Philibert NIYONSENGA
International Safeguards Professional
Kigali,Rwanda
Summary
Diligent nuclear safeguards and radiation protection professional, with specialized expertise gained through the prestigious IAEA Safeguards Traineeship Program. I have a deep understanding of the International Nuclear Safeguards System, the Nuclear Fuel Cycle, and nuclear materials accounting and control mechanisms, all essential for the peaceful use of nuclear technology and to ensure that the State complies with its IAEA Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocol (AP) obligations. I have a strong technical competence in implementing the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) and Additional Protocol (AP), developing Subsidiary Arrangements, managing Facility Attachments, and applying Code 10 reporting procedures. I am adept at using IAEA inspection and regulatory compliance tools, preparing and submitting reports such as Inventory Change Reports (ICRs), Material Balance Reports (MBRs), and Physical Inventory Listings (PILs) for Material Balance Areas (MBAs) in line with international safeguards reporting systems. My skill set extends to radiation safety and nuclear security protocols, with practical inspection experience in research reactors, nuclear power plants (NPPs), fuel fabrication, waste treatment, and uranium enrichment facilities across Europe, America, Africa, and Asia. I also have extensive experience in SSAC implementation, NPT compliance, and capacity building for regulatory bodies, and I combine technical precision with a collaborative approach, regulatory insight, and a commitment to upholding global non-proliferation standards.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
IAEA Safeguards Trainee
IAEA
02.2024 - 10.2024
- Company Overview: International Atomic Energy Agency
- Delivered key contributions to nuclear safeguards inspections, and nuclear fuel cycle, ensuring compliance with global nuclear non-proliferation standards.
- Enhanced knowledge and practical application of IAEA safeguards, SSAC, regulatory frameworks, and nuclear regulatory compliance.
- Evaluated the expected changes in the implementation of safeguards in Rwanda as an SQP State embarking on a nuclear power programme.
- Developed a document that provides a comprehensive review of the global variation of U and Pu isotopes and concentrations in nature.
- International Atomic Energy Agency
- Developed strong working relationships with trainees, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Learned new materials, processes, and programs quickly.
- Promoted positive collaboration among trainees, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Attended training courses to build understanding of processes, techniques, and industry.
- Participated in industry workshops and seminars, continuously expanding professional knowledge and skills.
Professional Intern in Nuclear & Radiation Protection
Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority
06.2022 - 12.2022
- Regulatory Framework Development: Played a central role in developing comprehensive regulatory documents, including codes of practice and safety regulations for radiation safety in Rwanda.
- Inspection Leadership: Conducted timely inspections of radiation-generating equipment and materials in different fields where radiation is in use, as it is required by radiation safety regulations. Identifying and mitigating risks in radiation-generating equipment used in various sectors.
- Research & Capacity Building: Contributed to groundbreaking research on radiation protection and sustainable energy, with a focus on improving safety in medical, Radiation protection, regulations drafting.
- Exhibited a strong commitment to personal growth and development by continuously seeking opportunities for learning and skills enhancement within the internship experience.
- Contributed innovative ideas during brainstorming sessions, leading to the implementation of successful strategies.
- Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge.
- Assisted in drafting reports on regulatory frameworks and policy recommendations for stakeholders.
- Gained valuable industry knowledge by attending relevant workshops, training sessions, and company meetings.
- Exhibited professionalism at all times, adhering to company policies and demonstrating a strong work ethic throughout the internship period.
- Showcased attention to detail when reviewing documents or materials for accuracy before submission or distribution.
- Conducted regulatory compliance assessments to ensure adherence to international standards.
Supervisor & Tutor
Accelerated Christian Education Programme
10.2020 - 09.2021
- Designed and implemented innovative teaching methods in science, mathematics, and social studies, resulting in improved student performance.
- Mentored students in multiple subjects, ensuring personalized learning approaches and academic success.
- Conducted review sessions to help students prepare for tests.
- Facilitated seamless communication between departments, ensuring that all teams were aligned with company goals.
Science Teacher & Coordinator
Akagera International School
02.2019 - 01.2020
- Successfully implemented the Competence-Based Curriculum in Chemistry and Biology, fostering a results-oriented academic environment.
- Coordinated and supervised laboratory activities, ensuring a safe and productive learning environment.
- Identified academic gaps and created effective learning strategies to empower both students and faculty of sciences.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans that enhanced student understanding of scientific concepts.
- Fostered a collaborative classroom environment, encouraging critical thinking and discussions among students.
- Utilized diverse instructional strategies to accommodate varying learning styles and abilities.
- Assessed student performance through regular evaluations and provided constructive feedback for improvement.
- Integrated technology into lessons, enhancing interactive learning experiences for students.
- Organized science-related extracurricular activities, promoting enthusiasm for the subject beyond the classroom.
- Implemented inquiry-based learning techniques in the classroom, promoting curiosity and active engagement among students.
Education
IAEA Safeguards Traineeship -
Multiple institutions through the International Atomic Energy Agency
10.2024
Postgraduate Educational Courses - Radiation Protection & Safety of Radiation Sources
University of Ghana, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences
02.2022
Bachelor's Degree - Chemistry with Education
University of Rwanda, College of Education
08.2017
Skills
- International Nuclear Safeguards Systems
- Nuclear Fuel Cycle
- Nuclear Materials Accounting
- Nuclear Facility Operations
- Radiation Safety
- Nuclear Security Protocols
- Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement
- Additional Protocol
- Subsidiary Arrangements
- Code 10
- Facility Attachments
- Inspection and Regulatory Compliance Tools
- Drafting regulations on nuclear and radiation safety and security
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Internet Research
- Data Collection
- Data Analysis
Accomplishments
- IAEA Safeguards Traineeship, Successfully completed an intensive Safeguards Traineeship, gaining in-depth experience in nuclear fuel cycle, International Safeguards Agreement, nuclear non-proliferation and security, which broadened my knowledge about the peaceful application of nuclear techniques and their implementation at a facility and national level, and enhanced my expertise in radiation safety, regulatory frameworks, international safety standards, and international safeguards.
- Nuclear and Radiation Protection Regulatory Development, Led the drafting and implementation of key regulations and guidelines for radiation safety, contributing to the establishment of robust nuclear regulatory frameworks in Rwanda. This involved collaboration with international agencies such as the IAEA, URENCO, and other stakeholders.
- Inspection Excellence, Spearheaded inspections of radiation-generating equipment and materials, ensuring full regulatory compliance and safe practices in multiple sectors including healthcare, industry, and nuclear facilities such as research reactors, NPPs, Fuel fabrication facilities, nuclear waste management facilities, nuclear waste treatment facilities, and uranium enrichment facilities in different countries like Germany, United States, Austria, Hungary, Malaysia, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Rwanda.
- International Collaboration & Knowledge Exchange, Delivered training sessions and workshops on radiation safety and security at international forums, such as the Radiation Protection in Medical Applications conference, enhancing global best practices.
- Capacity Building & Knowledge Transfer, Designed and facilitated training programs for regulatory authorities, designed radiation protection programmes in transport and medical applications, improving the expertise of professionals in radiation protection, safeguarding nuclear materials, and regulatory inspection procedures.
- Research on Radiation Protection & Sustainable Energy, Contributed to scientific research on sustainable energy and nuclear technologies, including the establishment of Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs), and improving safety standards in nuclear installations.
Certification
- Safeguards implementation in nuclear facilities, Nuclear Fuel Cycle, Reactor Physics, and Reactor Protection Certificate, Germany.
- Certificate of Participation in Training and tutoring for experts of Nuclear Regulatory Authorities and Technical Support Organizations on “Inspection of environmental and occupational radiation protection in nuclear installations” in Budapest, Hungary
- Certificate of Participation in Training and tutoring for experts of Nuclear Regulatory Authorities and Technical Support Organizations on “Regulation of Radiation Protection in Medical Applications”, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Certificate of IAEA Safeguards Radiation Protection Training Course, held in Vienna, Austria.
- Certificate of appreciation on the State System of Accounting for and Control of Nuclear Material (SSAC), Prague, Czech Republic.
- Certificate of participation and completion in the Regional School of Drafting Regulations for Radiation Safety and Security of Radioactive Material. Vienna, Austria, (IAEA).
- Certificate of Achievement issued by the United Nations Department of Safety and Security(UNDSS).
- Certificate of participation and completion in the Regional Workshop on Nuclear Security Detection Architecture Design, Strategy, and Planning. Kigali, Rwanda (IAEA).
- IAEA Certificate of Participation and Completion in Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources.
- Certificate of Recognition for being a speaker at the International Conference on Radiation Protection and Safety for Professionals Involved in the Use of Ionizing Radiation: Perspectives from Resource-Limited Medical Imaging Services. (Society of Medical Imaging & Radiation).
- Certificate of Attendance for the “Training course for national Inspectors for Nuclear Security” held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (ENCO).
- Certificate of Completion of Basic Training Course on IAEA Safeguards.
- Certificate of completion of IAEA Values in Action.
- IAEA Induction Information Security Completion Certificate.
- Certificate of Completion of Combined Lessons on Safety and Security (IAEA).
Languages
Kinyarwanda
English
French
Timeline
IAEA Safeguards Trainee
IAEA
02.2024 - 10.2024
Professional Intern in Nuclear & Radiation Protection
Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority
06.2022 - 12.2022
Supervisor & Tutor
Accelerated Christian Education Programme
10.2020 - 09.2021
Science Teacher & Coordinator
Akagera International School
02.2019 - 01.2020
Postgraduate Educational Courses - Radiation Protection & Safety of Radiation Sources
University of Ghana, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences
Bachelor's Degree - Chemistry with Education
University of Rwanda, College of Education
IAEA Safeguards Traineeship -
Multiple institutions through the International Atomic Energy Agency
Technical And Professional Competence
- International Nuclear Safeguards Systems: Advanced
- Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Advanced
- Nuclear Materials Accounting and Nuclear Facility Operations: Advanced
- Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security Protocols: Advanced
- Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement(CSA) and Additional Protocol(AP): Advanced
- Subsidiary Arrangements, Code 10, and Facility Attachments: Advanced
- Inspection and Regulatory Compliance Tools: Proficient
- Drafting regulations on nuclear and radiation safety and security: Advanced
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint): Advanced
- Internet Research, Data Collection & Data Analysis: Expert
Abstracts & Publications
- Thesis: Implementation of Safeguards in Rwanda: An SQP State Embarking on a Nuclear Power Programme, Under review for publication
- Global Variation of Uranium (U) and Plutonium (Pu) Isotopes and Concentrations in Nature, IAEA, Practical Assignment, under review
- Design and Implementation of Radiation Protection Programme for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials in Rwanda, Not yet published
- Assessment of Indoor Radon Concentrations in Buildings in Kigali, Rwanda by Using RAD-7 Detector (Abstract).
- The Contribution of Nuclear Technologies Towards Improving Rwanda’s Socioeconomic Development. (Abstract)
- Implementation of Safeguards in Rwanda: An SQP State Embarking on a Nuclear Power Programme (Abstract)