Regional Officer, Aviation Security and Facilitation

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Regional Office is primarily responsible for maintaining continuous liaison with States to which it is accredited and with appropriate organizations, regional civil aviation bodies and sub-regional bodies and UN Agencies and Programmes. The Regional Office ensures interregional coordination and promotes the timely and harmonized implementation of ICAO Strategic Objectives, policies and decisions. The Regional Office also provides technical guidance and training, and assists States with the implementation of Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) to help them meet their aviation security and facilitation obligations.

The incumbent reports to the Regional Director through the Deputy Regional Director with whom the incumbent consults on complex regional aviation security and facilitation issues. The incumbent has the primary function of assisting States with enhancing the effectiveness and compliance of their aviation security and facilitation systems through the conduct of implementation support activities, including needs assessments and Aviation Security Improvement Plans (ASIPs) that might include training.

The incumbent, in coordination with the Air Transport Bureau’s Aviation Security and Facilitation Branch (ASF) at ICAO Headquarters (HQ), is responsible for maintaining liaison and coordination with aviation security and other appropriate and relevant authorities of the ICAO Member States in the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACC) Region, and supports them in their endeavour to implement and comply with Annex 17 — Aviation Security Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), Annex 9 — Facilitation security-related Standards. S/He also supports States with their Corrective Action Plans, in order to rectify deficiencies identified by the ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme-Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA).

The incumbent reviews, in light of the latest ICAO evaluation or audit report made available and/or from visits to the States, aviation security and facilitation structures, laws, programmes and procedures and determines their adequacy in accordance with relevant ICAO SARPs and guidance materials. The incumbent, in coordination with HQ, ensures the effective delivery of the ICAO aviation security and facilitation programmes of work in the NACC Region working within the general instructions given by the Regional Director, and in accordance with the policy and technical direction established by the Air Transport Bureau in respect of aviation security and facilitation. The incumbent is expected to perform duties with minimal supervision, and limited direction is required for ensuring effective performance.

Responsibilities

Function 1 (incl. Expected results)
Supports ICAO Member States in their endeavour to implement and comply with Annex 17 (SARPs), achieving results such as:
• Provide continuous follow-up and close coordination with States in the region with regard to actions required for achieving State compliance.
• Provide active support to States under the ICAO NACC Systemic Assistance Programme (SAP) Programme and the NACC GASEP Regional roadmap/plan.
• Provide continuous follow-up and close coordination with States in the region with regard to actions required for achieving effective implementation of the critical elements of their aviation security oversight systems.
• Conduct needs assessment, provide technical guidance, training and advice to assist States, and follow-up with regard to State letters concerning Annex 17 amendments.
• Facilitate, support and arrange seminars/workshops aimed at developing capacity building or addressing specific challenges on aviation security and assistance on aviation security directly or in partnership with other States and/or aviation security partners.
• Maintain on-going communication and interaction with States on ICAO aviation security policy developments.
• Maintain on-going communication and interaction with, and feedback to, HQ on matters relating to ICAO aviation security policy, assistance programmes and the USAP-CMA.
• Assist with coordination of and/or participation in AVSEC meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences.
• Establish relationships with a network of aviation security officials in States, regional organizations and other groups.
• Provide continuous support to States prior to, during, and following an event that may have implications for aviation security.
• Ensure effective maintenance and utilization of the Aviation Security Point of Contact (PoC) Network (AVSECNET).
• Identify the needs of States in relation to aviation security assistance in coordination with HQ.
• Develop assistance projects based on State or regional needs and characteristics in coordination with HQ.

Function 2 (incl. Expected results)
Supports States in the implementation of ICAO policies, provisions and guidance on facilitation in accordance with Annex 9 (SARPs) and other facilitation programmes, achieving results such as:
• Provide continuous follow-up, and foster and initiate actions aimed at achieving compliance.
• Participate in needs assessments and provide technical guidance, assistance and advice to States, and follow-up with regard to State letters concerning Annex 9 amendments and other facilitation programmes.
• Facilitate, support and arrange seminars and workshops aimed at building capacity or addressing specific challenges in the implementation of facilitation programmes and assist in facilitation directly or in partnership with other States and partners.
• Provide timely response to requests for information and guidance from States and industry on matters related to facilitation and the ICAO Traveller Identification Programme (ICAO TRIP) Strategy.
• Enhance coordination with States and partner agencies with respect to facilitation and all aspects of the ICAO TRIP Strategy, including Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs), the ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD), and Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) matters.
• Coordinate assistance projects for States related to the ICAO TRIP Strategy, including the mitigation of vulnerabilities related to breeder documents (birth certificates, national ID cards, etc.), required to implement secure traveller identification management.
• Keep abreast of developments and trends related to travel facilitation in States and international organizations.
• Maintain on-going communication and interaction with States on ICAO facilitation policy developments.
• Identify the needs of States in relation to facilitation assistance in coordination with HQ.
• Develop assistance projects based on State or regional needs and characteristics in coordination with HQ.
• Promote the delivery of facilitation training courses.
• Assist with coordination and /or participation in facilitation meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences.

Function 3 (incl. Expected results)
Supports the effective implementation of the ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA), achieving results such as:
• Advise and assist States with pre-audit arrangements, acting as a focal point for States and assisting in their audit preparations and coordinating with ICAO NACC DRD.
• Provide continuous support to States in the implementation of the USAP-CMA.
• Keep abreast of developments and trends relating to aviation security in States and international organizations.
• Promote ICAO USAP-CMA activities through the conduct of seminars/workshops/assistance activities and participation in international fora.

Function 4 (incl. Expected results)
Coordinates and supports the ICAO Aviation Security Training Centres (ASTCs) in the region, achieving results such as:
• Maintain effective and well-coordinated networking of the ICAO Aviation Security Training Centres (ASTCs).
• Ensure efficient facilitation and administration for ICAO-sponsored training courses/workshops ensuring that nominations received from States to undergo training at ASTCs are assessed and reviewed for suitability and that administrative and logistics arrangement are in place for the selected candidates.
• Coordinate the annual ASTC training schedule.
• Conduct endorsement evaluations for new ASTCs and re-endorsement evaluations for existing ASTCs when required.

Function 5 (incl. Expected results)
Supports regional aviation security and facilitation initiatives, achieving results such as:
• Act as a focal point for coordination and conduct of regional groups and/or forums addressing aviation security and facilitation, including the NAM/CAR/SAM AVSEC/FAL/RG and other Projects and initiatives with other partner organizations.
• Develop appropriate agendas and coordinate the development of working papers and information papers appropriate to the agenda by participating States, and regional and international organizations.
• Facilitate the conduct of the regional group and/or forum meetings, including drafting appropriate reports.
• Support regional organizations, projects and programmes to avoid duplication of efforts and maximize effective use of resources.

Function 6 (incl. Expected results)
Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Good knowledge of international civil aviation conventions, ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices relating to aviation security and facilitation (Annexes 9 and 17), and other ICAO Annexes, manuals and documents; good knowledge of civil aviation security and facilitation legislation, regulations and programmes; proven ability to write clearly and concisely and to present verbal reports; knowledge of ICAO functions and its organization, particularly of its implementation support policy and strategy, the Strategic Objectives, the USAP-CMA, the ICAO TRIP Strategy, the ICAO PKD, the Technical Co-Operation Bureau and familiarity with the work of other related international organizations. 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.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

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

A first-level university degree in civil aviation, aviation law, aviation risk management, or in a related field is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in the international civil aviation security and facilitation environment, including at least three years of experience in the implementation of national civil aviation security and facilitation programmes, international airport security and facilitation programmes or airline security and facilitation programmes is required.

• Experience in performing aviation security audits under the auspices of ICAO, a member State, regional organizations or other related aviation industry entity (e.g. airport or airline), and relevant experience in the development of the corrective action plans to remedy findings of non-compliance and other deficiencies in aviation security and facilitation programmes is required.

• Experience in the development and implementation of aviation security procedures and measures designed to prevent acts of unlawful interference with civil aviation, including the management of responses to such acts, threat and risk management, development of contingency plans to respond to emergent situations and national/regional oversight quality control activities is required.

• Experience in the organization and implementation of ICAO activities such as technical evaluations, capacity building, training, seminars and assistance missions is desirable.

• Experience as ICAO USAP auditor is desirable.

• Experience as an aviation security instructor under the auspices of ICAO, a member State, regional organizations or other related aviation industry entity (e.g. airport or airline), with knowledge of the principles of learning and instruction is desirable.

Languages

Fluent reading, writing and speaking abilities in English and Spanish is required.
A working knowledge of any other language of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) 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 recently 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 three 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 within the duty station.

ICAO staff members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants. The Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service adopted by ICAO, which are applicable to all staff members, are defined in the ICAO Service Code (Staff Regulations).

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-4 Rate Net Base Salary per annum + Post Adjustment (net) per annum(*)
USD $75,602 + USD $32,584
(*) 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.