By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy

Chief, Operational Safety Section

Montreal

  • Organization: ICAO - International Civil Aviation Organization
  • Location: Montreal
  • Grade: Senior level - P-5, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Operations and Administrations
    • Security and Safety
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: 2023-12-17
Org. Setting and Reporting
The Air Navigation Bureau (ANB) in ICAO is responsible for providing technical guidance to the Air Navigation Commission (ANC), the Council, and the Assembly. ANB provides technical expertise in aviation-related disciplines to States, industry and all elements of the Organization. The Bureau is also responsible for maintaining and implementing the Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) and Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP), including its aviation system block upgrades as well as producing yearly safety and air navigation status reports. The Bureau develops technical studies and proposals for Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), and Procedures for Air Navigation Services (PANS) for further processing by the governing bodies of ICAO. The Bureau also develops related procedures and guidance material. The Bureau also manages the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) which monitors all Member States on a continuous basis. The Operational Safety Section is responsible for the development of SARPs and guidance material related to the operation, certification, and airworthiness of aircraft, including the licensing and training of personnel, as well as the development of the Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP). In addition, the Section is responsible for facilitating the implementation of initiatives to mitigate operational risks, including those related to controlled flight into terrain, loss of control – in flight, and aircraft tracking. The incumbent reports to the Deputy Director of Air Navigation and Aviation Safety (DD/ANS). S/he is responsible for all aspects of operational safety-related matters and will collaborate with relevant Sections within ANB as well as the Air Transport Bureau (ATB), and the Capacity Development and Implementation Bureau (CDI) to ensure a coordinated approach on matters such as security, environment, facilitation and implementation.
Responsibilities
Function 1 (incl. Expected results) Manages, in coordination with ANB Section Chiefs and in consultation with Regional Offices, the Organization’s operational safety strategy, achieving results such as: • Lead development and delivery of ICAO’s operational safety initiatives intended to address operational safety priorities in the Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP), as well as those identified as relevant issues by States, industry, and other aviation stakeholders; • Identify emerging operational safety trends at the global and regional levels and develop an appropriate response to mitigate the associated risks; • Manage initiatives intended to facilitate the exchange and protection of operational information used to maintain and improve safety; and • Develop strategies to ensure the future availability of a competent and well-trained personnel in all operational domains. Function 2 (incl. Expected results) Leads and manages the development of proposals related to the amendment and implementation of provisions in Annex 1 — Personnel Licensing, Annex 5 — Units of Measurement to be Used in Air and Ground Operations, Annex 6 — Operation of Aircraft, Annex 7 — Aircraft Nationality and Registration Marks and Annex 8 — Airworthiness of Aircraft to the ICAO Convention and other ICAO documents and circulars as well as provisions in Procedures for Air Navigation Services (PANS) – PANS/Aircraft Operations (PANS/OPS) and PANS Training (PANS/TRG), achieving results such as: • Ensure the development of appropriate recommendations to address operational safety issues raised by States and International Organizations; • Supervise the development of amendment proposals to Annexes to address operational needs, new trends and technological developments; • Oversee amendments to other documents, such as manuals to facilitate the implementation of Annex requirements; and • Ensure that all staff are kept abreast of significant trends and technological developments in the fields relevant to operational safety and safety management; • Supervise the development of provisions to implement the Global Aeronautical Distress Safety System (GADSS) concept of operations; and • Coordinate and supervise the development of action plans to address emerging issues. Function 3 (incl. Expected results) Manages and supervises the development and presentation of working papers for the ICAO Council, Air Navigation Commission (ANC) and international meetings on matters related to operational safety and safety management initiatives, achieving results such as: • Ensure the delivery of comprehensive working papers, State letters and other documentation required to present Annex amendment proposals to the ANC and ICAO Council; • Provide comprehensive working papers to facilitate technical discussions during ICAO meetings and conferences; • Manage discussions of such papers and provide information as needed; and • Coordinate and ensure the necessary follow-up on actions resulting from the discussion of the papers and related recommendations, decisions or outcomes reached during the panel and working group meetings. Function 4 (incl. Expected results) Serves as the ICAO subject matter expert on operational safety matters, achieving results such as: • Act as the ICAO subject matter expert on operational safety and safety management matters, providing recommendations for mitigating potential risks to aviation safety; • Provide guidance to Contracting States, ANC, Council, ICAO Bureaux, Sections, and Regional Offices to facilitate informed decision-making and ensure the implementation of provisions contained in Annexes 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 as well as PANS/OPS, PANS/TRG and all related ICAO Documents; • Ensure all operational safety documentation is of high quality and consistent with ICAO policies; and • Act as operational safety focal point to relevant external United Nations aviation safety entities, aviation stakeholder organizations and groups. Function 5 (incl. Expected results) Manages the delivery and coordination of assistance to Regional Offices, States, Regional Aviation Safety Groups, Regional Safety Oversight Organizations (RSOOs) and other aviation safety entities, achieving results such as: • Oversee the development of replies providing advice and assistance to States, international organizations, and other stakeholders on flight operations matters; • Deliver briefings, working papers and other documentation to support meetings and conferences; • Monitor and ensure project submissions for accuracy and relevance of content regarding operational safety matters to ensure consistency with ICAO provisions, policies, and procedures; • Coordinate the provision of technical expertise on all operational safety and safety management matters including that which is required to support the Continuous Monitoring Approach and updates to the computer-based training programmes; • Supervise and ensure the integrity of data for the OPS Control, three-letter and telephony designators, aircraft type designators, location indicators and aircraft registry databases; • Supervise the development of tools for civil aviation authorities to facilitate their meeting of obligations under the Chicago Convention; and • Supervise the development and implementation of a process for the recognition and sharing amongst States of civil aviation safety inspectors. Function 6 (incl. Expected results) Leads, manages and supervises the work and staff of the Section, achieving results such as: • Develop and manage the overall work plan of the Section; • Develop and monitor performance objectives for all staff members on an annual basis and update, as necessary, to ensure all tasks reflect any amendments to work programme/projects/functions made throughout the year; • Provide direction, motivate staff member performance, providing coaching and mentoring as necessary to optimize performance and ensure professional development; and • Ensure timely and comprehensive documentation of all staff member performance. Function 7 (incl. Expected results) Performs other related duties, as assigned.
Competencies
Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style, and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands; provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly. Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
Education
An advanced-level university degree (Master’s degree or academic equivalent) in aviation, engineering, or in a related technical field is required.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
• A minimum of twelve (12) years of experience in senior-level positions with organizations involved in the operation of large, complex aircraft is required. • Experience in the development and delivery of safety-related initiatives related to personnel licensing, aircraft operations and airworthiness of aircraft is required. • Experience in providing services to international meetings is required. • 5 years or more experience in administrative or staff management is required. • Experience in the development and delivery of safety-related training is desirable. • Experience in the management of projects at national, regional, or international levels is desirable. • Experience in policy negotiations and public relations is desirable. • Experience in developing and implementing programmes to enhance human performance in operations is desirable. • Experience in developing competency-based training materials for safety professionals is desirable. • Experience in managing aviation accident and incident data relating to operational issues is desirable.
Languages
• Fluent reading, writing, and speaking abilities in English is required. • A working knowledge of any other language of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is desirable.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
The ICAO Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing gender equality and the advancement of women by supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.” Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for ICAO positions, especially in the Professional and higher-level categories. It should be noted that this post is to be filled on a fixed-term basis for an initial period of 3 years (first year is probationary for an external candidate). ICAO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Secretary General and may be assigned to any activities or offices of the Organization, in accordance with the provisions of the ICAO service code (Staff Regulations). ICAO staff members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants. In this connection, ICAO has incorporated the 2013 Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service into the ICAO Personnel Instructions. ICAO offers an attractive benefit package to its employees in accordance with the policies of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC). The statutory retirement age for staff entering or re-entering service after 1 January 2014 is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete a term of appointment will normally be considered. Remuneration: Level P-5 Rate Net Base Salary per annum + Post Adjustment (net) per annum(*) USD $92,731 + USD $44,325 (*) Post Adjustment is subject to change.
United Nations Considerations
In accordance with ICAO Staff Regulations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard shall be paid to the importance of recruiting staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible and ensuring equal gender representation. Subject to the foregoing, selection of staff members shall be made without distinction as to race, sex or religion, nor shall there be any discrimination on account of any disability of a candidate who meets the qualifications required to perform the tasks. Unless otherwise permitted under the ICAO Staff Regulations, appointment and promotion of staff members shall be made on a competitive basis. Candidates will not be considered for employment with ICAO if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the Inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in Inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised in Inspira will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
No Fee
ICAO does NOT charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process, nor does it concern itself with bank account details of applicants. Requests of this nature allegedly made on behalf of ICAO are fraudulent and should be disregarded.
We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

You need an Impactpool account to apply for this job

It's free and takes only a moment to sign up

Sign up and apply

Already a member of Impactpool?

Sign in to your account
or