Consultant supporting the Task Force on USAP

The Aviation Security Audit (ASA) Section is one of four Sections involved with Aviation Security and Facilitation (ASF) within the Air Transport Bureau (ATB) and is charged with delivering results in line with ICAO’s Strategic Goal – Every Flight is Safe and Secure. Its primary responsibility is to manage and implement the ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme’s continuous monitoring approach (USAP-CMA), which is aimed at promoting global aviation security through the continuous auditing and monitoring of Member States’ aviation security performance, including assessing the level of implementation of the critical elements of each State’s aviation security oversight system and the degree of compliance with the Standards of Annex 17 – Security and the security-related provisions of Annex 9 – Facilitation, as well as associated procedures, guidance material and security-related practices.

The incumbent reports directly to the Chief of the ASA Section (C/ASA), from whom s/he receives instructions and seeks advice and guidance on difficult assignments and complex technical issues. The incumbent is expected to perform the majority of his/her work remotely, with occasional travel required in the performance of her/his duties. It is expected that the incumbent works autonomously, consulting and collaborating with other ASA staff, staff of different ICAO Bureaux and State representatives, as necessary. 

Develop the USAP way forward, achieving results such as:   

• Review the current USAP-CMA and define evidence-based options for its future direction.
  • Facilitate a structured review of the programme’s methodology, tools, processes and reporting mechanisms to identify opportunities to strengthen credibility, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and value to Member States.
  • Analyse feedback and proposals from Member States, TF-USAP and SSG members, and other relevant stakeholders to identify recurring concerns, expectations and practical options for programme evolution.
  • Develop clear, risk-informed options that strengthen alignment among Annex 17 Standards, security-related Annex 9 Standards, Protocol Questions, guidance material and GASeP monitoring needs.
• Enhance the programme’s outcomes and usefulness to States.
  • Identify approaches to improve audit preparation, clarify expected outcomes, strengthen root-cause analysis and support more effective follow-up to corrective action plans.
  • Assess the implications, benefits, risks and resource requirements of proposed enhancements for States, auditors, ICAO Regional Offices, the Secretariat and other relevant stakeholders.
• Support informed decision-making and implementation.
  • Prepare concise recommendations and supporting material for consideration by the TF-USAP, AVSEC Panel and HLCAS/3.
  • Propose a clear pathway for implementation and further decision-making.

Support the work of the TF-USAP, achieving results such as: 

• Draft meeting documentation, agendas, summaries, reports, discussion papers and decision-support material required for TF-USAP meetings and follow-up activities.
• Support the consolidation and analysis of inputs, concerns and proposals received from TF-USAP members, observers, Member States, industry and relevant ICAO groups, ensuring that key issues and proposed actions are clearly captured.
• Assist in developing working papers, presentations and briefing material for the AVSEC Panel, HLCAS/3 and other relevant forums on the review of the USAP-CMA and the proposed way forward.
• Facilitate coordination between ASA, ASP, ISD-SEC, FAL the USAP Secretariat Study Group, relevant AVSEC Panel working groups, ICAO Regional Offices and TF-USAP members to ensure policy, audit, assistance and implementation considerations are appropriately reflected.
• Track TF-USAP decisions, action items, timelines and deliverables, ensuring that follow-up work remains organized, timely and aligned with the expected outputs of the review process.
• Support the development of clear communication products for Member States, including material explaining the purpose, benefits, expected outcomes and future direction of the USAP-CMA.

Perform other duties as assigned.

A first-level university degree in combination with five (5) additional years of qualifying experience in aviation security, risk management or a related field may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Essential 

• Considerable experience (10 years or more) in an aviation security or civil aviation environment, including 5 years in progressively responsible positions related to oversight and/or management of international civil aviation security activities; 
• Certified USAP-CMA auditor; 
• Familiarity with Annex 17 – Security Standards and related guidance material;
• Significant experience in the development, preparation and conduct of security-related technical assessments/audits;
• Experience in communicating technical and high-level information to a wide range of audiences;
• Experience in developing policy papers and/or guidance material (preferably focused on aviation cybersecurity topics). 

 Desirable 

• Experience with organizing and managing international meetings, including conferences, symposia, and workshops. 
• Experience in project management 
• Familiarity with Annex 9 – Facilitation Standards and related guidance material;

Essential

•     Fluent reading, writing and speaking abilities in English. 

Desirable

•     A working knowledge of a second language of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

It should be noted that this consultancy is to be filled for a period of eleven (11) months. This is a full-time position.

Please note that the daily rate for Band C varies from CA$ 402 to CA$ 578.