What was your background before joining IAEA?
I worked as Controller and IT manager in the manufacturing industry.
How did you find out about IAEA and what made you apply?
One day I was checking my LinkedIn account and I saw a message from an Outreach officer of the IAEA. She shared a job opportunity related to a position with requirements similar to my work experience. The message immediately got my attention, (of course I did some research to see if was legitimate), and once I was sure that it was real, I got curious enough and applied. I have to admit that I was not looking for a job, at that moment I had a stable job and many people might think that I was crazy leaving, but when I started looking deep into the agency’s mandate and understood the impact of its work, it was revealed to me that this was a lifetime opportunity to work for something larger, that could impact many lives.
Describe an average work day at the Agency. What projects are you working on right now?
The typical workday starts with a stand-up 15-minute (virtual) meeting to discuss any deviations from the plan, quick coordination, particular request among team members or any important news. Later I embark on a series of meetings related to projects as well as managing inquiries from colleagues. Also, if there is a team member on leave, I might need to pick up the support queue and provide direct support to clients. We abide by the work plans (sprint) but sometimes it can be a very changing environment, so you must be ready to be flexible and adapt. The current projects are the extension of a Self-Service Portal for IAEA’s events registration and Service Now Platform implantation for Service, Incident and Change Management.
From your perspective, what set of skills do you find valuable for your current work at the
organisation?
Client orientation, great communication skills, being sensible and empathic to cultural differences, technical skills in your area, technical credibility, natural driver (ability to achieve results and make things happen).
Any tips you can share with potential applicants who are considering joining?
Networking to understand the work culture easier.
How can you describe your experience at IAEA?
It was a steep learning curve coming from the private sector, but I have learned and grown so much that I don’t regret anything. In regards to the city, Vienna is beautiful, super nice and offers a great quality of living. It has hiking paths, beautiful architecture, and a culture full of music and arts. For me at the beginning was a bit of a shock because I come from a very different culture, but after 4 years I fell in love with the city and I feel I could live here for a long time.