Environmental Samples Technician(G5) - (2025/0454 (012054))

Organization: SGAS-Sample Logistics Team

Primary Location: Austria-Lower Austria-Seibersdorf-IAEA Laboratories in Seibersdorf

Job Posting: 2025-09-09, 11:58:40 PM

Closing Date: 2025-10-01, 4:59:00 PM

Duration in Months: 36

Contract Type: Fixed Term - Regular

Probation Period: 1 Year

Full Competitive Recruitment: Yes

This selection exercise may be used to generate a roster of pre-approved candidates to address future staffing needs for similar functions in any of the Departments and Offices of the Organization.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please note that the closing date for submission of applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant's location.

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards carries out the IAEA’s duties and responsibilities as the world’s nuclear inspectorate, supporting global efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. The primary role of the Department is to develop and implement IAEA safeguards to ensure that there is no diversion of declared nuclear material from peaceful activities and no indications of undeclared nuclear material or activities in a State as a whole.

The Department comprises nuclear safeguards inspectors, responsible for carrying out inspections and verifications of all-safeguards relevant information for nuclear facilities in over 180 States; and technical staff responsible for a wide range of activities including: developing concepts and approaches for implementing safeguards; developing and maintaining safeguards equipment; providing analytical and laboratory services for sample analysis; collecting, evaluating and analysing safeguards-relevant information; providing information and communication technology infrastructure and services; and providing programme coordination support.

The Office of Safeguards Analytical Services (SGAS) is responsible for the analysis of inspection samples collected in the field. Located about 45 km south of Vienna in Seibersdorf, SGAS is organized into three sections: the Nuclear Material Laboratory (NML), the Environmental Sample Laboratory (ESL) and the Coordination and Support Section (CSS). The laboratory sections conduct the screening, chemical treatment and measurement of the inspection samples. The Coordination and Support Section provides a variety of key services to the laboratories, as well as managing the network of analytical laboratories. SGAS also manages analytical and inspection activities in a dedicated On-Site Laboratory at the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant in Japan.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Sample Logistics Team Leader, the Environmental Samples Technician coordinates and processes the transfer of environmental samples between safeguarded facilities, the IAEA's laboratories, and members of the Network of Analytical Laboratories (NWAL), including coding samples upon their arrival from the field. The Environmental Samples Technician provides inspectors with environmental sampling equipment, shipping documents and appropriate instructions for environmental sample packing and transportation.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Implement the shipment of environmental samples from the field to Vienna, and from Vienna to NWAL members by preparing shipping documents in accordance with transport regulations, liaising with consignors/consignees and freight forwarders, raising shipment purchase orders, and packaging samples for shipment.
Unpack and perform coding of non-radioactive and radioactive environmental samples in their respective coding labs, enter relevant data into the database and deliver coded samples to the Environmental Sample Laboratory or Nuclear Material Laboratory.
Maintain the Sample Logistics Team’s archive containing confidential documents and ensure scanned documents are uploaded to the database.
Provide environmental sampling equipment and support to Nuclear Safeguards Inspectors.
Maintain and drive the team vehicle used for transporting dangerous goods, according to ADR regulations, for transferring non-radioactive and radioactive environmental samples and sampling-related equipment between Seibersdorf and the Vienna International Centre.

Note: The incumbent may perform his/her work in areas involving exposure to radioactive materials. Therefore, as Occupationally Exposed Worker, he/she must be medically cleared by VIC Medical Service and is subject to an appropriate radiation and health monitoring programme, in accordance with IAEA's Radiation Safety Regulations.

The incumbent may perform his/her work in areas involving exposure to radioactive materials. Therefore, as an Occupationally Exposed Worker, he/she must be medically cleared by VIC Medical Service and is subject to an appropriate radiation and health monitoring programme, in accordance with the IAEA's Radiation Safety Regulations.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)

Name

Definition

Communication

Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions.

Achieving Results

Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned.

Teamwork

Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.

Planning and Organizing

Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans.

Functional Competencies

Name

Definition

Analytical thinking

Gathers and analyses information, identifying critical relationships and patterns among data and proposes workable solutions.

Client orientation

Establishes effective relationships with clients to understand and meet or exceed their needs. Finds ways to ensure client satisfaction.

Knowledge sharing and learning

Actively seeks opportunities to learn by formal and informal means; learns from others, adopting and sharing best practice.

Required Expertise

Function

Name

Expertise Description

General Services

Archives Management

A strong background in handling and archiving confidential documents with a high level of discretion and accuracy, with proficiency in document management systems and protocols for managing sensitive information.

General Services

Auto and Light Vehicle Driving

Valid Austrian driving licence with an excellent safety record.

Administrative Support

Informational and Workflow Management

Expertise in using IT software tools and databases to maintain records of data related to the business workflow.

Administrative Support

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Proficiency in MS Office.

General Services

Transportation

Expertise in the logistical management of shipments.

Asset Expertise

Function

Name

Expertise Description

Chemistry

Cleanroom Laboratory

Ability to work in a cleanroom laboratory.

Safeguards

Sample Collection and Logistics

Knowledge of handling radioactive materials and/or dangerous goods, and in radiation monitoring.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Completed secondary education.
Minimum of five years of combined experience in a logistics-related field, preferably in an international environment.
Basic knowledge of physics related to radioactivity.
Training on International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations an asset.
Experience working as an Occupationally Exposed Worker an asset.
Experience working in a laboratory setting an asset.
Experience dealing with sampling- or shipment-related equipment an asset.
Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.
Testing to IAEA standard may be part of the process.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at EUR 57876 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 6 weeks' annual vacation, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/general-service-staff

General Information

The IAEA's paramount consideration in the recruitment of staff member is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
Staff Members shall be selected without any unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on a person's race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin or other similar shared characteristic or trait.
The IAEA is committed to gender equality and to promoting a diverse workforce.
Recruitment will be on a LOCAL BASIS only.
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.
The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and the IAEA, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

Evaluation process

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
Candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.

Appointment information

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
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.