Deputy Head - Division of Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning Nuclear Energy Agency

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, that works to build better policies for better lives. Our mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.  Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, we work on establishing evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges. From improving economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion, we provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, exchange of experiences, best-practice sharing, and advice on public policies and international standard-setting.

 The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is an intergovernmental agency which operates under the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD). It facilitates co-operation among countries with advanced nuclear technology infrastructures to seek excellence in nuclear safety, technology, science, related environmental and economic matters and law. The mission of the NEA is to assist its 34 member countries in maintaining and further developing, through international co‑operation, the scientific, technological and legal bases required for a safe, environmentally sound and economical use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. It strives to provide authoritative assessments and to forge common understandings on key issues as input to government decisions on nuclear technology policies.

The NEA is looking for a highly experienced individual to serve in the role as Deputy Head of Division for Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning (RWMD).  The successful candidate will support the activities of the NEA Committee Radioactive Waste Management and Committee for Decommissioning of Nuclear Installations and Legacy Management.  S/he will work under the supervision of the Head of the Division for Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning and will work closely with other NEA staff to achieve the overall objectives of the Agency.

Main Responsibilities

• Serve as Deputy Head of Division.
• Provide expert leadership and input toward the establishment of medium and long-term strategies and analyses in areas related to advancement of radioactive waste disposal, used fuel management, facility decommissioning, and the back-end of Small Modular Reactors, and related advanced fuel cycle technologies.
• Develop programs and approaches to support the interests of NEA member countries in enabling the application of advanced radioactive waste technologies to support long-term energy and environmental goals, including technical and policy analyses, research programs, and other multinational cooperative activities.
•  Support the work of the Radioactive Waste Management Committee (RWMC), the Committee on Decommissioning of Nuclear Installations and Legacy Management (CDLM), and their sub-groups in executing their Programme of Work.
• Assist in the development of practical solutions in addressing nuclear waste management and decommissioning challenges. This may include collecting country specific information, conducting in-depth analyses, organizing discussions among subject-matter experts, and producing high-quality summary reports.
• Explore and identify opportunities for collaborative projects and co-operative actions in the field of radioactive waste management and decommissioning. Collaborate with other divisions in the Agency on cross-cutting projects, publications, and events relating to radioactive waste management and decommissioning.
• Implement joint undertakings among interested countries to tackle specific radioactive waste management and decommissioning issues, as required.
• Maintain effective relationships and co-ordinate relevant work with key external organisations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the European Commission (EC) and other governmental and non-governmental organisations such as EPRI.
• Represent the RWMD and the NEA at high-level international fora on radioactive waste management and decommissioning issues. Facilitation of Standing Technical Committees, Conferences, Workshops, and Technical Reports
• Provide technical and organisational assistance for meetings of relevant committees and subsidiary bodies and as needed to support related international co-operative projects, including active participation in expert groups\: guidance and management of the programme of work, preparation and facilitation of meetings, drafting of summary records and other functions.
• Provide expert input and contribute to drafting and editing of scientific and technical reports, and policy-relevant documents, including co-ordination of contributions of outside experts and consultants.
• Support cross-cutting technical and policy activities of the NEA and its standing technical committees and working groups.
• Organise scientific workshops and conferences, including financial aspects and documentation.

Other tasks

• Carry out other tasks as assigned by the RWMD Head of Division, 

Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• Advanced university degree or equivalent experience, with specialisation in a relevant technical field such as nuclear engineering, engineering, physics, chemistry, or geology.

Professional Background

• At least eight years of experience in the nuclear sector.  Experience in radioactive waste management, nuclear decommissioning and nuclear legacy would be an asset. Experience in international co-operation and work with or in international organisations is also desirable.
• Proven national-level and international experience interacting with senior officials and experts from governmental organisations, regulatory authorities and research institutions. 
• Proven experience in leading a team of diverse experts
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage simultaneously several programme of works with strict deadlines and within budget.

Management\:

•  Supervise external consultants and contribute to project management.
• Assist the Head of Division in the management of the division and in liaising with other divisions, as appropriate.
• Accomplish human resource objectives of RWMD by managing and coaching staff.
• Assist in communicating job planning, reviewing and appraising job contributions, enforcing NEA policies and procedures.
• Meet financial objectives of the NEA by forecasting needs of the RWMD Division; managing/analysing budgets and expenditures of the Division, when needed.

Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.

Core competencies

• For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important\: Analytical Thinking, Achievement focus, Managing resources, Teamwork and team leadership,  Diplomatic sensitivity.
• Please also refer to the level 4 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Contract duration

• Two-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

What the OECD offers 

• Monthly base salary starting from 9 567 EUR plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Click here to learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.
• Click here to browse our People Management Guidebook and learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and many other policies supporting staff in their daily life.
• Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant

Selection process

• For retained candidates, a written test will be sent out early July (3-5) 2023. Panel interviews are planned for 17 - 19 July 2023.
• The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates who are nationals of NEA or OECD member countries, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities.
• The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources in order to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.