Chief, Operations Section
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THE ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING
The Capacity Development and Implementation (CDI) Bureau supports the six strategic goals of ICAO, including No Country Left Behind. The Bureau offers needs-based implementation support to States through projects and innovative products and services to assist them in implementing effective and sustainable solutions that address their specific aviation needs and challenges. It also manages revenue-generating activities and resource mobilization to ensure financial sustainability, while overseeing budgeting, reporting, quality, and risk management for efficient CDI operations. CDI leads ICAO’s aviation training through the Global Aviation Training Section, ensuring access to up-to-date and comprehensive programmes. It manages project implementation across ICAO Regions, supports capacity-building initiatives, leverages economies of scale in aeronautical procurement, and oversees the recruitment and deployment of field experts. CDI also provides technical support and quality assurance to ensure deliverables align with ICAO standards and recommended practices (SARPs) and strategic objectives. The Bureau operates through dedicated sections that enable effective mandate delivery.
The Operations Section (OS) develops and delivers products and services under the Capacity Development and Implementation Programme (CDIP), along with complementary CDI solutions. It comprises four functional areas: Product Design and Development, Field Operations Services, Implementation Services, and Service Delivery. Together, these functions support the implementation of policies, SARPs, and global and regional plans, helping States, particularly in developing countries, overcome resource constraints and meet their capacity development and implementation needs.
As Chief of the Operations Section, the incumbent is responsible for planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling operations, maximizing efficiency in the use of resources under a demand-driven approach, and ensuring that the development and delivery of capacity development and implementation support solutions meet stakeholders’ needs and expectations. The incumbent designs and plans the activities assigned to the Section in relation to the CDI Operating Plan, in alignment with ICAO’s Triennial Business Plan and the ICAO Strategic Plan 2026-2050.
The position reports directly to the Deputy Director, CDI, with whom s/he consults on complex strategic, technical and managerial issues. As Chief, the incumbent supervises all staff of the Section, as well as consultants and s/he is directly responsible for her/his actions and decisions as well as for the quality of services delivered by all staff members. Supervisory responsibilities include technical supervision, coaching and training, as necessary, as well as performance evaluation, delegation and distribution of tasks, and decisions on priorities.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides strategic direction, leadership, and advocacy to expand and strengthen the Bureau’s programmes and products/services, achieving results such as:
- Lead the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the Section’s annual operational plan, ensuring alignment with the CDI Operating Plan and organizational priorities.
- Propose new or revised operational policies and approaches to CDI senior management in response to evolving business needs and market trends.
- Lead the design, development, enhancement and implementation of products and services assigned to the Section.
- Identify and promote opportunities to expand the CDIP and ICAO portfolio of products/services, including new service lines and implementation modalities.
- Provide authoritative advice to Bureau management on operational strategy, programme evolution and growth opportunities.
- Represent the Bureau, under the authority of senior management, in international forums, Headquarters meetings and Regional Office engagements to advance operational objectives.
- Provide advice in the negotiation of agreements and project documents with Member States, organizations, and partners, as required.
- Promote ICAO’s portfolio of products/services and strengthen stakeholder confidence in programme delivery.
Ensures effective management, supervision and performance of Field Operations Services and related operational units, achieving results such as:
- Supervise Heads of Operational Units and ensure appropriate distribution of workload and prioritization of activities.
- Ensure implementation of geographical diversification strategies to increase the global footprint of the CDIP.
- Foster enhanced collaboration and coordination with Regional Offices to identify new opportunities across all ICAO Regions.
- Monitor business development pipeline, ensuring effective transition of new opportunities under the gated process.
- Oversee operational decision-making, including resolution of escalated issues.
- Monitor operational performance and ensure achievement of established objectives, targets and service standards.
Provides oversight of the development and lifecycle management of data products, technical support products, training initiatives, and social dimension programmes, achieving results such as:
- Drive the strategic alignment of product design and associated investment with operational and stakeholder needs.
- Coordinate the design and development of data products, ensuring optimal user experience and reliability, as well as meeting the highest standards of data privacy and security.
- Oversee the development of technical requirements and specifications for the procurement of goods and services, as well as for the provision of quality assurance during implementation of ICAO solutions.
- Guide new course development and implementation of the ICAO Training Policy within the training portfolio of products/services.
- Ensure effective development and implementation of social dimension programmes, including Next Generation of Aviation Professionals, Global Ambassadors Programme, Gender Equality Programme and Global Aviation Education Plan.
- Facilitate coordination between product development, field implementation requirements and service delivery capabilities.
Ensures effective integration of implementation planning and support and partnership activities, achieving results such as:
- Oversee planning and coordination of implementation support activities, ensuring alignment with regional priorities and State capacities in support of No Country Left Behind and ICAO Strategic Goals.
- Ensure implementation support is delivered in accordance with timelines, budgets and quality standards by fostering the usage of harmonized project management methodologies and tools.
- Lead the establishment of strategic partnerships with Member States, international and regional organizations, financial institutions and other stakeholders to expand implementation support globally and advance the achievement of ICAO Strategic Goals and ICAO Business Plan priorities.
- Liaise with Member States to provide guidance and support in identifying potential funding sources for implementation support, in coordination with the resource mobilization function.
- Strengthen collaboration between operational areas responsible for implementation support, planning and partnership development.
Ensures efficient and transparent delivery of expert sourcing and post-contract procurement implementation services, achieving results such as:
- Ensure recruitment and contract administration of aviation experts supporting capacity development and implementation support engagements is conducted in a timely and effective manner by fostering the consistent use of tools and processes in alignment with Field Personnel policies, rules and regulations.
- Plan and guide the review and enhancement of Field Personnel policies and procedures.
- Oversee the periodic update of the ICAO roster of experts ensuring currency, quality and breadth of expertise.
- Foster collaboration with internal and external partners to secure technical expertise needed for successful delivery of ICAO solutions.
- Oversee implementation of contracts for procurement of various goods/services signed on behalf of Member States and other stakeholders facilitating achievement of economies of scale.
- Facilitate effective monitoring of contractor performance and acceptance of deliverables through the consistent use of project management methodologies and tools.
- Monitor service delivery performance and promote efficiency improvements.
Ensures adherence to governance, risk management and quality assurance frameworks and standards, achieving results such as:
- Ensure activities under the Section’s purview are conducted in full adherence to ICAO regulations, rules, and policies.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across all operational pillars and ensure performance accountability.
- Coordinate timely and accurate preparation of reports, statistical analyses and briefing material for CDI management and Governing Bodies, as required.
- Oversee implementation of corrective actions related to internal and external audits e.g., Office of Internal Oversight (OIO), Evaluation and Audit Advisory Committee (EAAC), UN Joint Inspection Unit (JIU).
- Ensure operational activities are aligned with CDI Quality Management System processes and procedures.
- Lead the systematic identification and management of operational risks ensuring alignment with the CDI risk register and organizational risk management frameworks.
- Directly supervise Product Design and Development, Field Operations, Implementation Services, and Service Delivery.
- Establish clear objectives and ensure completion of performance management (PACE) processes.
- Promote a culture of accountability, client orientation, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Ensure systematic application of lessons learned and best practices within the Section.
- Ensure timely preparation and approval of operational input for Working Papers, reports, briefing notes, presentations and documentation for Governing Bodies and senior management
- Recommend staffing levels and organizational adjustments to support operational growth and efficiency.
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An advanced-level university degree (e.g. Masters’ degree or academic equivalent) in aviation, business administration, engineering or related field, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience in aviation, business administration, engineering or related field, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
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Project Management Certification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP).
- A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible, in-depth managerial experience to plan, develop and manage administrative programmes and products/services in the field of civil aviation in multicultural environments.
- Five (5) years of experience in aviation-related matters at the international or regional level.
- Experience in participating in strategic and business planning, and in developing strategic and operational plans.
- Experience in developing and implementing product and geographical diversification strategies.
- Experience in dealing with international financial institutions.
- Experience in dealing with State Representatives as well as governmental and non-governmental entities.
- Experience in using contemporary systems related to: enterprise resource planning, programme/project management, and customer relationship management.
- Work experience in the United Nations Common System and/or an International Organization.
- Experience in transformational initiatives enhancing people, processes, and tools.
- Experience in results-based management.
- Experience in business development activities.
- Experience in product/services portfolio management.
- Experience working with business intelligence tools.
- Experience working with Quality Management Systems.
- Fluent reading, writing and speaking abilities in English.
- A working knowledge of any other language of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).
Professionalism: Good knowledge of ICAO and the Capacity Development and Implementation Programme, implementation support activities and training; good knowledge of the Chicago Convention, its Annexes and relevant technical ICAO documents; sound knowledge in project management techniques, and familiarity with ISO 9001 Quality Management System; knowledge of business development; knowledge of product portfolio management; knowledge of the procurement lifecycle; knowledge of human resources management; 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.
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.
Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
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.
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.
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 [link removed] (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.
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