Emergency communications officer(p4)

Job Description – Emergency Communications Officer (P4) (2026/0105 (018640))

Emergency Communications Officer (P4) – (2026/0105 (018640))

Organization

NS-Incident and Emergency Centre

Job Posting

2026-06-10, 1:55:18 PM

Closing Date

2026-07-01, 9:59:00 PM

Duration in Months: 36

Contract Type: Fixed Term – Regular

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Safety and Security (NS) formulates and implements the IAEA’s nuclear safety and security programme, which encompasses the IAEA’s activities to protect people and the environment from radiation exposure, and responds to the needs of its 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, and for strengthening Member States’ preparedness for response.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the IEC Director, the Emergency Communications Officer coordinates communication efforts related to emergency preparedness and response, facilitates timely and effective information exchange, and ensures that messages are clear, consistent, and scientifically accurate. The officer develops and implements the NS IEC Division’s communication strategy for nuclear and radiological emergencies, ensuring alignment with the NS and IAEA communication frameworks and working closely with the Office of Public Information and Communication (OPIC). The officer leads the development of IAEA guidance documents on communication with the public in the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency, as well as the planning and implementation of relevant capacity‑building activities. During an emergency, the officer prepares background information materials for the Director General and OPIC and drafts clear public messages based on technical information.

Role

The Emergency Communications Officer is a specialist who develops and implements a communication strategy for nuclear or radiological incidents and emergencies in close coordination with OPIC; an expert contributor who develops communication materials for various scenarios and offers technical support and guidance to Member States; a press officer who assists OPIC as required; and a project manager who develops and leads 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 overall IAEA communication strategy.
• Develop appropriate communication materials and tools to be used by the IAEA in case of nuclear or radiological incidents and emergencies to meet internal and external stakeholder needs.
• Assist OPIC’s Media, Multimedia and Outreach Section by drafting media lines, press releases, briefings or events, and maintaining media engagement.
• 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 development of relevant guidelines and training materials and conducting training courses.
• Provide expert technical knowledge, guidance, and advice to Member States on the development and implementation of public information areas within overall incident and emergency preparedness and response programmes.
• Collect information and write relevant parts of the annual Nuclear Safety Review, Annual Report, other reports to governing bodies and other programme documents.
• Participate in the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency System (IES), undertake associated training and exercises, and provide technical support as required when the IEC is activated.

Qualifications, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced university degree in communications, journalism, public or foreign relations, science, or another field relevant to nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response, preferably complemented by communication modules. A university degree in communication, journalism, public or foreign relations, or science, plus two years of relevant work experience, may be considered in lieu of an advanced university degree. A doctorate is an asset.

Minimum of 7 years of experience in nuclear or radiological emergency communication and/or in nuclear science with strong communication components, and strong national or international experience or knowledge in nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response issues.

Experience or demonstrated capabilities in coordinating emergency communication activities.

Experience in analysing communication needs of large organizations and/or in an international environment and identifying opportunities for addressing those needs on an ongoing basis.

Familiarity with international/national programmes on emergency communication and experience in 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.

Equal Opportunities

• The IAEA’s paramount consideration in recruitment 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 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. Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly encouraged.
• IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to the highest ethical standards. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards: integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity.
• 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.