Principal Adviser to the Director Central Route Charges Office & Finance (CF)

Job Posting Organization:
EUROCONTROL is an intergovernmental organization established in 1960, dedicated to supporting European aviation. With a mission to enhance the safety and efficiency of air traffic management across Europe, EUROCONTROL operates in 41 countries and employs over 1,800 professionals. The organization plays a crucial role in coordinating air traffic management and ensuring that the European airspace operates smoothly and efficiently. It collaborates with various stakeholders, including national authorities, air navigation service providers, and the European Union, to develop and implement policies that improve air traffic management systems and processes.

Job Overview:
The Principal Adviser to the Director Central Route Charges Office & Finance (CF) will play a pivotal role in the strategic management and operational oversight of the Directorate. This position requires a seasoned professional who can represent the Director in high-level meetings, lead initiatives aimed at process improvement, and provide expert advice on strategic matters. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing a centralized office function to manage a portfolio of projects, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, and driving cross-directorate initiatives. The role demands a strategic thinker who can analyze trends and policies, advise on organizational changes, and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Member States and governmental bodies. The Principal Adviser will also be expected to conduct research, analyze complex reports, and generate actionable insights to support decision-making processes within the Directorate.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Principal Adviser include:

• Representing the Director CF in key meetings with the Board of Directors, Senior Management, and stakeholders.
• Leading bilateral meetings with Member States to foster collaboration and address challenges.
• Establishing a centralized office function to manage a portfolio of projects focused on process improvement and efficiency.
• Overseeing cross-directorate projects, ensuring timely updates and addressing challenges as they arise.
• Providing strategic expert advice on business activities, policy development, and organizational priorities.
• Monitoring and analyzing trends and external developments to advise the Director on strategic responses.
• Driving cross-functional initiatives and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Conducting research and generating recommendations based on complex strategic reports.
• Advising on organizational change initiatives and ensuring effective implementation. 1
• Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders to guide mutually beneficial outcomes. 1
• Carrying out any other tasks in line with the main purpose of the job.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must fulfill one of the following requirements:

• Completion of third level studies in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Public Administration) meeting European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 7, followed by at least 15 years of relevant professional experience, including 10 years in management or strategic activities.
• Completion of third level studies in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Public Administration) meeting EQF Level 6, followed by at least 16 years of relevant professional experience, including 10 years in management or strategic activities. Candidates should also have proficiency and experience in a strategic advisory role at a senior level, strategy development, managing cross-functional projects, and engaging with senior stakeholders. Additionally, candidates should possess political awareness and sensitivity to the international aviation environment, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a multinational and multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a completed degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration or Public Administration. The degree must meet the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) standards, with Level 7 or Level 6 being acceptable depending on the years of professional experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of the role and the strategic environment in which EUROCONTROL operates.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically at least 15 years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a Level 7 qualification, or 16 years for those with a Level 6 qualification. This experience must include a minimum of 10 years in management or strategic activities. Candidates should have a proven track record in strategic advisory roles, managing cross-functional projects, and engaging with senior stakeholders, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and drive initiatives effectively.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English at level C1 (oral/writing) is mandatory. Candidates must also acquire at least a basic knowledge of French (level A1) before the end of the probation period. This language requirement is crucial for effective communication within the multinational and multicultural environment of EUROCONTROL, where both English and French are working languages.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for a duration of 3 years, with the possibility of extension or conversion into an undetermined contract. The selected candidate will undergo a probationary period of nine months before being established in the post. Applications are accepted only from nationals of EUROCONTROL Member States. The position operates under a hybrid working model, allowing for a combination of onsite presence and remote work, although full-time remote work is not permitted. The successful candidate will be appointed at the grade specified in the vacancy notice, and candidates not selected will be placed on a reserve list for similar roles, valid for one year from the closing date of applications. EUROCONTROL is committed to equality and diversity in its hiring practices.