Validation & Implementation Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
EUROCONTROL is an intergovernmental organization established in 1960, dedicated to supporting European aviation. With a mission to develop a seamless, pan-European air traffic management system, EUROCONTROL operates across 41 member states and employs over 1,800 professionals. The organization focuses on enhancing the safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of air traffic management in Europe, working closely with various stakeholders in the aviation sector.

Job Overview:
The Validation & Implementation Assistant will play a crucial role in providing specialized technical support by analyzing proposed system changes and assessing their impact on operational processes. This position involves developing, planning, and implementing validation protocols for both new and existing systems and processes, in collaboration with relevant subject matter experts and end users. The assistant will coordinate the validation of proposed system changes through functional tests and ensure that tools, systems, and methods meet specified requirements and standards. Additionally, the role includes participating in working groups and projects aimed at operational enhancements and technical developments, monitoring systems after new implementations, and supporting the drafting of technical documents and reports related to validation and implementation activities. The assistant will also be expected to develop knowledge and skills in their field of expertise under the guidance of more senior staff, and carry out any other tasks in line with the main purpose of the job.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide specialized technical support by analyzing proposed system changes and assessing their impact on operational processes.
• Develop, plan, and implement validation protocols for new and existing systems and processes in cooperation with relevant subject matter experts and end users.
• Coordinate the validation of proposed system changes by performing functional tests and validating tools/systems/methods to ensure they meet specified requirements and standards.
• Identify and address any issues or non-conformances during the validation process.
• Participate in working groups and projects aimed at operational enhancements, technical developments, or validation exercises.
• Monitor systems by evaluating operational occurrences, particularly after new system implementation.
• Support the drafting of technical working documents, reports, presentations, etc., related to validation and implementation activities, ensuring that updates are available and published.
• Develop knowledge and skills in the field of expertise under the guidance of more senior staff.
• Carry out any other tasks in line with the main purpose of the job.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed secondary education meeting EQF Level 4 followed by at least 8 years of relevant professional experience, or completed post-secondary education meeting EQF Level 5 (or higher) followed by at least 5 years of relevant professional experience. Internal candidates can check on the intranet for equivalent in-house experience. Experience in supporting system changes and associated processes is essential. Candidates should also have an understanding of validation and testing methodologies, such as the European Operational Concept Validation Methodology (EOCVM) and principles from ISTQB, as well as familiarity with software development approaches like Agile and V-Model. Technical drafting skills in English are required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes completion of secondary education meeting EQF Level 4 or post-secondary education meeting EQF Level 5 or higher. Candidates must provide documentary evidence confirming they meet the minimum education requirements during the application process.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant professional experience for candidates with post-secondary education or at least 8 years for those with secondary education. Experience in supporting system changes and associated processes is crucial, along with an understanding of validation and testing methodologies and familiarity with software development approaches.

Languages:
Proficiency in English at level C1 is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the Agency. Knowledge of French is also beneficial but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as an Assistant role at levels AST4-AST6, with a duration of 5 years, subject to renewal or conversion under certain conditions. The selected candidate must reside in Maastricht or within a reasonable proximity. The working arrangement is hybrid, combining onsite presence with remote work opportunities, though full-time remote work is not permitted. Applications are accepted only from nationals of EUROCONTROL Member States. The selected candidate will be engaged according to the General conditions of employment governing servants at the EUROCONTROL Maastricht Centre. Candidates not selected will be placed on a reserve list for similar roles, valid for one year from the closing date of applications.