The Role of NGSI-Funded Programs in the Career Development of Next Generation Safeguards Professionals

In 2008, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) launched the Next Generation Safeguards Initiative (NGSI) to develop the policies, concepts, technologies, expertise, and international safeguards infrastructure necessary to strengthen and sustain the international safeguards system as it evolves to meet new challenges. One of the five core elements of NGSI has been the Human Capital Development (HCD) sub-program, which aims to support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of a new generation of international safeguards professionals to help meet the needs of both the United States and the IAEA. This paper describes the various development programs offered by NGSI HCD to date, and proffers best practices for human capital efforts based on lessons learned over the past eight years.