Org. Setting and Reporting

The Middle East (MID) Regional Office is primarily responsible for maintaining continuous liaison with the States to which it is accredited and with appropriate organizations, regional civil aviation bodies and sub-regional bodies and UN Agencies and programmes operating in the Region. The Regional Office ensures interregional coordination and promotes the timely and harmonized implementation of ICAO Strategic Goals, policies and decisions, within the context of Global and Regional Plans. The Regional Office also provides technical guidance and assists States with implementation of Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). The Regional Director serves as the Representative of the Secretary General to States to which the Regional Office is accredited; develops and leads the implementation of the work programme for the Regional Office, in coordination with Bureaus/Offices at Headquarters; provides technical advice and assistance to States on the development and implementation of Regional planning framework for all the Strategic Goals of the Organization – namely, (i) Every Flight is Safe and Secure; (ii) Aviation is Environmentally Sustainable; (iii) Aviation Delivers Seamless, Accessible, and Reliable Mobility for All; (iv) No Country Left Behind; (v) The International Civil Aviation Convention and Other Treaties, Laws and Regulations Address All Challenges; (vi) The Economic Development of Air Transport Assures the Delivery of Economic Prosperity and Societal Well-Being for All – and coordinates the delivery of ICAO programme activities within the Region in collaboration with States, and regional and sub-regional groups. The Regional Director is responsible for the promotion and follow-up of implementation support activities in the Region. The Regional Director leads the programme team, inspiring it to translate the regional and country goals into locally adapted solutions and results in line with the overall global plans, strategies and objectives of the Organization.

Responsibilities

Function 1 (incl. Expected results) Serves as Representative of the Secretary General within the Region, achieving results such as:

Promote ICAO’s views and interests and ensure the successful implementation of the Organization’s mandate and objectives within the Region.
Actively lead regional initiatives and promote, coordinate and oversee regional implementation support projects aimed at supporting a safe, efficient, secure, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible civil aviation system.
Act as secretary to regional group meetings; and coordinate regional programmes dealing with ICAO´s Six Strategic Goals and related initiatives
Participate in high-level meetings on civil aviation and other matters relevant to the MID Regional Office, delivering high-profile messages on behalf of ICAO and engaging with stakeholders to advance the ICAO Strategic Goals.
Coordinate and follow up on visits to States by the Secretary General and/or President of the ICAO Council, and provide advice and comprehensive briefing notes, including matters for discussion, expected outcomes, and other supporting information. Function 2 (incl. Expected results) Supports the implementation of the ICAO Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP), Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP), Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP), ICAO Environmental Programme, and the “No Country Left Behind” Strategic Goal, achieving results such as:
Provide strategic advice and assistance to high level authorities in Member States in the implementation of global aviation safety, security, and air navigation capacity and efficiency plans, giving high priority to those States with Significant Safety Concerns (SSCs), Significant Security Concerns (SSeCs) or other critical deficiencies.
Support States in the implementation of Long-term Global Aspirational Goal (LTAG) of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, including the development and deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and other cleaner energies and the access to financing through Finvest Hub, as well as in the implementation of Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
Develop tailored State-specific ICAO Plans of Action in relation to aviation safety, aviation security and facilitation, and environment-related issues, and monitor and follow up on their implementation by States.
Communicate, collaborate and coordinate with other partners providing support to implementation in the Region, through diplomacy, technological tools and other mechanisms to enhance visibility and foster active engagement from a wide range of stakeholders.
Support States in the implementation of ICAO SARPs; coordinate required assistance for States, including related training activities, in coordination with the Global Aviation Training (GAT) Section under the Capacity Development and Implementation Bureau.
Collaborate with Bureaus at Headquarters on the execution of activities related to aviation safety, air navigation, and aviation security and facilitation, at the regional and national levels, including the identification and implementation of new products and projects in support of the “No Country Left Behind” Strategic Goal and the ICAO Policy on Implementation Support provided to States. Function 3 (incl. Expected results) Provides strategic policy advice and guidance on ICAO programmes in the Region and in support of ICAO Headquarters, achieving results such as:
Formulate and present strategic recommendations to address the technical needs of States in the Region, to progressively improve their safety, air navigation, and aviation security systems.
Coordinate oversight of continuous monitoring activities in the Region and implementation support planning and evaluation missions.
Deliver expert contributions to enhance governance of the civil aviation regulators, policy development and evaluation of programme activities.
Provide timely inputs on the Regional Office perspective about ICAO´s policies, plans, guidance, administrative instructions and other provisions, as required. Function 4 (incl. Expected results) Fosters partnerships and resource mobilization within the Region, achieving results such as:
Establish and maintain productive interaction with representatives of States, donors, other international organizations and interested parties.
Design and implement partnership and resource mobilization plans.
Support capacity building initiatives and cooperate closely with regional civil aviation bodies to ensure sustainable development of the air transport system.
Assess the need and develop proposals for regional meetings in consultation with States and Headquarters, as appropriate.
Identify prospects and lead initiatives for strategic networking with other donors, lenders, research institutions, regional bodies, international organizations and policy makers. Function 5 (incl. Expected results) Plans and develops the Regional Office’s work programme and directs its implementation, achieving results such as:
Ensure that the functions and work programme of the Regional Office are performed efficiently and in line with the Strategic Goals and the Business Plans of the Organization.
Lead Regional Office engagement with all relevant ICAO Organizational Efficiency projects, and ensure the effective and timely implementation of each project within the Regional Office environment as required.
Support the ongoing initiatives and High Priority Enablers in areas such as Organizational Efficiency, Gender Equality and Talent Development, Innovation, Partnerships and Financial Sustainability in the regional context.
Ensure regular review and update of regional plans and programmes.
Adjust/adapt programmes and approaches to accommodate evolving regional circumstances of critical importance.
Provide direction and guidance to a team of professional, technical and support staff.
Manage staff performance and well-being, and ensure that activities and programme delivery are efficiently and effectively delivered and consistent with ICAO policy, quality and relevance.
Promote a harmonious and ethical workplace based on mutual respect, leading by example, and ensure that staff are familiar with, trained on, and comply with the ICAO’s principles and values and standard of conduct. Function 6 (incl. Expected results) Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of ICAO’s work aimed at enhancing global civil aviation safety, increasing capacity and improving efficiency of the global civil aviation system. Understanding of ICAO’s Strategic Objectives, and its global and regional aviation plans. Familiarity with the Convention on International Civil Aviation and its Annexes, ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and their application. Good knowledge of civil aviation activities in the areas of accreditation of the Regional Office, and of the work of other related international organizations, regional and sub-regional bodies and groupings of States. Demonstrated ability to deal with complex issues with diplomacy and tact; ability to lead in a fast-changing environment, and setting an example. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of the 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. Accountability: Takes ownership for 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. 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. 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. 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 improvement; 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. Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction inspiring others to pursue that same direction; Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. Building Trust: Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; manages in a deliberate and predictable way; operates with transparency; has no hidden agenda; places confidence in colleagues, staff members and clients; gives proper credit to others; follows through on agreed upon actions; treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately. Empowering Others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them. 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

Essential:

An advanced level university degree (Master’s Degree or academic equivalent) in an aviation-related field, including scientific or technical discipline, management, administration, economics, law or a related area.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

Essential:

A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in aviation safety, air navigation, air transport or related area, is required.
Managerial experience at the senior executive level in a public, private or international civil aviation organization, is required.
Experience at the international level or dealing with aviation matters crossing national boundaries, including high-level negotiation with government authorities, is required.
Experience in dealing with civil aviation activities in the Region, is required.
Experience with corporate performance management in the public or private sector, is required.
Proven experience in leading and guiding a multidisciplinary team, with a diverse range of aviation specialities, to achieve organizational goals, is required. Desirable:
Experience in managing aviation safety or air navigation programmes/projects within an international or regional organization, national government, or major service provider (airport, airline or air navigation services provider), is desirable.
Experience in managing or coordinating technical assistance, capacity development and implementation of activities related to aviation safety, air navigation or aviation security, is desirable.
Experience in management of international/multinational projects, and experience in conducting negotiations at the international level and in organizing and leading international meetings, is desirable.
Experience in public speaking and media engagement, is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Arabic are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeaking English UN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III Arabic UN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III

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 the maximum period for which a staff member at the D-1 level can serve is eight (8) years. The initial appointment will be on a fixed-term non-career basis for a period of four (4) years (first year is probationary for an external candidate). A second fixed-term non-career appointment may be granted to the incumbent, subject to re-appointment procedures. The combined duration of the initial and second fixed-term contracts shall not exceed eight (8) years. 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 (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. ICAO offers an attractive remuneration package, including a tax-free annual net base salary in US dollar (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), and a variable post adjustment* which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station. Annual Salary for this post: US $143,609 (which includes a Net Base Salary of US $116,095 + Post Adjustment of US $27,514) ICAO also offers the following benefits, subject to conditions as defined in the Staff Rules:

Dependency allowances
Rental subsidy
Settling-in grant, to assist in meeting initial extraordinary costs when arriving at or relocating to a new duty station.
Travel and relocation shipment, when moving to a new duty station.
Education grant for children in full-time attendance at an educational institution
Home leave travel (normally once in every two years of qualifying service)
30 working days of vacation per year
Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
International health insurance; optional life insurance
Disability protection ICAO encourages a positive workplace culture, and promotes inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. (*Post Adjustment: The base salary is supplemented by a post adjustment which varies according to the cost of living in the duty station and the exchange rate of the United States dollar. The post adjustment, set by the United Nations as a percentage of the base salary, ensures that all staff members at the same salary level have a similar purchasing power in every duty station by compensating for the differences in cost of living while taking currency fluctuations into account.)

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.

International Civil Aviation Organization

ABOUT_COMPANY

Regional Director, Middle East (MID) Regional Office