Isotope Hydrologist (P-4)

Application Deadline:	8 November 2011
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences is one of several divisions and laboratories in the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications. The Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences is responsible for carrying out IAEA activities to assist and advise Member States in assessing their needs for research and development in the nuclear sciences, as well as in supporting their activities in specific fields, including: industrial applications of radiation and isotopes; isotope hydrology and geochemistry; nuclear and analytical chemistry; nuclear and atomic data for applications; plasma physics applications; controlled nuclear fusion; production of radioisotopes and labelled compounds; radiation chemistry; and utilization of research reactors. The Isotope Hydrology Section is responsible for planning and implementing the IAEA's water resources programme. The programme assists Member States in assessing and managing their water resources in all aspects, with isotope hydrology as an integral part of their scientific and institutional strengths. Major activities are focused on the effective use of isotope techniques for solving Member States' needs in water resources management. Programme scope and implementation strategy are coordinated with other national and international organizations active in the water sector, as well as with related IAEA programmes, such as the marine environment, food and agriculture, and technical cooperation programmes. The Isotope Hydrology Section consists of a Section Head and approximately 24 Professional and support staff. The Isotope Hydrologist reports to the Section Head and works in a team environment with other staff in the Section.

Main purpose

As a member of a team led by the Section Head, the Isotope Hydrologist contributes to a results-oriented programmatic response to Member States' priorities in the application of nuclear technologies to meet their development goals related to water resources.

Role

The Isotope Hydrologist is a substantive expert, managing complex projects and a coordinator of project activities with other professionals in the Section, ensuring that tasks are implemented in the most efficient and effective manner in line with quality management standards and the results based approach.

Partnerships

The Isotope Hydrologist engages counterparts at various levels in Member States' institutions for project planning and implementation and, together with other team members, builds partnerships with appropriate UN organizations, NGOs and other relevant institutions. Furthermore, he/she works closely with appropriate regional sections in the Department of Technical Cooperation to ensure the effective implementation of cooperative projects. The incumbent provides leadership in the area of groundwater and surface water characterization using isotopes and related applications for resource management.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Contribute to and lead the formulation and implementation of coordinated research projects (CRPs) and other IAEA initiatives to use isotope techniques for water resources assessment and management. Contribute to and carry out a strategic and technical analysis of current issues in water resources management where isotope techniques can be integrated to provide effective solutions. Identify and nurture programmatic partnerships with other UN agencies, particularly to develop co-funded projects. Provide technical support and guidance for IAEA technical cooperation projects in the field of isotope hydrology. Lead and coordinate training of Member State scientists in isotope hydrology, including the use of laser spectroscopy for isotope measurements in water, air and soil samples. Plan, organize and participate in seminars, workshops, expert missions and training courses.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Expertise in stable and/or radioactive isotope applications in hydrogeology. Ability to analyse water resource management opportunities and trends, with particular focus on the scientific needs for management decision support and the potential role of isotopes in fulfilling these needs. Strong planning and coordination skills, both internally and externally. Supervisory capabilities and ability to support and cooperate with others. High degree of adaptability and ability to learn quickly. Communication skills: Ability to communicate project results effectively to diverse audiences and to conduct presentations on key issues by clearly formulating positions on issues, presenting options concisely while conveying the maximum necessary information, and making and defending recommendations. Interpersonal skills: Ability to operate across organizational boundaries, establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations externally and internally in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

PhD in physics, chemistry, hydrology or related geosciences. Minimum of seven years of practical experience in the application of isotope techniques for water resource management issues. Substantial experience in conceiving, formulating and successfully implementing field/research projects in isotope hydrology. Excellent writing skills demonstrated through a record of scientific publications. Broad experience and knowledge of the principles of natural resource management, particularly water resource management. Language skills: Excellent command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of another official language of the IAEA, in particular French and/or Spanish, desirable.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $67 395 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $41 246*, 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 to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.