Director, Air Transport Bureau (ATB)

The Director, Air Transport Bureau (ATB) leads and manages the Bureau's work programmes and activities, providing strategic direction and policy advice on air transport matters. The role involves overseeing the implementation of ICAO's air transport programmes, managing resources, and representing ICAO in international forums.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective direction, guidance and supervision to a diverse team of professional and support staff of ATB, and manage performance to ensure that work programmes and activities of the Bureau adhere to high-quality standards.
• Model and promote the values and ethical standards of conduct for the International Civil Service and ensure a respectful working environment.
• Plan, direct, manage, and report on the planning and implementation of the annual and triennial budget of the Bureau.
• Direct the implementation of performance-based management, including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for management and programme-related activities.
• Manage the human and financial resources of the Bureau, serving as responsible authority for its performance with respect to service quality, efficiency, delivery and timeliness.
• Oversee the recruitment of staff for the Bureau and the development of skills and expertise of all staff, taking due account of geographical and gender balance and other institutional values, to build a motivated and performance-oriented workforce.
• Participate in and contribute to the Senior Management Board (SMB) meetings, inform staff of pertinent issues and implement decisions taken by the Secretary General on SMB recommendations.
• Provide leadership to the development and implementation of innovative and change management initiatives aimed at enhancing business processes, systems and technology, and improving efficiency.
• Direct and oversee the implementation of recommendations related to ATB activities with respect to internal and external audits and evaluations, as well as the Joint Inspection Unit and the Evaluation and Audit Advisory Committee.
• Develop ATB’s overall strategies, taking into account policy guidance and decisions by the ICAO Assembly and Council.
• Lead the development of the substantive work programme of the Business Plan for ATB, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
• Direct and oversee the implementation of ATB work programmes in relation to the ICAO Strategic Goals.
• Direct and oversee the implementation of the Aviation Security and Cybersecurity Programmes, and related assistance and support activities.
• Direct and oversee the implementation of the Long-Term Global aspirational goal (LTAG) for international aviation of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) Programmes, and related assistance and support activities.
• Provide leadership on the sustainability and lifecycle emissions criteria defined under the CORSIA framework and ensure that these are taken into consideration in the FINVEST SAF-related financing and investment activities.
• Direct and oversee ATB activities related to disaster risk reduction and response mechanism in aviation, ICAO Traveller Identification Programme (TRIP) Strategy and ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD), Accessibility in International Civil Aviation, Assistance to Aircraft Accident Victims and their Families, and Trafficking in Persons and Irregular Migration.
• Direct the Bureau in undertaking technical studies and projects in matters related to the substantive work programme of the Bureau.
• Coordinate activities and operations in the different areas of the substantive work programme of the Bureau, both within ICAO and with other organizations, industry partners, governments and funding agencies, as appropriate.
• Provide authoritative policy advice to the Secretary General on Air Transport matters.
• Advise on policy matters in respect of relations with international organizations dealing with civil aviation, and regional civil aviation bodies.
• Maintain cooperative agreements and ensure provision of assistance to these bodies, as required.
• Oversee the development of proposals for Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), as well as guidance material to assist in their implementation and monitoring.
• As a member of the Senior Management Board, contribute to the development and overall implementation of the Organization’s Strategic Goals and to the overall management of ICAO’s activities and operations.
• Oversee the formulation of policies, procedures and guidelines, as well as other documentation on matters related to aviation security and facilitation, economic development of air transport, and environmental protection.
• Collaborate with ICAO Regional Directors on the execution of Air Transport-related activities at the regional and national level, including the identification and implementation of new projects in support of the No Country Left Behind Goal.
• Provide advice and guidance to the ICAO Regional Offices with regard to the maintenance, implementation and monitoring of SARPs related to aviation security and facilitation, including the specifications for Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs).
• Provide advice to the Assembly, Council and Committees on request, and as appropriate, on air transport matters, and implement measures decided by the Assembly and Governing Bodies.
• Direct and oversee the preparation of policy papers, reports, and other documentation on matters related to aviation security and facilitation, economic development of air transport, and environmental protection-related matters for presentation to the Council, the Assembly, and other policy-making bodies.
• Serve as Secretary of the ICAO Air Transport Committee.
• Direct and coordinate all Secretariat work in support of the proceedings of the ATC and its subordinate bodies, as well as Divisions, Conferences, Panels and Study Groups related to the work of the Bureau.
• Liaise with National Delegations to ICAO and government officials on matters related to Air Transport.
• Participate in the substantive work of Standing Committees of the ICAO Council and other bodies dealing with matters related to aviation security and facilitation, economic development of air transport, and environmental protection.
• Represent ICAO at meetings of United Nations bodies, other international organizations, development institutions and funding agencies, and maintain liaison with various organizations, on matters of common interest related to air transport.
• Represent the Organization at international, regional, and inter-agency meetings, seminars and conferences; chair meetings/seminars; provide programmatic/substantive expertise issues related to air transport.
• Liaise and collaborate with other UN and inter-agency bodies, specialized agencies and other international organizations on air transport matters.
• Identify opportunities for strengthening partnership and collaboration with UN system entities, civil aviation authorities and industry partners, as appropriate.
• Represent the Secretary General, within delegated authority, in meetings with government representatives.
• Negotiate with representatives of other organizations as well as with government authorities on questions relating to international air transport.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• An advanced-level university degree (Master’s degree or academic equivalent) in an aviation-related field, scientific or technical/engineering discipline, management, administration, economics, law, or related field, is required.
• Over 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience, reaching executive level in the planning, management and coordination of activities in air transport or related area is required.
• At least five (5) years of experience at senior managerial level in an international environment is required.

Skills

• Air Transport Management
• Strategic Planning
• Policy Development
• International Aviation Regulations
• Programme Implementation
• Resource Management
• Executive Leadership
• International Relations
• Air Transport Coordination
• Senior Management
• Aviation Law
• Technical Aviation Expertise
• Economic Analysis
• Stakeholder Engagement
• International Forum Representation

Languages

English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese