NEFW-WTS-Radium Source Management Consultant

The Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology (NEFW) comprises the Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Section, the Waste Technology Section, the Decommissioning & Environmental Remediation Section and the Research Reactor Section. The Division seeks to support Member States in building their capacity to access technologies, to share good practices and to develop safe and effective approaches across all aspects of research reactors, nuclear fuel cycle, decommissioning, radioactive waste management and environmental remediation.

The Waste Technology Section (WTS) assists Member States with radioactive waste management. It covers a broad spectrum of activities and is organized into teams responsible for radioactive waste management (pre-disposal and disposal), and the management of disused sealed radioactive sources (DSRS). Efforts are focused mainly on the elaboration and implementation of comprehensive and integrated radioactive waste management (RWM) policies and strategies, the development of RWM infrastructure, the promotion of good practices for sustainable, safe and cost-effective RWM, enabling access to current scientific and technological developments. Given the widespread nature of RWM challenges, the Section cooperates with a wide range of units in the IAEA and international organizations.

Main Purpose

The consultant will provide technical expertise in the implementation of the Global Ra226 Management Initiative, to develop materials to facilitate the safe and efficient transfer of legacy Ra226 from current holders to designated recipient Member States and to organize and retain associated information in the designated platform.

Functions / Key Results Expected

In close collaboration with the Scientific Secretary, for the implementation of the Global Radium-226 Management Initiative, the consultant will

• Collect and share experiences and best practices in Ra226 transfers and to produce and disseminate quarterly updates on Ra226 recycling progress through IAEA web stories and social media engagements.
• With a focus in (1) African countries and (2) Latin American countries, the consultant will engage and interact closely with national counterparts, search, compile, consolidate and process the information on the ongoing projects on transferring Ra226 from holders to recipient countries for recycling.
• Develop aid materials including a set of documents describing step-by-step instructions on how to proceed for the smooth implementation of the Ra226 transferences. Best practices and case studies to be gathered and included.
• Advise and where possible assist Member States in preparing relevant documents needed for the operation (proper inventories of Ra226 sources, draft contract/agreements with recipient countries/companies, custom arrangements, expert permits).
• Develop and implement a targeted outreach strategy to engage non-participating Member States, highlighting the benefits of the initiative.
• Facilitate the connection and smooth implementation of Ra226 transfer between countries, ensuring compliance with international safety and security standards.
• Provide technical and administrative support at ensuring a thorough, more complete record keeping system is established for the Ra226 global initiative implementation.
• Administer the online platform under the professional network DSRSNet.
• Perform conditioning of radium sources, upon request.

The list of concrete deliverables will be:
The implementation of the Global Ra226 recycling initiative gets the required promotion (2 web stories or articles per semester).
Reports and data on the status of Global Radium 226 Management Initiative.
The number of Member States participating to this initiative increases.
The number of agreements between two countries in view of Ra226 transfer increases.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required

• Radioactive Waste Management – DSRS (Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources)

• Radioactive Waste Management – Legacy and Orphan Wastes

• Radioactive Waste Management – Database Operation and Maintenance

Assets

• Database Management

• Radioactive Waste Management – Pre-disposal – Storage and Transport

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in nuclear engineering, chemistry, physics or other closely related technical field
• 7 years of experience in DSRS management including field-experience in DSRS conditioning operations and/or regulatory control for radiation safety and nuclear security.
• Relevant experience in project management and tools.
• Experience in working with national and international organizations or institutes.
• Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of € 300, based on qualifications and experience. In case duty travel is required within the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs are provided. Health coverage and pension fund are the responsibility of the incumbent.