Aviation Security Audit Team Leader

Job Description

Description
Org. Setting and Reporting

The Aviation Security Audit Section (ASA) is one of four Sections within the Air Transport Bureau (ATB) which are responsible for implementing ICAO’s Strategic Objective - Security and Facilitation. ASA manages the ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme’s continuous monitoring approach (USAP-CMA), which is aimed at promoting global aviation security through the continuous auditing and monitoring of Member States’ aviation security performance, including assessing the level of implementation of the critical elements of each State’s aviation security oversight system and the degree of compliance with the Standards of Annex 17 - Security and the security-related provisions of Annex 9 - Facilitation, as well as associated procedures, guidance material and security-related practices.

The incumbent reports directly to the Chief, ASA (C/ASA), from whom s/he receives instructions and seeks advice and guidance on difficult assignments and complex technical issues. The incumbent is expected to travel regularly in the performance of her/his duties and to function effectively in challenging circumstances. Furthermore, as an Audit Team Leader, the incumbent is responsible for leading a team of certified USAP-CMA auditors while on mission, including decision-making, direct technical supervision, coaching, delegation and distribution of tasks.

Responsibilities

Function 1 (incl. Expected results)
Prepares for and coordinates on-site and documentation-based audit activities with strict adherence to established timelines, achieving results such as:

• Provide effective coordination of the administrative aspects of assigned audit missions;
• Ensure timely and on-going contact with State representatives;
• Prepare State-specific audit plans;
• Liaise with assigned team members;
• Ensure transmission of audit-related documents and reports in accordance with the procedures, policies and guidelines contained in the Universal Security Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Manual and other relevant documents;
• Ensure that audit documentation is properly stored according to the ASA Information Security Instructions; and
• Provide regular status updates to the Chief of the ASA Section (C/ASA).

Function 2 (incl. Expected results)
Leads and supervises a team of auditors during on-site USAP-CMA activities, achieving results such as:

• Provide strong leadership and appropriate guidance to Team Members during on-site activities;
• Conduct daily team briefings as per established procedures;
• Ensure the timely resolution of any disputes or issues that may arise within an audit team;
• Ensure the timely resolution of any disputes between an audit team and the State being audited; and
• Ensure all team members understand and are prepared to follow ICAO’s USAP-CMA confidentiality requirements.

Function 3 (incl. Expected results)
Prepares and performs quality control on audit reports and related documentation, achieving results such as:

• Ensure that audit reports are of a high quality and are completed in accordance with the time-frames and procedures set out in the Universal Security Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Manual;
• Conduct a review of assigned audit reports for consistency with established report preparation standards and requirements;
• Collaborate with the Analysis and Quality Assurance Coordinator and with the Technical Report Production Assistants in order to ensure that reports meet the highest standards of quality; and
• Participate in the revision of manuals, guidance material and other documentation related to the USAP-CMA, as required.

Function 4 (incl. Expected results)
Participates in quality management planning and improvement of USAP-CMA management and administration, achieving results such as:

• Participate in the development, preparation and conduct of training courses, information seminars and workshops;
• Assist C/ASA and the Analysis and Quality Assurance Coordinator in developing and implementing procedures to improve the USAP-CMA methodology;
• Provide regular feedback to C/ASA regarding the conduct of on-site or documentation-based audit missions;
• Assist in the planning and scheduling of USAP-CMA activities; and
• Perform tasks assigned by C/ASA, to ensure the smooth and effective operation of the USAP-CMA.

Function 5 (incl. Expected results)
Perform other related duties, as assigned:

• Review State Corrective Action Plans and advise C/ASA on the merits and relevance of the action plans submitted;
• Draft correspondence to be sent to States relating to the audit process;
• Contribute to the regular analysis of audit results and findings;
• Participate in the Significant Security Concern process, as required; and
• Participate in missions conducted in conjunction with the Implementation Support and Development - Security Section.

Competencies

Professionalism: Good knowledge of international aviation Conventions, ICAO security-related Standards and Recommended Practices and ICAO Annexes and documents, including the ICAO Aviation Security Manual, ICAO functions and organization, as well as the role of other related international organizations; strong ability to write clearly and concisely and to present articulate verbal presentations; and preferably knowledge of the principles of learning and instruction. 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.

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.

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.

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, preferably in aviation, risk management or a related field, is required.

Work Experience

Essential:

• Considerable experience (10 years or more) in an aviation security or civil aviation environment, including 5 years in progressively responsible positions related to oversight and/or management of international civil aviation security activities is required;
• Certified USAP-CMA auditor is required; and
• Good experience in the development, preparation and conduct of security-related technical assessments/audits is required.

Desirable:

• Experience in the administration of complex projects, ideally aviation-related, involving significant levels of resources, including personnel from a variety of backgrounds is desirable;
• 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 emergency situations and national/regional quality control aspects is desirable;
• Experience in the operation and use of specialized security equipment is desirable;
• Experience as an aviation security instructor is desirable;
• Managerial experience is desirable; and
• International experience dealing with civil aviation authorities and industry representatives is desirable.

Languages

Essential:
Fluent reading, writing and speaking abilities in English and French are essential.

Desirable:
A working knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

It should be noted that this post is to be filled on a fixed-term basis for an initial period of 2 years (first year is probationary for an external candidate).

Deadline: 18 August 2022