Job Description
Foreign Affairs Specialist
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Office of APL, Office of International Aviation, Africa, Europe & Middle East Staff, AEU-10
Summary
This position is located in the Office of Policy, International Aviation, and Environment, APL, Africa, Europe & Middle East Office, Office of International Aviation, Africa, Europe & Middle East Staff. The incumbent serves as the FAA desk officer and a focal point on U.S. civil aviation policies, practices and procedures in his/her geographic area of responsibility.
Duties
Performs multiple, varying and complex assignments under the minimal direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist. Acts as principal technical specialist or as a project manager or team leader for large work activities. Works with subject matter experts and the assigned FAA senior representative to proactively implement the key focus areas of FAA's global leadership by: (1) developing initiatives that advance U.S. standards, policies, and procedures to achieve a more safe, efficient and sustainable global air transportation system and competitive marketplace; (2) formulating strategies to help achieve a common system of air traffic control and air navigation for both civil and military aircraft; (3) identifying and executing bilateral arrangements that codify U.S. and foreign commitments to harmonize standards, and/or adopt U.S. practices through targeted technical assistance and cooperative arrangements; (4) collaborating with FAA Lines of Businesses (LOBs) to advance the international component of FAA programmatic initiatives as the international standard and to ensure interoperability; and (5) working with ICAO regional bodies and entities, other designated regional bodies, as well as identified critical states and partners, to formulate FAA initiatives of appropriate scope and scale to U.S. interests that efficiently leverage the FAA presence and efficacy in the world.
As a core function, supports the FAA's international mission through the following activities: (1) Develops and/or coordinates, as appropriate, briefing and background papers on technical, policy and political aspects of international aviation issues, in preparation for and in support of anticipated meetings, travel, or decision-making by senior FAA officials. Develops recommendations on the appropriate FAA engagement on international programs and projects. Arranges the necessary logistical support for such events and ensures appropriate FAA representation. (2) Develops international agreements, coordinates program requirements, and arranges for the resources (personnel, equipment, funding) required to execute agreed upon FAA responsibilities associated with international technical assistance; (3) Collaborates and builds relationships with other LOBs and Staff Offices, FAA senior representatives; the Department of Transportation, other U.S. Government agencies, such as the Departments of State and Commerce; aerospace industry associations, representatives of U.S. Embassies and foreign governments, including civil aviation officials in those countries; and representatives of international and regional groups such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and its regional organizations. (4) Develops and presents analyses related to policies, positions and programs. Develops and presents integrated strategies to achieve objectives within the assigned geographic portfolio. (5) Collects, analyzes, and distributes critical information and intelligence in his/her area of responsibility; (6) Contributes to the FAA's strategic planning by formulating FAA initiatives of appropriate scope and scale to U.S. interests that efficiently leverage the FAA presence and efficacy in the world.
As assigned, the incumbent serves as back-up to counterpart employees in the staff for the performance of the above duties for countries other than those for which he/she has primary responsibility.
Applies experience and comprehensive technical knowledge applicable to international aviation issues, as well as an understanding of new technologies and methodologies, to solve complex problems and develop improved technical processes or systems. Considers the objectives of the major subdivision and LOB/SO when developing, integrating, and implementing solutions to diverse, complex problems.