Organizational Setting

The Isotope Hydrology Section in the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, is responsible for planning and implementing the IAEA's water resources programme.

The water resources 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 up to 20 professional and support staff. The Water Resource Management Specialist reports to the Section Head and works in a team environment with other professionals in the Section.

Main purpose

As a member of a team led by the Section Head, the Water Resource Management Specialist 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 Water Resource Management Specialist is a substantive expert, managing complex projects and relationships with other agencies, and a coordinator of project activities with other professionals in the Section, 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.

Partnerships

The Water Resource Management Specialist 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 natural resource management, particularly in collaboration with other UN agencies.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Contribute technical expertise to and, as appropriate, lead the identification and formulation of projects through 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.
• Collaborate with communication and technical specialists to implement a communication strategy for internal and external audiences.
• Manage technical cooperation projects in the field of groundwater management, particularly those related to transboundary resources.
• Lead, and coordinate with the Department of Technical Cooperation in, the development of thematic plans to outline a framework for the effective use of isotopes to solve specific problems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expertise in hydrogeology or hydrology with special focus on groundwater or surface water management.
• 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.
• Working knowledge of isotope hydrology and a demonstrated ability to focus on issues where specific techniques are relevant.
• Strong planning and coordination skills, both internally and externally.
• Supervisory skills.
• High degree of adaptability and ability to learn quickly.
• Proven communication skills, including the 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.
• Proven interpersonal skills:
  • Ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
  • Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with managers and staff from different parts of the organization as well as with external counterparts.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

• Advanced (master's or doctoral) degree in water or natural resource management or related fields in geography and geosciences.
• At least 7 years of practical experience in the formulation and implementation of water resource management projects, including experience in the UN system or bilateral donor agencies.
• Relevant experience in developing countries.
• Broad experience and knowledge of the principles of natural resource management, particularly water resource management, including the areas of hydrology, hydrogeology, economics and geography.
• Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of Spanish and/or French desirable.

Remuneration

The Agency offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $66 482 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $31 380*, 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

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.