CONOPS Expert

Job Posting Organization:
EUROCONTROL is an intergovernmental organization established to support European aviation. It was founded in 1960 and has grown to encompass 41 member states. The organization is dedicated to ensuring safe and efficient air traffic management across Europe, providing a range of services including air navigation services, training, and operational support. With a workforce of over 1,800 employees, EUROCONTROL operates in various countries, focusing on enhancing the performance of air traffic management systems and fostering cooperation among its member states. The organization is committed to innovation and sustainability in aviation, aiming to improve the overall efficiency and safety of air travel.

Job Overview:
The CONOPS Expert position is crucial within the Directorate of the Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre, specifically in the Operations Division. The selected candidate will be responsible for providing technical expertise and guidance in the development, validation, and implementation of Concepts of Operations (CONOPS). This role involves drafting and refining the lifecycle of CONOPS and associated user requirements, ensuring that they align with defined objectives. The expert will consult with both internal and external stakeholders to gather user requirements for improvements and will create and review specifications for new concepts or systems. Additionally, the role includes conducting feasibility studies and operational analyses to evaluate current CONOPS systems and processes, identifying areas for enhancement, and supporting decision-making processes. The expert will also coordinate operational and digital solutions with relevant partners to ensure stakeholder satisfaction and will support the implementation and monitoring of initiatives by coordinating operational changes. Participation in audits and ensuring the implementation of recommendations is also part of the role, along with any other tasks aligned with the primary purpose of the job.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical expertise and guidance in the development, validation, and implementation of CONOPS and associated user requirements.
• Draft and improve the lifecycle of CONOPS and requirements, ensuring traceability to defined objectives.
• Consult with internal and external stakeholders to identify user requirements for improvements.
• Create and review specifications for new concepts and/or systems.
• Conduct or lead studies, activities, or projects regarding feasibility/impact assessments and/or operational analyses.
• Evaluate current CONOPS systems and processes, identifying areas for enhancement, potential synergies, and inconsistencies.
• Support decision-making by gathering and assessing operational and/or system needs, identifying trends and patterns, and providing reporting and recommendations.
• Coordinate operational/digital solutions with relevant internal and external partners to ensure stakeholder satisfaction.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of initiatives by coordinating implementation activities of operational changes. 1
• Ensure consistency with defined CONOPS and requirements and monitor progress. 1
• Attend Topical Teams and baseline planning meetings to assure planning alignment with strategic development and OPS Strategy roadmap. 1
• Collaborate and share expertise by participating in cross-functional teams, workshops, and external fora. 1
• Contribute expertise in CONOPS development and operational integration. 1
• Participate in audits and ensure the implementation of recommendations. 1
• Carry out any other tasks in line with the main purpose of the job.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed relevant third-level studies in fields such as engineering or safety, meeting the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 6, followed by at least four years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with EQF Level 7 qualifications must have at least three years of relevant professional experience. Knowledge of air traffic management (ATM) operations, concepts, and European ATM developments is essential. Experience in concept development, including user requirement derivation and analysis, as well as operational analysis and data interpretation, is required. Candidates should also have an understanding of change management and prioritization processes, as well as familiarity with regulatory frameworks such as EASA, SES, and ICAO. Technical drafting skills in English, project management skills, and the ability to plan and organize effectively are also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate teamwork, problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills, and analytical thinking. The ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment is crucial, along with professional conduct in line with the corporate behaviors of the Agency.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to have completed relevant third-level studies in engineering, safety, or related fields. The educational qualifications must meet the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 6 or Level 7, depending on the years of professional experience. Candidates should be able to provide documentary evidence confirming they meet the minimum education requirements if selected for the position.

Experience:
Candidates must possess a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience if they hold an EQF Level 6 qualification. For those with an EQF Level 7 qualification, at least three years of relevant professional experience is required. This experience should be directly related to the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly in areas such as ATM operations, concept development, and operational analysis.

Languages:
Proficiency in English at level C1 is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the Agency. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. Knowledge of French is also beneficial but not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as an Administrator role at levels AD6-AD9, with a duration of five years, subject to renewal or conversion under certain conditions. The selected candidate must reside in Maastricht or within a reasonable proximity to fulfill their duties satisfactorily. The working arrangement follows a hybrid model, combining onsite presence with remote work opportunities, although full-time remote work is not permitted. Candidates should note that applications will only be accepted from nationals of EUROCONTROL Member States. The selected candidate will undergo a probationary period of nine months before being established in the post. The appointment will be made in accordance with the General conditions of employment governing servants at the EUROCONTROL Maastricht Centre.