Technical Lead (Research Reactor Operation and Maintenance)(P5) - (2026/0227 (014658))
This selection exercise may be used to generate a roster of pre-approved candidates to address future staffing needs for similar functions in any of the Departments and Offices of the Organization.
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 Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology (NEFW) comprises the Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Section, the Waste Technology Section, the Decommissioning & Environmental Remediation Section and the Research Reactor Section. The Division seeks to support Member States in building their capacity to access technologies, to share good practices and to develop safe and effective approaches across all aspects of research reactors, nuclear fuel cycle, decommissioning, radioactive waste management and environmental remediation.
The Research Reactor Section (RRS) assists Member States in every stage of the research reactor life cycle: from the initial decision to build a research reactor, including the development of the national supporting infrastructure, to ensuring safe and sustainable operation, including ageing management, fuel management, to preparation for decommissioning and disposal of spent nuclear fuel. The Section also promote and facilitate Member States’ access to research reactors for nuclear capacity building and, upon request, assist Member States in minimizing the use of Highly Enriched Uranium for research reactor fuels and applications. The Section works with Member States individually, regionally, and in international networks to carry out its activities.
Main Purpose
As a member of the section, and reporting to the Research Reactor Section Head, the Technical Lead (Research Reactor Operation and Maintenance) manages project activities including gathering and disseminating good practices on research reactor commissioning, operation, ageing management, refurbishment, and modernization, improving research reactor performance and integrated management systems, fostering the establishment of partnerships and networks aimed at improving operation and maintenance standards of research reactors, and assisting in Member States in assessing and improving operation and maintenance practices at their research reactors. The Technical Lead (Research Reactor Operation and Maintenance) also coordinates development and formulation of research reactor-related technical reports including guidance and best practice documents.
Role
The Technical Lead (Research Reactor Operation and Maintenance) is: (1) a substantive expert, managing complex projects and relationships with other agencies, and a coordinator of project activities with other professionals in the Section and Division, ensuring that projects are developed and implemented in the most efficient and effective manner in line with quality management standards and the results-based approach; (2) a technical officer responsible for providing technical support to the IAEA's technical cooperation programme on specific aspects of research reactors; (3) adviser to the Director, Section Head other senior staff, and Member States representatives on project-related, scientific, and technical issues relating to specific aspects of research reactors; and (4) a facilitator of cooperation with other organizations and with other divisions/departments in the IAEA dealing with similar areas of work.
Functions / Key Results Expected
Arrange and conduct consultancy meetings, technical meetings, conferences, symposia, workshops and other scientific meetings in the field of research reactor operation, maintenance, ageing management, refurbishment and modernization, utilization related design features of research reactors, application of advanced technologies in research reactors, possible regional and international research reactor networks and shared-user facilities.
Organize and conduct peer review and advisory missions to assist research reactor operating organizations in Member States in improving their operational practices and addressing specific technical issues.
Prepare technical documents and reports in the field of research reactor commissioning, research reactor operation, research reactor ageing management, research reactor refurbishment and modernization, research reactor analysis and modelling, and contribute to technical documents on other topics related to research reactors.
Promote, coordinate and evaluate Coordinated Research Projects and conduct complex studies and assessments related to issues and trends in the subject area.
Contribute or manage e-tools such as research reactor information hub, e-Learning, data bases.
Provide technical assistance to Member States through relevant technical cooperation projects.
Liaise and interact with Permanent Missions, organizations in Member States and NGOs on planning, funding, and implementation of operational projects related to all aspects of research reactors.
Collaborate with members of the Section, Division, other IAEA Divisions, international organizations and Member States in areas of mutual interest.
Competencies and Expertise
Core Competencies(Competency Framework)
Communication
Communicates 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 Results
Takes 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.
Teamwork
Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.
Planning and Organizing
Plans 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
Judgement/decision making
Consults with supervisor/manager and takes decisions in full compliance with the Agency’s regulations and rules. Makes decisions reflecting best practice and professional theories and standards.
Partnership building
Identifies and builds partnerships. Develops and maintains long lasting partnerships to strengthen relationships. Delivers programmatic outputs and acquires resources in support of Agency goals.
Technical/scientific credibility
Ensures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable.
Required Expertise
Function
Name
Expertise Description
Nuclear Engineering
Project Management
Expertise in coordination of project activities and managing of complex projects.
Nuclear Engineering
Research Reactor Operation and Maintenance
Research reactor design, commissioning, operation and maintenance, including ageing management, research reactor refurbishment and modernization.
Nuclear Engineering
Research Reactors
Research reactor analysis and modelling, planning and building of new research reactor facilities.
Qualifications, Experience and Language skills
Master's Degree - Advanced University degree in Nuclear Engineering or other related technical degree.
Bachelor's Degree - University degree in Nuclear Engineering or other related technical degree with two years of additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of advance university degree.
Minimum 10 years' working experience in the subject area, of which two years at international level, particularly in design of new research reactors, research reactor commissioning, research reactor management, research reactor operation, research reactor modernization and refurbishment, project management and coordination.
Experience in fuel cycle, research reactor modelling and analysis, research reactor infrastructure development would be an asset.
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 $103165 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 55915*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; Other benefits include 6 weeks' annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/professional-staff/conditions
General Information
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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.
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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.
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The IAEA is committed to gender equality and to promoting a diverse workforce. Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly encouraged.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.
Appointment information
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Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
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Staff members may be assigned to any location.
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Candidates appointed to posts in the Professional and higher categories are subject to IAEA rotation policy and their maximum tour of service shall normally be seven years.
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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.
