Chief, Facilitation Section

Organizational Context

The Air Transport Bureau (ATB) within ICAO focuses on aviation security, facilitation, economic development, and environmental protection. The Facilitation (FAL) Section, part of the Aviation Security and Facilitation (ASF) unit, is responsible for developing and updating Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) for international air transport facilitation, primarily through Annex 9. The Section also manages the ICAO Traveller Identification Programme (ICAO TRIP) and the Public Key Directory (PKD). The Chief of Facilitation Section reports to the Deputy Director of Aviation Security, Cybersecurity and Facilitation and supervises all section staff.

Job Purpose

The Chief of the Facilitation Section leads and manages all facilitation-related work programmes, including the development and updating of Annex 9 SARPs and guidance material, ensuring alignment with ICAO's strategic goals and Member State needs. This role is crucial for advancing the ICAO TRIP Strategy, overseeing the specifications for Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs) and the operation of the ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD). The position involves providing expert support to ICAO's governing and technical bodies, fostering international cooperation, and representing ICAO's interests. A key aspect is coordinating capacity-building activities and mobilizing resources to assist Member States in implementing facilitation standards and traveller identification programmes. The role also entails providing subject matter expertise, quality assurance for training and technical projects, and managing the Section's staff and operations to ensure effective delivery of ICAO's mandate in aviation facilitation.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage all facilitation-related work programmes, including the development, updating, and implementation of Annex 9 Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and associated guidance material. Oversee and manage work programmes related to the ICAO Traveller Identification Programme (ICAO TRIP) Strategy, including specifications for Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs) and the operation of the ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD). Coordinate capacity building and technical assistance activities for Member States, focusing on resource mobilization and partnership development. Provide subject matter expertise and quality assurance for facilitation training and technical projects, collaborating with relevant ICAO bureaus. Supervise and manage the Facilitation Section staff, ensuring alignment with ICAO's strategic goals, policies, and business plans, and effectively managing resources. Provide effective support to ICAO's governing and technical bodies, including the Assembly, Council, and relevant committees and panels. Represent ICAO's interests in international forums and foster cooperation with other UN agencies and industry organizations.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in facilitation, border clearance programmes, or air transport facilitation, including at least three years within the civil aviation community. Experience with the legal framework of travel document issuance and border management, Annex 9, and Doc 9303 MRTDs is required. Experience in effective international communication and relationship building is essential. Desirable experience includes developing professional relationships with senior officials in relevant institutions and familiarity with facilitation-related international conventions.

Skills

Professionalism in international aviation conventions, ICAO SARPs (Annex 9, Doc 9303), ICAO TRIP Strategy, and PKD operations. Strong teamwork, planning, and organizational skills. Leadership capabilities, including empowering others and driving change. Excellent judgment and decision-making abilities. Proficiency in management tools and techniques. Ability to work effectively under pressure and maintain composure.

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