Laboratory Technician (SAS Office - Analytical Services)(G5)

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please note that the closing date for submission of applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant's location.

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards carries out the IAEA’s duties and responsibilities as the world’s nuclear inspectorate, supporting global efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. The primary role of the Department is to develop and implement IAEA safeguards to ensure that there is no diversion of declared nuclear material from peaceful activities and no indications of undeclared nuclear material or activities in a State as a whole.

The Department comprises nuclear safeguards inspectors, responsible for carrying out inspections and verifications of all-safeguards relevant information for nuclear facilities in over 180 States; and technical staff responsible for a wide range of activities including: developing concepts and approaches for implementing safeguards; developing and maintaining safeguards equipment; providing analytical and laboratory services for sample analysis; collecting, evaluating and analysing safeguards-relevant information; providing information and communication technology infrastructure and services; and providing programme coordination support.

The Office of Safeguards Analytical Services (SGAS) is responsible for the analysis of inspection samples collected in the field. Located about 45 km south of Vienna in Seibersdorf, SGAS is organized into three sections: the Nuclear Material Laboratory (NML), the Environmental Sample Laboratory (ESL) and the Coordination and Support Section (CSS). The laboratory sections conduct the screening, chemical treatment and measurement of the inspection samples. The Coordination and Support Section provides a variety of key services to the laboratories, as well as managing the network of analytical laboratories. SGAS also manages analytical and inspection activities in a dedicated On-Site Laboratory at the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant in Japan.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Laboratory Head, the Laboratory Technician (SAS Office-Analytical Services) prepares technical documentation required for the provision of nuclear material sample receipt and report files, and assures the efficient flow of quality-checked information to various stakeholders in SGAS and the Department as a whole.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Register incoming inspection samples and reference materials into the LIMS; assist with preparation of documentation for outgoing radioactive material shipments and wasting requests for the removal of unneeded samples and residues.
• Collect metal seals and combine with official confidential documents for transport to headquarters for verification.
• Prepare internal analytical request forms within the LIMS for appropriate routing of incoming inspection samples in the NML, and check and confirm the accuracy of declared information for inventory control; seek clarifications for incomplete or unclear analytical requests.
• Compile analytical reports from laboratory results, and perform quality checks against established guidelines before releasing analytical reports for clearance by the Laboratory Head.
• Prepare document packages for, and record the minutes of, weekly staff meetings.
• Participate in the SGAS on-call system.

The incumbent may perform his/her work in areas involving exposure to radioactive materials. Therefore, as an Occupationally Exposed Worker, he/she must be medically cleared by VIC Medical Service and is subject to an appropriate radiation and health monitoring programme, in accordance with the IAEA's Radiation Safety Regulations.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)

Name****Definition CommunicationCommunicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions. Achieving ResultsTakes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned. TeamworkActively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions. Planning and OrganizingPlans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans.Functional Competencies

Name****Definition Analytical thinkingGathers and analyses information, identifying critical relationships and patterns among data and proposes workable solutions. Knowledge sharing and learningActively seeks opportunities to learn by formal and informal means; learns from others, adopting and sharing best practice. Technical/scientific credibilityAcquires and applies new skills to remain up to date in his/her area of expertise. Reliably applies knowledge of basic technical/scientific methods and concepts.Required Expertise

Function****Name****Expertise Description SafeguardsQuality ManagementPractical skills working within either an ISO 9000 or ISO 17025 quality system desirable.Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

• Completed secondary education preferably in the field of chemistry and/or information technology.
• At least five years of relevant working experience in total, with at least three years of experience in an analytical chemistry or related laboratory.
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Note: In-line with nuclear security requirements, persons undertaking the Laboratory Technician (SAS Office-Analytical Services) role may be required to undergo security background checks.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at EUR 56137 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 6 weeks' annual vacation, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/general-service-staff

General Information

• The IAEA's paramount consideration in the recruitment of staff member is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• Staff Members shall be selected without any unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on a person's race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin or other similar shared characteristic or trait.
• The IAEA is committed to gender equality and to promoting a diverse workforce.
• Recruitment will be on a LOCAL BASIS only.
• 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.
• The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and the IAEA, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

Evaluation process

• The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
• Candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.

Appointment information

• Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
• 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.