During the ICAO A41 Assembly in September 2022, a meeting was held between the Capacity Development & Implementation Bureau (CDI), the MID Regional Office of ICAO (MID RO) and the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) to discuss possible areas of cooperation between the ICAA and ICAO.

This Project, IRQ23801, seeks to address the discussions held during the above meeting and subsequent conversations, through the provision of continued assistance with the aim to expand the areas of cooperation as required during the lifetime of the project.

The initial project scope consists of the recruitment and deployment of ICAO International Experts with the status of Operational Assistance (OPAS) as agreed, as well as the administration of their contracts, salary payments and other entitlements. An OPAS Expert is recruited by CDI to serve in an executive capacity as part of the staff of the assisted government. OPAS experts report directly to their superior in the Civil Aviation Authority of the Government.

Under the functional responsibility of the ICAA, with coordination on administrative matters with CDI, achieving such results as:

1. Assess, establish drafts, monitor and update/develop ICAA Law and Regulations related to (PEL section)
2. Develop an organizational structure for the (PEL Section) in line with the requirements of ICAO Standards.
3. Issue and develop methodology of staffing needs such as Man-Hour Plans for PEL inspectors and coordinate with other flight safety areas.
4. Issue and develop Job Description (JD) for each category of PEL inspectors according to ICAO requirements.
5. Develop and improve the entire documents for technical instruction such as (Procedure/Handbooks, rulemaking, Forms, Checklists, Certification, Advisory Circulars, etc.) and all the related documents for PEL section according to ICAO requirements.
6. Prepare checklists in accordance with regulatory requirements.
7. Check the files of PEL section for completeness and integrity and identify any shortcomings.
8. Propose and implement a new documentation system in the area of PEL Section based on ICA requirements.

Under the functional responsibility of the ICAA, with coordination on administrative matters with CDI, achieving such results as:

1. Perform an assessment of ICAA-FSD (PEL) staff depending on ICAO minimum qualification requirement, and define the solution then implement it.
2. Prepare a training program and training plan for (PEL section) staff in coordination with other relevant sections and develop/implement a system to keep the training needs and records up to date for all inspectors.
3. Provide On-the-Job-Training to the PEL staff in the Flight Safety Department.
4. Maintain and develop training file records for all Flight Safety Department staff in related positions, documenting and retaining in the trainee’s file the competencies assessment and their associated performance criteria.
5. Qualify counterparts/staff in the Civil Aviation Authority – Flight Safety Department to perform work tasks in designated department in terms of decision-making and a discreet work mechanism.

Under the functional responsibility of the ICAA, with coordination on administrative matters with CDI, achieving such results as:

1. Establish a surveillance program and procedure (Audit, Inspections, etc.) and develop the annual audit plan (scheduled and random), forms, check lists and follow up and raising non-conformity remarks, reviewing corrective action proposals, closing or escalating non- conformity cases as appropriate.
2. Prepare for the USOAP audit/validation activity in PEL for all safety domains (CE-1 to CE-8), ICAO Coordinated Validation Missions (ICVMs), CC-EFOD, Self-Assessments and develop and follow up of subsequent Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) including resolution of Significant Safety Concerns (SSC) in the area of PEL section, if any.
3. Assist in the implementation of USOAP CMA CAPS and provide support through the following:

• Analyze the compliance of PEL regulations to applicable ICAO SARPs and draft the compliance checklist and notify difference.
• Review the ICAA responses to all PQs (as provided by the ICAA in the previous USOAP CMA OLF).
• Develop corrective action plans (CAPs) for the PQs responses that experts deem to be unsatisfactory.
• Draft procedures, policies, and regulations to establish the framework for implementation of the CAPs for all of the PQs.
• Establish the required regulations and procedures (resolution of safety concern, check lists, reports, forms, etc.) for investigation and enforcement, in coordination with concerned sections. – Investigate occurrence reports submitted to ICAA and propose necessary mitigation and enforcement measures, as required.

The incumbent establishes relationships, contact and coordinates with internal and external aviation stakeholders such as ICAA professional, technical personnel from airline companies and managers.

Core Competencies:

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style, and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

University degree in aviation related field or equivalent qualifications.