Section Head (Programme Development & Int Cooperation)

Organizational Context

The Department of Nuclear Safety and Security (NS) formulates and implements the IAEA's nuclear safety and security programme. The Division of Nuclear Security (NSNS) is responsible for establishing, coordinating, and implementing this programme to protect against, detect, and respond to nuclear security events. The Programme Development and International Cooperation Section (PDIC) supports overall planning, manages the Nuclear Security Fund, evaluates results, handles financial matters, and interacts with donors, while also developing IAEA guidance and building Member State capacity.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Director, the Section Head provides critical policy and strategy advice to the Director and other organizational units, ensuring the effective development and application of systems for programme planning, progress monitoring, and evaluation of implementation. This role is instrumental in coordinating programmatic policies and programmes across all sections within the Division of Nuclear Security. A key contribution involves leading and facilitating voluntary financial contributions from Member States, including negotiating conditions and managing related administrative processes to secure funding. Furthermore, the Section Head oversees the coordination of the education and training programme, including the operation of the Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre, and actively promotes universal adherence to the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material among Member States. The incumbent serves as a vital leader, manager, policy adviser, and substantive expert in nuclear security policy development and international initiatives, leveraging knowledge of the Nuclear Security Fund.

Responsibilities

The Section Head is responsible for ensuring strategic approaches in the collaborative planning of Division-wide work, actively identifying and encouraging linkages with related work units, and reviewing effectiveness and priority focus in line with the results-based framework. This includes providing coordination leadership and structure in the development of budgetary plans for the Division, ensuring alignment with the IAEA programme and budget, and guiding the development of a robust policy framework. A core duty involves managing an innovative and effective team of professionals and support staff, promoting internal and external collaboration, and ensuring an effective balance of skills and resources through continuous learning opportunities, strategic work assignments, and targeted recruitment. The incumbent will meticulously follow the progress of programme implementation, monitor the disbursement of extra-budgetary contributions, and ensure the Division meets all conditions placed on their use. This role also entails overseeing and ensuring the timely preparation of required reports for donors, as well as other key Divisional reports. Furthermore, the Section Head will interact with representatives from Member States, as required, to support or facilitate their contributions to the Nuclear Security Fund, while also serving as a key adviser on matters of policy, strategy, and wider issues of nuclear security, leveraging substantive expertise in policy development and international initiatives.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, budget planning, and programme coordination, including five years at a managerial/supervisory level, is required. Experience in an international or national organization, governmental body, or a regulated sector (preferably nuclear, defence, or high-security domains) is essential. Proven experience in managing large, complex budgets, resource mobilization for donor-funded projects, and applying Results-Based Management (RBM) principles is also necessary. Demonstrated experience in cross-functional coordination and liaison with Member States, donors, and strategic partners, ideally in technical environments, is expected.

Skills

Core Competencies include Communication, Achieving Results, Teamwork, and Planning and Organizing. Functional Competencies encompass Client orientation, Commitment to continuous process improvement, and Judgement/decision making. Required expertise includes International Relations, Member State Engagement, and Partnership Development, particularly in nuclear security initiatives. Experience in Programme Management is considered an asset. An excellent oral and written command of English is required, with knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) being an asset.

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