Job: Head, Quality Assurance Section

Location: Vienna
Deadline: Sunday, 11 August 2013 

Description

Vacancy Notice No. 2013/073

Position and Grade:

Section Head (P-5)

Organizational Unit:

Quality Assurance Section
Division of Programme Support and Coordination
Department of Technical Cooperation

Duty Station:

Vienna, Austria

Issue Date:

22 July 2013

Application Deadline:

11 August 2013

Type/Duration of Appointment:

Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

The Department of Technical Cooperation consists of the Office of the Deputy Director General, four regional Divisions (Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Latin America) and the Division of Programme Support and Coordination. It provides strategic direction for the IAEA's technical cooperation programme, and is responsible (in close collaboration with Member States) for the planning, formulation, implementation and monitoring of the programme, in line with the IAEA's Medium Term Strategy.

The Division of Programme Support and Coordination is responsible for the development, promotion and consistent application of strategies, policies, standards, tools and systems to support the technical cooperation programme. This includes quality assurance and enhanced results based programme management, training and capacity development, expanded cooperation through existing and new partnerships and resource mobilization, efficient management of financial resources, data and information, as well as outreach and reporting.

The Quality Assurance Section (QAS) is responsible for the management of quality in the development of technical cooperation processes and policies. It defines quality criteria, performance indicators and review mechanisms and facilitates their implementation; it promotes results based management as an approach to quality; and it prepares and delivers training and learning tools for IAEA staff and Member State personnel involved in the technical cooperation programme.

The Section Head leads and manages a team of seven professional and support staff and reports to the Division Director.

The Section Head leads and guides the development and enhancement of the TC quality management system, ensures the implementation of a results-based approach in the programme cycle, and ensures high quality programme/project monitoring and reporting. He/she ensures consistency in implementation by guiding and overseeing the development and implementation of relevant training.

The Section Head is: 1) a coordinator and manager ensuring the overall quality of the TC programme through a results-based monitoring, reporting, and evaluation systems: 2) an adviser to senior management on quality management standards and TC programme policies and processes: 3) a substantive expert providing authoritative interpretation of TC programme policies and procedures, guidance on quality assurance measures and monitoring, reporting and evaluation systems; 4) a leader and manager, providing guidance and managerial support to the team, and planning resources with a view to achieving efficient and effective results.

The Section Head works closely with the Division Director and senior management of TC as well as with TC liaison officers in the technical departments. He/she interacts with Member States' representatives involved in the TC programme to provide information on the quality of the TC programme and advice on monitoring, reporting and evaluation. He/she interacts closely with the Section staff and other managers and professional staff inside and outside the Division to coordinate and synergize TC activities.

• Lead and guide the development of a quality programme management system including quality standards and continuous process improvement.
• Contribute to the development and advise on best practice approaches and policies for the TC programme framework.
• Coordinate and monitor the overall quality of the TC programme, leading and guiding the development and implementation of a results-based approach in the planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation, by advising on performance indicators and ensuring the integration of lessons learned.
• Ensure consistency and quality in implementation of the TC programme cycle and coordinate the quality of management responses to OIOS (Office of Internal Oversight Services) recommendations.
• Provide strategic guidance and coordinate the development of a departmental training strategy for internal and external stakeholders and oversee its implementation and training activities by other parties.
• Ensure timeliness, relevance and quality of reports produced by the Section including information and data on lessons learned, monitoring reports, and training.
• Plan and manage the work of the Section, prepare work plans, ensure a balanced workload distribution, monitor work and performance and assess staff development needs.

• In depth knowledge of technical cooperation and development or capacity-building programmes.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and logically, to set direction, and to apply a results-based approach and quality management.
• Demonstrated analytical skills in drawing well-balanced conclusions when dealing with complex issues and in interpreting procedures and guidelines in order to adapt them to cover complex and changing situations.
• Strong planning and organizational skills with multitasking abilities in a changing environment.
• Demonstrated interest in keeping abreast of new development and best practices in technical cooperation.
• Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with IAEA staff at all levels and with representatives of Member States.
• Strong writing skills and effective presentation skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations, both as a team member and team leader, and to create and foster open communication among members of the team.

• Advanced university degree in engineering, management, business administration, or equivalent. Additional background in development programs an advantage.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in the management of technical cooperation programmes, (including design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation), preferably with seven years at international level, and solid experience in results-based management (RBM), quality management and the setting of performance indicators.
• Proven experience in managing teams and large projects, notably building, leading and developing cohesive teams, determining clear goals, roles and responsibilities as well as providing feedback on performance and encouraging staff development.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of another IAEA language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) an asset.

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $80 734 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustmentwhich currently amounts toUS $49 409*, dependency benefits, diplomatic status, rental subsidy, education grant,relocation andrepatriation 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. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity.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.

More Info and Application