Meet the People of IAEA Safeguards

Jess Border

How did you end up joining the IAEA and what were you doing prior to that?

I came across the opportunity to work for the IAEA quite randomly while searching for jobs internationally. I had always worked with government organizations at home in the U.S., and I was seeking opportunities in a more international space. Before this role, I was working as a Diplomat at the British Embassy in Washington, DC, and before that at the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Service Institute.

How did you learn about your current position and US funded opportunities?

To be completely honest, I didn't really know anything about U.S.-funded opportunities at the IAEA before coming across this job advertisement. After doing my research on the BNL website, I started looking into what exactly being U.S.-funded means when working for an international organization such as the IAEA, and I came to realize what an incredible opportunity it really is.

What have you learned about yourself while working there?

I have learned a few things from my time working at the IAEA. One, the world is both smaller and bigger than you think. Working at the IAEA makes the world feel smaller because you're able to interact and work with people from all over the globe. You get to know people on both a professional and personal level, and that feeling of community transcends the barriers created by international borders. You come to realize that people everywhere value the same things in work and life: health, happiness, respect, mutual understanding, collaboration, etc. On the other hand, the world feels bigger because there is so much more you want to learn and understand. I think that comes with working in an international environment—you begin to understand how much you don't know. Another thing I have learned is how much I value a team. With such diverse colleagues, I have truly come to appreciate the positive impact that diversity has on problem-solving, no matter the issue. It has enhanced my appreciation for collaboration.

How will working at the IAEA enhance your career?

Working at the IAEA has certainly strengthened my ability to work with people from around the world, an increasingly valuable skill as technology advances and the world becomes more intrinsically connected. As I pursue a career in either the private sector or government after this, working at the IAEA has given me the skill set to excel in these environments.

What is the most interesting thing that has happened to you since you started your assignment?

The most interesting experience I've had while working at the IAEA was presenting virtually to promote the SDP for colleagues in Oman. This was the first time I had worked with a translator who translated my every word. It was especially interesting because it was done virtually, and I came to appreciate the UN's translation services even more. It was challenging for me to use simpler, non-technical language for the translator's benefit. I couldn't imagine how the translator managed it all, and I was really impressed!

What is your favorite thing about your current work at the IAEA?

Since the majority of my job involves external engagement with Member States, I genuinely enjoy getting to know people and building relationships. I get to engage with international colleagues both within the VIC and externally. Not to sound like a broken record, but I really do enjoy that. I appreciate the diverse perspectives from both sides and the collaboration they foster.

What is it like living in Vienna?

Living in Vienna is simple and I mean that in the most positive way. Life feels relaxing and chill, where you can take a big breath and let go of all of your worries and stress! I think this begins with the work-life balance in Vienna, not just for employees of the IAEA, but the city generally. It means that people are able to take the time to enjoy life, i.e., going to the Christmas markets, hiking, having a slow morning at a café, taking a walk through the parks. People seem to take the time to slow down and I have definitely done the same since living here. Another great thing about Vienna is how easy it is to travel to other places. Prague, Budapest, Salzburg, Munich, and Bratislava are only a short train ride away and the rest of Europe is, at most, a 2-hour flight. It makes it easy to explore on long weekends!

How is working at the IAEA in Vienna different than working at other jobs within the United States?

The work-life balance is different here in Vienna than in any of the jobs I have had previously in the United States. When the workday is done, there aren't any expectations to bring work home. I would say there is just a bit more respect for your personal time. This even shows with the amount of annual leave available and there is no feeling of guilt when taking it. This means that people that are in the office feel more refreshed and ready for the workday, with very little burnout from lack of rest.

What advice would you give to those who are seeking employment at the IAEA?

For those seeking employment with the IAEA, I would suggest really making sure that the role is right for you. There are so many opportunities that span over many disciplines, so I'd take the time to dig into the office and the team you're looking at joining. It would be good to also reach out to current JPOs or CFEs on those teams if you can to understand the atmosphere and projects of the team currently. I think this will really help to set expectations and really make sure that the role is right for you. It's a big move and the experiences offered at the IAEA can definitely be a big stepping stone in your career, but only if the role is right!