Profiling the Next Generation of Safeguards Professionals

The nuclear renaissance, the shortage of skilled talent, changing demographics, changing technologies and an uncertain economy has created an increasingly challenging environment for the recruitment of highly-skilled professionals in Safeguards and other technical areas of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Moreover, the core competencies required of our professionals is gradually evolving toward a profile unlike those of recent decades. Increasing importance is placed in competencies such as analytical and problem solving skills, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership ability, coupled with the traditional educational background required. As a result of these changes, a concerted focus on the next generation of professionals through internal mechanisms and external partnerships is essential to ensure proper knowledge transfer and the long-term viability of the organization. This paper will examine the envisioned profile of our future professional in Safeguards, including the education and core competencies mentioned above. We will also explore opportunities currently available to young graduates and professionals in the fields of safeguards and nuclear-related technologies at the IAEA, as well as institutional limitations. Additionally, we will investigate activities and initiatives other Member States are presently doing to encourage young people to consider future careers in Safeguards and other nuclear- related fields in order to identify common challenges, new concepts, and possible best practices that could be shared internationally. Proposals to better integrate with some of these Member State initiatives, such as the Next Generation Safeguards Professional Network, will also be discussed with a view towards setting up an international chapter at the IAEA in Vienna, Austria.