Director of Capacity Development and Implementation (CDI) Bureau

Job Posting Organization:
The Capacity Development and Implementation (CDI) Bureau is part of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which supports six strategic goals aimed at enhancing global civil aviation safety, capacity, and efficiency. The Bureau was established to provide needs-based implementation support to States through various projects and innovative services, ensuring that aviation needs and challenges are effectively addressed. It operates through dedicated sections that facilitate the delivery of its mandate, manages revenue-generating activities, and oversees budgeting and risk management to ensure financial sustainability. The CDI Bureau also plays a crucial role in ICAO’s aviation training activities, ensuring access to comprehensive and up-to-date training programs, and leads project management across ICAO Regions. The Bureau is responsible for the recruitment and deployment of experts for field activities under CDI projects, maintaining high standards through technical support and quality assurance. The Director of CDI reports directly to the Secretary General and is tasked with directing and managing the execution of ICAO’s Capacity Development and Implementation Programme, formulating strategies, policies, and business plans, and providing leadership for innovative initiatives within CDI.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Capacity Development and Implementation (CDI) Bureau is expected to lead, direct, and manage the Bureau's work and staff, ensuring that high-quality standards are maintained across all work programs and activities. This role involves providing effective direction and guidance to a diverse team, managing performance, and overseeing the planning and implementation of the Bureau's budget. The Director will also implement performance-based management practices, manage human and financial resources, and ensure adherence to ICAO's ethical standards. The position requires participation in Senior Management Board meetings, contributing to the development of the Bureau's strategies and policies, and overseeing the execution of ICAO’s Capacity Development and Implementation Programme. The Director will lead the development of innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing business processes and improving efficiency, while also ensuring compliance with internal control measures and risk management protocols. This role is pivotal in establishing partnerships with third-party donors and funding institutions to support CDI-managed projects, and in providing strategic advice to ICAO Governing Bodies on capacity development matters.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead, direct, and manage the work and staff of the CDI Bureau, ensuring adherence to high-quality standards in all activities.
• Provide effective direction and guidance to a diverse team, managing performance and promoting ethical standards.
• Plan, direct, and report on the Bureau's annual and triennial budget implementation.
• Implement performance-based management practices, including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Manage human and financial resources, ensuring service quality and timely delivery.
• Oversee recruitment and development of staff, promoting geographical and gender balance.
• Participate in Senior Management Board meetings and implement decisions made by the Secretary General.
• Direct the Project Quality Management System, maintaining high audit standards.
• Develop overall strategies for CDI, aligning with ICAO Assembly and Council decisions. 1
• Lead the development of the Business Plan for CDI, determining priorities and resource allocation. 1
• Ensure timely implementation of CDI work program activities and coordination with other organizations. 1
• Provide leadership for innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing business processes and systems. 1
• Oversee implementation of internal control measures and risk management within CDI’s portfolio. 1
• Establish processes for effective project implementation and maintain a roster of qualified aviation experts. 1
• Oversee cross-cutting portfolios, including ICAO’s Next Generation of Aviation Professionals program. 1
• Direct project development and funding activities, fostering partnerships with donors and funding institutions. 1
• Provide authoritative policy advice to the Secretary General and contribute to the development of overall strategies and policies. 1
• Serve as Secretary of the ICAO Technical Cooperation and Implementation Support Committee, managing its work effectively. 1
• Represent ICAO at international meetings and liaise with government officials on capacity development matters. 2
• Develop and implement strategies for revenue-generating activities and resource mobilization to ensure financial sustainability.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in an aviation-related field, business administration, management, finance, economics, law, or engineering.
• Over 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in aviation safety, air navigation, or related areas, reaching executive level.
• At least five years of senior managerial experience overseeing civil aviation programs and projects.
• Experience at the international level, including high-level negotiations with government authorities.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with strategic vision and skills in managing complex organizations.
• Experience in organizational change management and promoting transformational efforts.
• Familiarity with corporate performance management in public or private sectors is required.
• Desirable experience in partnerships, resource mobilization, and dealing with multilateral financial institutions.
• Experience in public speaking and media engagement is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or academic equivalent) preferably in an aviation-related field or in business administration, management, finance, economics, law, or engineering. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the complexities involved in aviation management and capacity development.

Experience:
The position requires over 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience, reaching an executive level in the planning, management, and coordination of aviation safety, air navigation, or related activities. Candidates must have at least five years of experience at a senior managerial level, overseeing the planning and implementation of civil aviation programs and projects in either public or private sector organizations. Experience at the international level, particularly in dealing with aviation matters that cross national boundaries, is essential, as is demonstrated leadership experience with a strategic vision and proven skills in managing complex organizations.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, proficiency in either French, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), or Russian is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in these languages. This multilingual requirement reflects the international nature of the organization and the need for effective communication across diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term non-career appointment for a period of four years, with the first year being probationary for external candidates. A second fixed-term appointment may be granted, subject to re-appointment procedures, but the combined duration of the initial and second contracts shall not exceed eight years. ICAO staff members are international civil servants and may be assigned to any activities or offices of the Organization. The position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a tax-free annual net base salary of US $176,709, which includes a net base salary of US $128,422 plus a post adjustment of US $48,28

• ICAO also provides various benefits, including dependency allowances, rental subsidies, education grants for children, and international health insurance. The organization promotes a positive workplace culture and encourages inclusivity and diversity within its workforce.