Chief of the Operations Section

Job Posting Organization:
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 194

• Its mission is to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. ICAO has a workforce of over 1,000 employees and operates in 193 member states. The organization is committed to enhancing gender equality and the advancement of women, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. ICAO's core values include Integrity, Professionalism, and Respect for Diversity.

Job Overview:
The Chief of the Operations Section is responsible for leading the Capacity Development and Implementation (CDI) Bureau's operations, which support ICAO's strategic goals, including the No Country Left Behind initiative. This role involves planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling operations to maximize resource efficiency. The incumbent will ensure that the development and delivery of capacity development solutions meet the needs of stakeholders, aligning with ICAO’s Triennial Business Plan and Strategic Plan 2026-205

• The Chief will supervise all staff within the Section, manage consultants, and be accountable for the quality of services delivered. The position requires a strategic mindset to expand and strengthen the Bureau’s programs and services, ensuring effective management of Field Operations Services and related units, and overseeing the development of data products and training initiatives. The Chief will also lead the establishment of strategic partnerships and ensure adherence to governance and quality assurance frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to expand the Bureau’s programs and services, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Lead the preparation and monitoring of the Section’s annual operational plan.
• Propose new operational policies and approaches to senior management.
• Supervise Heads of Operational Units, ensuring effective workload distribution and prioritization.
• Monitor business development pipelines and oversee operational decision-making.
• Drive the strategic alignment of product design with stakeholder needs.
• Oversee the development of technical requirements for procurement and quality assurance.
• Ensure effective integration of implementation planning and support activities.
• Manage expert sourcing and procurement implementation services. 1
• Ensure adherence to governance, risk management, and quality assurance standards. 1
• Lead and manage the work and staff of the Operations Section, promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. 1
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced-level university degree in aviation, business administration, engineering, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Project Management Certification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) is desirable.
• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible managerial experience in civil aviation is essential.
• Five years of experience in aviation-related matters at the international or regional level is required.
• Experience in strategic and business planning, product diversification strategies, and dealing with international financial institutions is essential.
• Familiarity with contemporary systems related to enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management is required.

Educational Background:
An advanced-level university degree (e.g., Master's degree or equivalent) in aviation, business administration, engineering, or a related field is essential. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Project Management Certification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) is desirable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible managerial experience in civil aviation, with at least five years at the international or regional level. Candidates should have experience in strategic planning, product diversification strategies, and working with international financial institutions. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning and project management systems is also essential.

Languages:
Fluent reading, writing, and speaking abilities in English are essential. A working knowledge of any other language of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is desirable.

Additional Notes:
This position is fixed-term for an initial period of three years, with the first year being probationary for external candidates. ICAO staff members are international civil servants and may be assigned to any activities or offices of the Organization. The statutory retirement age for staff entering or re-entering service after January 1, 2014, is 6

• The position offers a net base salary of USD 92,731 per annum, plus a post adjustment of USD 44,325 per annum, subject to change. Interested candidates must complete an online application form on the ICAO Careers website. ICAO does not charge fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the selection process.