Laboratory Head (Food and Environmental Protection Lab)(P5)

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 Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture assists Member States of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the IAEA in using nuclear techniques and related technologies to improve food security, alleviate poverty and promote sustainable agriculture. The Joint Division consists of five Sections, each with an associated laboratory (located in Seibersdorf, 45 km south-east of Vienna), in the areas of: animal production and health; plant breeding and genetics; insect pest control; soil and water management and crop nutrition; and food and environmental protection.

The Food and Environmental Protection Section and Laboratory assist Member States in ensuring the safety and quality of food and agricultural commodities through the development of analytical techniques and application of food irradiation, focusing on the use of nuclear and related technologies in the management of food and environmental hazards and on strengthening capacities for nuclear emergency preparedness and response in agriculture.

Main Purpose

As a member of the FAO/IAEA Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratories team and with the programmatic direction of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, the Laboratory Head (Food and Environmental Protection Lab) leads the innovative Research and Development (R&D) activities of the Food and Environmental Protection Laboratory (FEPL) relating to the development of methodologies to enhance food control systems in Member States for food authenticity, to support food traceability and to control food contaminants and residues of agrochemicals, in the context of joint FAO/IAEA programmes to ensure food quality and safety and to enhance international trade.

Role

The Laboratory Head plays several key roles in the Agency's Laboratories and the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme: (1) a team leader, ensuring the efficient and effective development and implementation of the FEPL's research, training and services activities; (2) an advisor to the Head of the Food and Environmental Protection Section and to the Director of Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, on programmatic, scientific, technical matters; and advocate for relevant administrative matters.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Ensures, as a committed team player in a matrix environment, full coordination and transparency in all activities and deliberations of the Food and Environmental Protection Laboratory vis-a-vis internal and external stakeholders.

Leads the development, adaptation and validation of methodology related to the use of analytical techniques and quality assurance and control procedures to support regulatory programmes for food quality and safety with a focus on food authenticity, the verification of food traceability systems using analytical methods, and control of the main contaminants and residues in food and the environment, including pesticides, veterinary pharmaceuticals and natural toxins.

Generates and provides scientific and technical input to the policy and standards development of the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme and other national and international bodies (FAO, WHO, etc.).

Develops and introduces innovative R&D approaches in the sub-programme on improving food safety and quality, including direct laboratory activities at the Agency's Laboratories.

Builds and maintains strong strategic partnerships and alliances with a wide range of stakeholders in Member States' research laboratories, in academia and in the private sector.

In programmatic consultation with the Head of the Food and Environmental Protection Section, contributes to the strategic direction of the sub-programme.

Plans and implements the operational activities of the FEP Laboratory within the sub-programme through efficient management of the human, physical and financial resources.

Drives the timely delivery of the laboratory's commitments and acts as the focal point on all matters relating to food safety and food authenticity.

Ensures visibility and impact of the FEP Laboratory's activities.

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 Judgement/decision making Consults with and seeks advice at the appropriate managerial level when making complex decisions. Facilitates dialogue and development of best practice to support judgement/decision making, in full compliance with the Agency’s regulations and rules. Partnership building Identifies interests and goals common to the Agency’s partners and its stakeholders to foster partnership building. Promotes collaboration with partners, colleagues across teams and stakeholders. 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 Food Science Food Authenticity and Quality In depth understanding of global issues associated with food authenticity, food traceability and food crime and the technologies and analytical methodology appropriate to address those issues. Food Science Food Safety Knowledge of global issues associated with food traceability/authenticity and residues/contaminants in food; experience in identification/implementation of food production practices that promote compliance with international standards. Food Science Food Science and Technology Expertise in (1) new and upcoming technologies relevant to the improvement of the application of analytical methods for food safety and control and (2) new developments in the area of sustainable agricultural development in Member States. Food Science Food and Environmental Contaminant Detection A thorough understanding of global issues associated with residues and contaminants in food and the relationships between food production and environmental contamination and sustainability. Management and Programme Analysis International Relations Extensive experience/exposure at international level in the area of work, including extensive interactions with bodies such as Codex Alimentarius. Management and Programme Analysis Partnership Development Strong interpersonal skills to deal effectively with internal and external counterparts, and proven experience in leading teams. Management and Programme Analysis Project Management Expertise in the management of complex projects; Ability to formulate and undertake research programmes and projects and to generate extrabudgetary R&D funding. Management and Programme Analysis Risk Management Expertise in contributing to policy development and priority setting in the implementation of risk analysis strategies associated with food control systems focusing on food authenticity/traceability and chemical contaminants.Asset Expertise

Function Name Expertise Description Food Science Food Irradiation Understanding of the roles of, and techniques used for food irradiation for sanitary and phytosanitary applications.Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Doctorate Degree - PhD or equivalent in chemistry or other related areas.

At least 10 years of postgraduate experience in research on the analysis of foods and agricultural produce for authenticity/traceability and contaminants/residues control, including experience in laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control and the implementation of regulatory programmes for food safety and control hazardous residues in a national and international setting.

Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, 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 $89837 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 44559*, 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------