Satellite Imagery Analyst (P3)
Satellite Imagery Analyst (P3)
IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency
Vienna, Austria
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 Division of Information Management (SGIM) implements state of the art methodologies and techniques for the collection, processing and analysis of a range of safeguards-relevant information, including declarations submitted by States, evaluations resulting from the analysis of samples or measurements collected during infield activities, and information from open sources, including nuclear trade-related data and satellite imagery. Staff perform data validation and complex information analysis and evaluation to support infield activities and provide key input to the State evaluation process.
Main Purpose
The Safeguards Information Analyst (Satellite Imagery) contributes expertise in the processing and analysis of multisensor imagery in support of the Section's mission in assisting the Department's objective with regard to nuclear verification evaluation.
Role
The Safeguards Information Analyst (Satellite Imagery) is: (1) a specialist in the analysis of multi-sensor satellite imagery; (2) an author of analytical reports and briefings to stakeholders, acting as a prime interface with the key customers providing insight and expertise in the requirements, imagery collection and the analytical processes; (3) a coordinator of the integration of open source, State-declared and other collateral information into the imagery analysis process; (4) a proficient user of geospatial data and information, and (5), a contributor to R&D programmes supported by IAEA Member States.
Functions/Key Results Expected
In cooperation with other imagery analysts and under the leadership of the Section Head, the Safeguards Information Analyst (Satellite Imagery) will be responsible for imagery analysis. The incumbent will be required to:
- Conduct analysis on multisensor data, focused on high-resolution panchromatic and multispectral imagery, and present analytical findings within the Division and Department, as requested;
- Provide imagery expertise in the verification of State declarations;
- Participate in Departmental working groups on the preparation of State Evaluation Reports and assist inspectors in the planning of their field activities, maintaining a close working relationship with partners in the Operations Divisions;
- Guide support staff in the image collection/processing and open source compilation processes;
- Contribute to the Departmental QMS-driven continual improvement through providing feedback on standard operating procedures for imagery and geospatial analysis, testing and integrating new methods and analytical techniques;
- Participate in on-site inspections, as requested and required, to improve the effectiveness of the analysis.
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 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
- Client orientation - Helps clients to analyse their needs. Seeks to understand service needs from the client’s perspective and ensure that the client’s standards are met;
- Judgement/decision making - Consults with supervisor/manager and takes decisions in full compliance with the Agency’s regulations and rules. Makes decisions reflecting best practice and professional theories and standards;
- Technical/scientific credibility - Ensures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable.
Qualifications, Experience and Language skills
- Bachelor's Degree - University degree in Remote Sensing, Geography, Information Technology or closely related field or, given the specificities of the field an equivalent qualification;
- A minimum of 5 years of practical, hands-on experience in imagery and geospatial analysis including. experience working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, data and analysis;
- Knowledge of nuclear fuel cycle preferred;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including the ability to draft technical documents, analytical reports, and publications;
- Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of other official IAEA language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) an advantage.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The successful candidate in this post requires:
- In-depth knowledge of satellite imagery analysis, imagery tasking and requirements management. Demonstrated knowledge of image processing software and techniques with an emphasis on the use electronic light table (ELT) capabilities;
- Broad understanding and working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis within imagery analysis workflows;
- Good general research and analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to effectively integrate collateral information into imagery and geospatial analysis reporting;
- Demonstrated ability to work independently or as part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team;
- Knowledge of imagery indicators associated with the nuclear fuel cycle. Technical and geographical knowledge of nuclear proliferation and related verification an advantage;
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to produce high-quality analytical reports and present methods, techniques, and findings.
Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.
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