IAEAInternational Atomic Energy Agency

Working Group 3BDeveloping a Capable NEPIO

Difficulties and Solutions

(solutions will follow difficulties)

IAEA

Questions/Difficulties/Solutions

1. How do countries understand the NEPIO concept?1. The agency should better communicate with MS on the functions

and responsibilities of NEPIO2. MS have responsibilities to work with the Agency and other MSs

to develop a NEPIO suitable for their needs

2. Coordination among participating organizations1. Adequate authorization, staffing, funding and a mandate for

NEPIO are required2. NEPIO must have the right staff for coordination with internal

groups3. Organizations within the MS providing information must willingly

work with NEPIO experts with minimal beaurocracy

IAEA

Questions/Difficulties/Solutions

3. Training may become an issue1. MS should share organizational structures of NEPIO and results of the evaluations and self assessments2. Separate training should be provided on NEPIO---IAEA should provide training on NEPIO and train the trainers3. Regional training should be considered

4. How many staff are needed to form NEPIO?1. NEPIO should focus on the functions, not the size of the staff2. Expertise is needed for all19 issues3. It is not the number of staff, but the ability to provide recommendations to the responsible Minister4. IAEA Workforce planning documents should advise on NEPIO staffing

IAEA

Questions/Difficulties/Solutions

5. Should NEPIO have adequate authority, funds, and staff?1. Government should make appropriate

commitments for authority, funding, and staff2. NEPIO Director should have access to the right

people and capabilities within the MS

6. Should NEPIO have knowledgeable staff (expertise) to handle 19 infrastructure issues?1. The MS should understand the capabilities of its staff when NEPIO is established2. Gaps in expertise need to be addressed

IAEA

Questions/Difficulties/Solutions

7. NEPIO dissolves after phase 2, right?1. NEPIO should exist as long as it is needed2. Care must be taken not to allow NEPIO to become too powerful to have a negative impact on the nuclear program over time

8. Is it appropriate to use consultants on NEPIO or as the NEPIO?1. Consultants can be used to the appropriate level2. It is important for the MS to maintain ownership of the process

IAEA

Questions/Difficulties/Solutions

9. Should members of NEPIO be full time or part time (logistic issue)?

1. NEPIO should be composed of borrowed staff from other organizations and be full time

2. Consider use of consultants as needed

3. Consider bilateral arrangements with other MS to assist NEPIO