AIA Management Expert

The position supports the institutional reform of the Civil Aviation Committee (CAC) of Armenia and the establishment of an autonomous accident investigation authority (AASIID). The expert will contribute to legal, organizational, financial, and HR reforms aligned with ICAO standards to enhance aviation safety oversight and investigation capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Assess the current legal, institutional, and operational arrangements for accident and serious incident investigation in Armenia, including independence from the CAC and other operational stakeholders, in line with ICAO Annex 13.
• Develop recommendations for the establishment of an effective, independent and sustainable AASIID, including its mandate, governance structure, reporting lines, and functional, structural and financial independence.
• Design the organizational set-up for the AASIID, covering investigation policies, investigator qualifications, and necessary equipment per ICAO Annex 13 and best practices.
• Advise on development of investigation related policies and procedures in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 and related guidance.
• Advise on inter-agency coordination arrangements between AASIID, CAC, judicial and police authorities, and other government bodies involved in accident and serious incident response.
• Develop a training and capacity-building programme for AASIID investigators and management staff.
• Contribute to review and harmonization of sections developed by other expert team members.
• Prepare meetings and field visits including stakeholder consultations, questionnaires, and reports.
• Participate in coordination meetings organized by ICAO CDI, EUR/NAT Responsible Officers, and the National Project Coordinator.
• Ensure ICAO's safety, security, and sustainability considerations are incorporated into all deliverables.
• Develop detailed work plans with delivery dates and responsibilities under the direction of the Project Coordinator.
• Contribute to monthly project monitoring reports and final deliverables.
• Prepare presentations for project progress briefings to the Government of Armenia, ICAO, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct assessment of Armenia's current accident and serious incident investigation arrangements.
• Design proposals for establishment of an effective, independent and sustainable AASIID including functions, decision-making, reporting, and accountability.
• Coordinate with other experts on legislative basis, financing mechanisms, HR functionalities, and inter-agency arrangements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• University degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation Operations, Aviation Safety, or a closely related aviation field.
• Specialized training in aircraft accident investigation (e.g., Cranfield, USC, NTSB Academy, Southern California Safety Institute) or ICAO Annex 13 methodology is required.
• Minimum 15 years of professional experience in civil aviation, with a specific focus on aircraft accident and serious incident investigation.
• Demonstrated experience leading or advising on the establishment, reform, or operation of national accident investigation authorities.
• Deep knowledge of ICAO Annex 13 and Doc 9756 (Manual of Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation), and familiarity with related Annexes (6, 8, 11, 14).
• Experience designing investigation procedures, evidence-handling protocols, and reporting frameworks for national accident investigation authorities.
• Demonstrated experience conducting or supervising aircraft accident and serious incident investigations and preparing final reports with safety recommendations.
• Experience supporting capacity building or institutional development for nascent or transitioning accident investigation authorities.
• Knowledge of the aviation regulatory environment in CIS/Eastern European States is desirable.
• Strong command of written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of Russian or Armenian is a significant asset.

Skills

• Aeronautical Engineering
• Aviation Operations
• Aviation Safety
• Aircraft Accident Investigation
• ICAO Annex 13 Methodology
• Civil Aviation Experience
• Accident Investigation Authority Reform
• Investigation Procedures Design
• Evidence Handling Protocols
• Accident Investigation Reporting
• Safety Recommendations Preparation
• Capacity Building
• Institutional Development
• Aviation Regulatory Knowledge
• English Language Proficiency
• Russian Language
• Armenian Language

Languages

English, Russian, Armenian