics and the Network of Analytical Laboratories (NWAL). Located about 45 km south of Vienna in Seibersdorf, the Office is organized into three sections: the Nuclear Material Laboratory, including the On-Site Laboratory (OSL) in Japan, the Environmental Sample Laboratory and the Coordination and Support Section.

The Environmental Sample Laboratory (ESL) is responsible for the receipt, screening, analysis and distribution of environmental samples submitted by IAEA safeguards inspectors.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Laboratory Head of the Environmental Sample Laboratory (ESL), the Chemistry Team Leader manages the operational aspects of the ESL Chemistry Team which is responsible for the preparation of environment sampling kits, the receiving and archiving of environmental samples, the preparation of environmental samples for analysis by mass spectrometry and radiometry, while maintaining a suitable cleanroom working environment.

Role

The Chemistry Team Leader is: (i) a supervisor of staff, responsible for setting priorities and organizing the work of the team, monitoring the workflow, and ensuring the availability of resources; (ii) an authority on scientific and technical issues regarding the chemical separation of actinides for analysis; (iii) an advisor in applying the principles of quality management to the work of the team, and monitoring the quality of the results according to the appropriate quality management system; and (iv) a leader who ensures that all team operations are performed in compliance with IAEA regulations and laboratory best practices.

Functions / Key Results Expected

- Lead, organize and manage the work of the ESL Chemistry Team; - Ensure a balanced workload distribution among the team, monitor work performance and assess staff development needs; - Ensure the provision of fit-for-purpose environmental sampling materials to the Department; - Supervise the receipt and archiving of environmental samples, and maintain the sample archive and the Environmental Sample Laboratory database; - Supervise and participate in the preparation and analysis of radioactive and non-radioactive environmental samples, reporting on the content and isotopic composition of Uranium, Plutonium and other actinides; - Supervise the production of quality control materials for internal and external quality control programs; - Provide authoritative advice and ensure the quality of analytical results by developing and following analytical procedures, while seeking opportunities for continual improvement to laboratory methods and techniques; - Oversee the maintenance and operation of the laboratories to ensure the required cleanroom standards; - Stay abreast of developments in the field of environmental sample analysis and plan for the implementation of new techniques and improved methodologies.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies

table { border-collapse: collapse; } table, th, td { word-wrap: break-word; valign="top"; } Name Definition Planning and Organizing Sets clearly defined objectives for himself/herself and the team or Section. Identifies and organizes deployment of resources based on assessed needs, taking into account possible changing circumstances. Monitors team’s performance in meeting the assigned deadlines and milestones. Communication Encourages open communication and builds consensus. Uses tact and discretion in dealing with sensitive information, and keeps staff informed of decisions and directives as appropriate. Achieving Results Sets realistic targets for himself/herself and for the team; ensures availability of resources and supports staff members in achieving results. Monitors progress and performance; evaluates achievements and integrates lessons learned. Teamwork Encourages teamwork, builds effective teams and resolves problems by creating a supportive and collaborative team spirit, remaining mindful of the need to collaborate with people outside the immediate area of responsibility.Functional Competencies

Name Definition Analytical thinking Applies business analytics to establish programme priorities. Makes rational judgements from the available information and analysis. Knowledge sharing and learning Identifies and establishes systems and mechanisms to facilitate development of best practice and knowledge management. Encourages staff members to learn continuously and to share knowledge through mentoring, networking and development, and training opportunities. Technical/scientific credibility Provides guidance and advice in his/her area of expertise on the application of scientific/professional methods, procedures and approaches.Required Expertise

Function Name Expertise Description Chemistry Analytical Chemistry In-depth experience with chemical separation methods for Thorium, Uranium, Plutonium and Americium. Chemistry Cleanroom Laboratory Experience working in cleanroom laboratories. Metrology Quality Management Experience in the implementation and/or administration of ISO 9001 and/or ISO 17025 quality management systems. Chemistry Radiochemistry Laboratory management experience in which radiochemistry techniques and methods are used.Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Master's Degree - Advanced university degree in analytical chemistry, radio-chemistry or a related field.

Bachelor's Degree - First level university degree in analytical chemistry plus three years of relevant laboratory experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

- Minimum of 7 years’ working in a laboratory environment, with 4-5 years’ experience in the preparation and analysis of actinide elements (primarily Uranium, Plutonium and Americium) by analytical techniques such as Inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), Thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), Alpha/gamma spectrometry or X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF); - Demonstrated experience in laboratory management and supervising technical staff; - Experience in working in and maintaining a cleanroom laboratory; - Experience in a certified/accredited quality management system, such as ISO-9001 and/or ISO-17025.

Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $74913 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 31538*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------