Job Reference: 2026/0105 (018640)
Organization
NS – Incident and Emergency Centre
Primary Location
Austria – Vienna – Vienna – IAEA Headquarters
Job Posting Details
Closing Date: 1 July 2026, 11:59:00 PM
Duration: 36 Months
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 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 Nuclear Safety and Security (NS) formulates and implements the IAEA’s nuclear safety and security programme, which encompasses activities aimed at protecting people and the environment from radiation exposure while responding to the needs of Member States related to nuclear safety and nuclear security.
The Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC) is part of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security and reports to the Deputy Director General, Head of the Department.
The IEC serves as the IAEA’s focal point for preparedness and response to nuclear and radiological incidents and emergencies, regardless of their cause, while strengthening Member States’ preparedness for response.
Main Purpose
Reporting to the IEC Director, the Emergency Communications Officer is responsible for coordinating communication efforts related to emergency preparedness and response, facilitating timely and effective information exchange, and ensuring that messages are clear, consistent, and scientifically accurate.
The Emergency Communications Officer develops and implements the NS IEC Division’s communication strategy for nuclear and radiological emergencies, ensuring alignment with NS and IAEA communication frameworks for effective communication during an incident or emergency, in close coordination with the Office of Public Information and Communication (OPIC).
The Emergency Communications Officer leads the development of IAEA guidance documents on communication with the public during nuclear or radiological emergencies, as well as the planning and implementation of relevant capacity-building activities.
During a nuclear or radiological emergency, the Emergency Communications Officer takes an active role in emergency management by preparing background information materials for the Director General and OPIC and by drafting clear public messages based on technical information.
Role
The Emergency Communications Officer is:
- A specialist developing and implementing communication strategies during nuclear or radiological incidents and emergencies, in close coordination with OPIC.
- An expert contributor developing communication materials to be used in various nuclear or radiological emergency scenarios and offering technical support and guidance to Member States.
- A press officer assisting OPIC as required.
- A project manager responsible for developing and leading the implementation of IEC activities on emergency preparedness and response communications.
Functions / Key Results Expected
- Contribute to and coordinate with OPIC in the development of a communication strategy for nuclear or radiological incidents and emergencies in line with IAEA Safety Standards and the overall IAEA communication strategy.
- Contribute to the development of communication materials and tools to be used by the IAEA during nuclear or radiological incidents and emergencies to meet internal and external stakeholder needs.
- Contribute to OPIC’s Media, Multimedia and Outreach Section, including drafting media lines, press releases, briefings, and events, while remaining actively involved in media interactions.
- Manage the development of technical content on public information within IAEA Safety Standards, guidelines, and tools related to incident and emergency preparedness and response.
- Coordinate activities related to the implementation of the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES) at the international level, including the development of guidelines, training materials, and conducting training courses.
- Provide expert technical knowledge, guidance, and advice to Member States on the development and implementation of public information components within overall incident and emergency preparedness and response programmes.
- Collect information and write relevant sections of the annual Nuclear Safety Review, Annual Report, reports to governing bodies, and other programme documents.
- Participate in the IAEA Incident and Emergency System (IES), associated training and exercises, and provide technical support when the IEC is activated.
Competencies and Expertise
Core Competencies
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 responsibilities and expected results within the Department or Division programme. Evaluates results realistically and draws conclusions from lessons learned.
Teamwork
Actively contributes to achieving team results and supports team decisions.
Planning and Organizing
Plans and organizes work in support of team or Section priorities while accounting for potential changes and contingency planning.
Functional Competencies
Client Orientation
Helps clients analyse their needs, seeks to understand service needs from the client’s perspective, and ensures client standards are met.
Judgement and Decision Making
Consults with supervisors or managers and takes decisions in full compliance with Agency regulations and rules. Makes decisions reflecting professional standards and best practices.
Partnership Building
Identifies and builds partnerships, develops long-lasting relationships, delivers programmatic outputs, and acquires resources in support of Agency goals.
Required Expertise
Emergency Preparedness and Response – Communications in Nuclear or Radiological Emergencies
Expertise in developing press statements, explanatory materials, and public/media question-and-answer resources during nuclear or radiological emergencies, with a strong ability to facilitate their use by the IAEA and stakeholders.
Emergency Preparedness and Response – Crisis Communications
Expertise in developing and implementing communication strategies and plans during nuclear or radiological incidents and emergencies aligned with the overall IAEA communication strategy.
Emergency Preparedness and Response – Emergency Preparedness and Response
Expertise in developing guidelines on public communications during nuclear or radiological emergencies and the ability to assist Member States in building capacity in this area.
Qualifications, Experience and Language Skills
Advanced University Degree
Advanced university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Foreign Relations, Science, or another field relevant to nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response, ideally complemented with communication modules.
A university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Foreign Relations, Science, or another relevant field plus two years of relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of the advanced university degree.
A doctorate degree is an asset.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in nuclear or radiological emergency communication and/or nuclear science with strong communication components.
- Strong national or international experience or knowledge in nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response issues.
- Experience or demonstrated capability in coordinating emergency communication activities.
- Experience analysing communication needs of large organizations and/or international environments and identifying opportunities to address those needs on an ongoing basis.
- Familiarity with international or national programmes on emergency communication and experience developing and implementing projects in this area.
- Expertise in leveraging AI-powered tools to support communication strategy, content development, audience analysis, and performance monitoring is an asset.
- Excellent oral and written command of English.
- Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish) is an asset.
Remuneration
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $86,027 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), with a variable post adjustment currently amounting to US $48,433.
Additional benefits include:
- Dependency benefits
- Rental subsidy
- Education grant
- Relocation and repatriation expenses
- 6 weeks annual leave
- Home leave travel
- Pension plan
- Health insurance
More information on employment conditions:
IAEA Employment Conditions
General Information
- The IAEA’s paramount consideration in recruitment is securing employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity.
- Staff members shall be selected without unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin, or other similar shared characteristics.
- The IAEA is committed to gender equality and promoting a diverse workforce. Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly 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.
- The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct 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 based on 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
- A competency-based interview
Candidates under serious consideration 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.
- Candidates appointed to Professional and higher categories are subject to the IAEA rotation policy, and their maximum tour of service shall normally be seven years.
- The IAEA retains discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, appoint at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or make an appointment with a modified job description or for a shorter duration than indicated above.
For the complete list of our current vacancies, applicant resources, and information on employment with the IAEA, please visit https://iaea.org/employment.