Laboratory Head (Insect Pest Control Laboratory)(P5)

This is a re-opening of the vacancy. Candidates who already applied do not need to re-submit an application.

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 Insect Pest Control Section and Laboratory assist Member States with the development, dissemination and transfer of sterile insect and related environmentally friendly technologies for the area-wide integrated suppression, containment or eradication of major insect pests affecting crops, livestock and human health.

Main Purpose

With the programmatic direction of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, to lead the research and development activities of the Insect Pest Control Laboratory (IPCL) relating to the control of insect pests in the context of area-wide integrated pest management programmes incorporating the sterile insect technique (SIT) and related nuclear and biological technologies.

Role

The Laboratory Head plays several key roles in the IAEA's Laboratories and the joint FAO/IAEA programme: (i) a team leader ensuring the efficient and effective development and implementation of the IPCL's research, training and service activities; (ii) an advisor to the Head of the Insect Pest Control Section, and to the Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, on programmatic, scientific, technical matters; and advocate for relevant administrative matters, (iii) a project officer, providing technical support to Technical Cooperation (TC) projects, and to Coordinated Research Projects (CRPs) in the area of the development of the SIT for insect pests of agriculture, veterinary and medical importance.

Functions / Key Results Expected

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

Leads the development, adaptation and validation of (bio)technologies related to the control of insect pests in the context of area-wide integrated pest management programmes with a focus on the sterile insect technique (SIT).

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 research and development approaches in the insect pest control sub-programme, including direct laboratory activities at the IAEA's Laboratories.

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

In programmatic consultation with the Head of the Insect Pest Control Section, contributes to the strategic direction of the sub-programme.

Plans and implements the operational activities of the IPC Lab within the insect pest control sub-programme through efficient management of 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 the SIT.

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

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies

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

Animal Health

Insect Pest Control

In-depth knowledge of applied R&D technologies and activities at both laboratory and field levels on insect vectors transmitting animal diseases.

Disease Vectors

Insect Pest Control

In-depth knowledge of applied R&D technologies and activities at both laboratory and field levels on insect vectors transmitting human diseases.

Plant Protection

Insect Pest Control

In-depth knowledge of applied R&D technologies and activities at both laboratory and field levels on suppression of plant pest through the use of nuclear and related techniques.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Doctorate Degree - PhD or equivalent in entomology, genetics or a related biological subject.

At least 10 years' working experience in research and field experience in the integrated application of the SIT and area-wide integrated insect pest control in a national and international setting.

Experience in contributing to policy development and priority setting in the implementation of insect pest control strategies.

Experience in the management of complex projects and to formulate and undertake research programmes and projects and to generate extra-budgetary R&D funding.

Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

Awareness of (1) new and upcoming technologies relevant to the improvement of the application of genetic methods for insect pest control and (2) new developments in the area of sustainable agricultural development in Member States.

Awareness of relevant FAO and IAEA mechanisms and procedures, including coordinated research projects and technical cooperation projects, a strong asset.

Knowledge of human and financial resource management with the ability to lead teams effectively, determining clear goals, roles and responsibilities.

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 $90664 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 36991*, 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------