Operational Specialist (Air Traffic Domain)

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 member states and employs over 1,800 professionals. The organization plays a crucial role in coordinating air traffic management and ensuring the seamless operation of air transport in Europe, focusing on innovation, research, and the implementation of new technologies to improve aviation performance and sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Operational Specialist (Air Traffic Domain) will be a key player within the Aviation Transformation Directorate at EUROCONTROL, specifically in the Innovation Hub. This role involves leading and contributing to the development of aviation transport-related concepts, capturing stakeholders' operational needs, and defining requirements. The specialist will validate these concepts operationally, coordinating with technical experts and validation teams. The position also requires providing operational support and advice on air transport topics, participating in workshops, and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders. The role is designed for individuals who are passionate about improving aviation performance and safety through innovation and research, and who can effectively bridge the gap between research and operational implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Operational Specialist include:

• Leading the development of aviation transport concepts by capturing operational needs and defining requirements.
• Validating these concepts from an operational perspective and coordinating with technical experts for objectives and planning.
• Preparing and providing training for simulation preparation phases and supporting validation activities.
• Conducting operational analyses and reporting on validation results.
• Offering operational support and advice on air transport-related topics, including R&I projects and rulemaking groups.
• Organizing and participating in workshops with stakeholders to foster collaboration and innovation.
• Carrying out additional tasks aligned with the main purpose of the job as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet one of the following qualifications:

• Completion of third-level studies meeting European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 7 in a relevant domain (e.g., Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics) with at least 4 years of relevant operational experience in air traffic control, airline operations, or airport operations in Europe.
• Professional training of an equivalent level with a corresponding professional license (e.g., air traffic control license, pilot license) and at least 4 years of relevant operational experience in the same fields. Additionally, candidates should have recent experience in applying operational procedures and using operational systems in air traffic control, airports, airlines, or air traffic flow management.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree that meets the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 7, which typically corresponds to a master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Science, Engineering, or Applied Mathematics. Alternatively, candidates may possess a professional training qualification at an equivalent level, along with the necessary professional licenses relevant to air traffic control or aviation operations.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of four years of relevant operational experience in air traffic control, airline operations, or airport operations within Europe. This experience should include recent application of operational procedures and familiarity with operational systems in at least one of the specified domains. Experience in concept development, design, and validation in air traffic management or related fields is also essential.

Languages:
Proficiency in English at level C1 is mandatory for this position, as the working language of the agency is English. Candidates must also be able to become at least a basic user of French at level A1 before the end of the probation period. This requirement ensures effective communication within the multinational and multicultural environment of EUROCONTROL.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered on a contract basis for a duration of three years, with the possibility of renewal or conversion under specific conditions. The selected candidate will be required to complete a probationary period of nine months. The role operates under a hybrid working model, allowing for a combination of onsite presence and remote work, although full-time remote work is not permitted. Applications are accepted only from nationals of EUROCONTROL Member States, and candidates may need to provide documentary evidence of their qualifications. The organization is committed to equality and diversity, and in cases of equal merit, preference may be given to applicants from under-represented diversity characteristics.