Emergency Response Officer (Nuclear Facility) (P3), US-Funded Cost Free Expert

This position involves paid relocation to Vienna, Austria and is not remote. It is a Cost-Free Expert (CFE) role sponsored by IAEA Programs in the non-Safeguards department of the IAEA.

About the role

The Department of Nuclear Safety and Security (NS) formulates and implements the IAEA's nuclear safety and security programme, protecting people and the environment from radiation exposure and addressing Member States' needs related to nuclear safety and security. The Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC), part of the NS Department, serves as the IAEA's focal point for preparedness and response to nuclear and radiological incidents and emergencies, regardless of cause, and strengthens Member States' preparedness for response.

Main Purpose

The Emergency Response Officer (Nuclear Facility) works under the overall supervision of, and reports directly to, the Response System Coordinator. The role serves as a technical expert for advanced assessment and prognosis tools during nuclear emergencies and exercises. The officer utilizes complex modeling software to provide technical guidance and situational reports to senior management, supports the development of international guidance and training materials, and contributes to the design, implementation, and evaluation of nuclear emergency response exercises.

Responsibilities

• Implement the IEC’s operational roles in response to nuclear and radiological incidents and emergencies.
• Maintain high-level proficiency in emergency assessment tools to project potential consequences of nuclear or radiological incidents.
• Translate complex technical outputs into clear, concise guidance and situational reports for upper management briefings during emergencies to support decision-making.
• Support the drafting and revision of technical guidance documents and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to the use of assessment and prognosis tools within the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency System (IES).
• Develop and deliver specialized training materials and workshops for IEC staff and Member State counterparts on the application of assessment and prognosis tools in emergency response.
• Provide technical data and plume modeling for exercise scenarios and participate as a lead evaluator for the assessment function.
• Update assessment protocols based on lessons learned from exercises and real-world events and ensure relevant findings are integrated into an IEC-wide action plan.

The incumbent may perform work in areas involving exposure to radioactive materials. As an Occupationally Exposed Worker, they must be medically cleared by VIC Medical Service and are subject to an appropriate radiation and health monitoring programme, in accordance with the IAEA's Radiation Safety Regulations.

Partnerships

The Emergency Response Officer works closely with relevant IEC staff on revising IAEA publications and integrating modeling tools into the IEC’s digital platforms. They also interact with technical experts in Member States to harmonize assessment methodologies used during international nuclear emergency exercises.

Qualifications

• University degree in physical sciences, engineering, radiation protection, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in nuclear emergency preparedness and response, including at least 3 years in assessment and prognosis for emergencies at nuclear facilities and their potential consequences.
• Experience with using RASCAL, HotSpot, IXP, Monte Carlo, or other codes is an asset.
• Experience in preparing, conducting, and evaluating emergency exercises is an asset.
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is an asset.

Skills

• Emergency Preparedness and Response: Proven knowledge of emergency preparedness and response principles, and good knowledge of relevant IAEA safety standards, technical documents, and operational tools.
• Assessment and Prognosis: Excellent knowledge of assessment and prognosis of nuclear or radiological emergencies.
• Exercises and Training: Proven expertise in conducting emergency exercises and trainings for radiological or nuclear emergency preparedness and response.

Schedule

This is a Cost-Free Expert appointment (CFE-A) with a duration of 2 years.