Energy Planner/Economist (P-3)

Organizational Unit:	3E Analysis Unit Planning and Economic Studies Section Department of Nuclear Energy
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	24 January 2012
Application Deadline:	5 March 2012
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The objective of the Department of Nuclear Energy (NE) is to foster the efficient and safe use of nuclear power by supporting interested Member States in: improving the performance of nuclear power plants, the nuclear fuel cycle, and the management of nuclear wastes; catalysing innovation in nuclear power and fuel cycle technologies; developing indigenous capabilities around the world for national energy planning; deploying new nuclear power plants; preserving and disseminating nuclear information and knowledge; and advancing science and industry through improved operation of research reactors. The Planning and Economic Studies Section (PESS) located in the Department of Nuclear Energy is responsible for the implementation of the IAEA's sub-programmes on: (a) energy modelling, databanks and capacity building; and (b) energy-economy-environment (3E) analysis. The objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to perform analyses regarding national and regional electricity and energy system development, energy investment planning and energy-environment policy formulation and their economic implications. The Section also supports specific requests for economic analyses within the IAEA, particularly for nuclear infrastructure development or comparative assessments of nuclear technology applications versus non-nuclear alternatives.

Main purpose

Reporting to the Unit Head and Section Head, the Energy Planner/Economist ensures that effective support is provided to interested Member States for building local capacities for conducting comprehensive technical, economic and environmental assessments of energy options and the potential role of different technology options, including nuclear power, for sustainable energy development, and that the IAEA's analytical tools (i.e. indicators, life-cycle and full cost assessments) are developed and made available for the analysis of emerging energy issues.

Role

The Energy Planner/Economist is: (1) an educator: capacity building in Member States in the area of energy-economy-environment analysis; (2) an analyst: providing authoritative and objective analysis and information on energy systems issues (including nuclear power) to Member States; (3) a facilitator working with Member States towards meeting their national energy development objectives, and; (4) a team member: working collaboratively within the Section on developing/enhancing energy-economy-environment assessment tools as well as on analyses and studies.

Partnerships

The Energy Planner/Economist works closely with staff members in PESS on developing indicators, guidelines, methodologies and providing capacity building efforts in energy-economy-environment assessments and planning in developing Member States. He/she works with counterparts in Member States from energy planning institutions involved in national energy and electricity planning studies so that Member States take ownership of the studies/analyses. He/she provides technical support and advice to other Divisions/Sections in the Department of Nuclear Energy on matters related to energy economics and planning, including techno-economic aspects of nuclear power and the associated fuel cycles, techno-economic comparisons of energy technologies and other related issues.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Prepare reports, papers, presentation materials, etc. on energy, electricity and nuclear power development and on the role of nuclear power for sustainable energy development. Act as Scientific Secretary for technical meetings, training courses and workshops organized by the IAEA and its collaborating organizations. Develop and enhance the IAEA's tools (indicators, assessment methodologies) for analyzing sustainable energy development; update their user manuals, guidebooks and related training material. Support the Unit Head and Section Head in preparing periodic reviews of programme implementation, maintaining and updating performance indicators, and planning future programmes. Provide technical support to Member States for capacity building for sustainable energy development and for conducting national energy studies using the IAEA's energy planning tools.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Technical expertise: Sound knowledge of the fundamental features of sustainable energy systems, energy economics, financial analysis and consideration of externalities, and energy-environment policy issues. Strong mathematical and statistical modelling skills with special focus on analyzing energy-economy-environment interactions. Strong ability for capacity building (training and guiding energy professionals) for conducting comprehensive technical, economic and environmental assessments of energy options. Analytical skills: Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive energy assessment studies and prepare reports. Communication skills: Ability to write technical reports, scientific publications, user guides, etc. in a structured and clear manner and to convey oral information effectively as well as to make technical presentations. Interpersonal skills: Ability to establish effective working relationships with other staff and to work in a multicultural/multidisciplinary team with respect and sensitivity for diversity. Programme management: Familiarity with results-based management.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

University degree in energy economics, environmental policy analysis, operations research, electrical/mechanical/nuclear engineering, industrial engineering or a related field of study. At least five years of working experience in the analysis of energy systems, energy-environment interactions and evaluation of energy technologies. Language skills: Fluency in spoken and written English. Working knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $56 091 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $29 504*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance. How to apply to the IAEA Complete an Online Application * Subject to change without notice

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. 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.