The British Embassy Dubai has a vacancy for an Aviation Security In- Country Coordinator, job grade Executive Officer (EO) on a fixed-term contract for two (2) years, with possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and on-going business requirement.

The UK has the third largest aviation industry in the world and aviation security has become a high priority in light of the current threat environment. Whilst we have control over security arrangements applied in the UK, our influence over security procedures applied to inbound flights is much less direct. It is of great importance that the right security measures are applied for flights to the UK, for the safety of all passengers on those flights whether UK citizens or not and it is of economic importance, for the UK and partner countries, that we maintain the conditions under which essential airlines can continue and grow. 

The Transport Security Directorate (TSD) works across the Department for Transport (DfT), His Majesty’s Government (HMG) and with partners to mitigate the threats the transport sector faces domestically and internationally. 

We lead on high profile work to implement and improve the transport sector’s cyber security, maritime and aviation security regimes as well as working with international partners to raise global standards and build capability. As the national security threat to transport evolves, TSD works to ensure that these issues are reflected in the Department’s work and to ensure that we balance prosperity with security objectives.

Within TSD, the Aviation Security International Operations (ASIO) division support DfT strategic priorities by working collaboratively with host states and partners to assess vulnerabilities and build aviation security capabilities in a number of high-risk locations – ASIO’s priority countries. The work undertaken by ASIO is critical in supporting senior officials and Minister’s risk tolerance and as an approach to mitigating the inbound aviation threat to the UK. ASIO’s vision is to be an engaged and empowered team that delivers a world leading service, working collaboratively with our partners to mitigate the risk of a terrorist attack against inbound civil aviation.

ASIO works closely with DfT’s Aviation Security Strategy & Policy (ASSP) Division to manage the risk of an attack against inbound aviation as well as working to improve global aviation security standards bilaterally and through raising international standards. 

The Aviation Security Coordinator (ASCO) for United Arab Emirates and Oman, who will be based at the British Embassy in Dubai, will directly support the Aviation Security Strategic Engagement Lead for the UAE and Aviation Security Project Delivery Manager for Oman (both based in London) in building and sustaining relationships with the UAE and Omani governments and other key stakeholders on a wide range of aviation security issues, in order to help deliver the Department for Transport’s core objectives of improving aviation security standards.

The jobholder will be responsible for the delivery of Capability Development (Cap Dev) projects in the ASIO Country Plan including project management, financial management and reporting. The jobholder will also have a key role in delivering engagement activities e.g. visits by the Strategic Engagement Lead and DfT seniors to Post, and inward visits by overseas stakeholders to the UK.

The FCDO is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We do not discriminate on any basis, including categories protected by law. In keeping with the FCDO’s commitment to disability inclusion in the workplace, hiring managers must incorporate the principles set out in the FCDO Disability Confident scheme job applications in the CBS recruitment process.  Our CBS are recruited by Missions in-country in line with local employment laws.

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Supporting the development, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of Capability Development activities. Capability Development activity can include training, operational mentoring, the provision of equipment, the management of visits and events and longer-term projects.
• Delivery of day-to-day engagement and maintenance of effective working relationships and partnerships with Aviation Security stakeholders and other governments to achieve Department for Transport aviation security objectives in UAE & Oman.
• Logistical support for Aviation Security assessments of airports in UAE and Oman and inward delegation visits by stakeholders to the UK including record keeping, travel bookings where required and organising meetings/events.
• Financial management of office expenses and Capability Development projects in line with guidance including procurement activity.
• Provide protocol and cultural advice.
• Contributing to ASIO/DfT corporate objectives.
• Contributing to FCDO and Embassy corporate objectives.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required. 

Key behaviours required: 

• Communicating and Influencing: Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses, and opinions of others.
• Delivering at Pace: Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Managing a Quality Service: Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise, and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
• Working Together: Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.

Eligibility: 

Applicants must be able to obtain an appropriate level of UK Security Clearance and be able to obtain a valid UAE police clearance certificate. Higher clearances can be granted only to certain nationalities. For this reason, candidates must be of British, American, Australian, Canadian, or New Zealand nationality in order to gain and maintain the level of clearance required. 

• Strong administrative skills and high level of organization, capable of working to a variety of workstreams and across various projects under changing priorities while performing well under pressure.
• Fluent in English with ability to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely to a wider audience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work as part of a team and be adaptable to the working environment.
• Project management skills combined with a strong customer-focused approach and ability to deliver quality service.
• Able to organise and prioritise workload and meet deadlines under changing priorities whilst maintaining close attention to detail and without compromising the quality of the work.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving, including resolving issues through appropriate channels such as calls or site visits where more appropriate.
• Sound judgment, with the ability to make decisions, escalate issues when necessary.
• Demonstrates initiative and the ability to work independently, seeking guidance when essential.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams).