JOB OVERVIEW
As a Certification Director, you will drive the overall vision of the Directorate, provide strategic direction and leadership in achieving strategic objectives and priorities, while actively embodying EASA values and leadership principles as a vital member of the Management Community.
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
* Impact EASA strategic direction
: Provide vision, strategic direction and leadership to the Directorate's management and advise the Executive Director on EASA's mission and strategy. Establish strategic priorities and objectives for the Directorate and drive the efficient execution. Guide Heads of Department in aligning objectives with EASA's strategic goals.
* Act as an EASA Ambassador
: Promote EASA's mission and achievements, values and image in high-level and strategic situations, including media exposure. Build trust with high-level stakeholders and politically sensitive counterparts through effective communication and strategic enhancement.
* Strive for change and innovation
: Encourage a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and learning within the Certification Directorate, aiming to reach targets such as: efficiency, agility & innovation, improvement of the certification processes and successful change management. Foster collaboration through open and transparent communication and cultivate professional development opportunities across teams.
* Adapt to digital transformation and new technologies
: Leverage data-driven insights to make informed decisions. Guide the Directorate in adopting and integrating new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and strategic outcomes.
* Foster an inclusive and diverse workforce:
Promote equal opportunities and value diversity by leading by example. Encourage providing and receiving feedback, valuing, and integrating diverse perspectives into business solutions.
* Ensure effectiveness, efficiency, and business continuity:
Proactively review and enhance processes, team performance, resource allocation, team, and job composition within the Directorate. Drive forward the implementation of EASA strategy for the Directorate, ensuring that operational activities align with strategic priorities.
* Lead, Develop, and Empower
: Lead and inspire diverse teams. Encourage staff engagement and build trust through open and transparent communication, providing clear directions. Challenge staff and assign clear objectives, enabling them to maximize their performance by giving constructive feedback and regularly monitoring progress. Lead by example in line with EASA values and leadership principles, demonstrating managerial courage in decision-making, and integrating lessons learned.
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES
The Certification Directorate contributes to a safe and environmentally compatible aviation system in Europe by performing the following core activities: initial airworthiness certification, continuing airworthiness of type designs, environmental certification, design organisation approval. In addition, the Certification Directorate leads the Agency's regulatory and executive tasks in support of the innovative air mobility new aviation sector.
* Ensure certification activities are performed to maintain or improve aviation safety levels and environmental protection.
* Support the Agency's safety, innovation, research and sustainability strategic objectives.
* Lead the planning, allocation and prioritisation of human and financial resources in the Directorate, aiming to ensure cost effectiveness, efficiency and sound management of the functions.
* Promote cross-directorate cooperation, knowledge & resource-sharing.
* Liaise with the Agency's bilateral partners and stakeholders worldwide in an integrated, harmonised and coordinated manner, in particular: the aviation industry, aviation authorities, aviation associations, and the relevant EU and public Institutions.
Admission Criteria
The following constitute eligibility and essential criteria for the role to be admitted to the selection process. Candidates not fulfilling these criteria by the deadline for applications, will be excluded from the selection:
* Thorough knowledge of English (at least level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and a satisfactory knowledge of another official language of the European Union (at least level B2).*
* Be a national of a Member State of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
* Completed university studies of at least 4 years in the scope of the job profile. After obtaining the degree, at least 15 years of relevant professional experience in the domain of aviation. Alternatively, completion of at least 3 years of university studies as above, followed by at least 16 years of relevant professional experience in the domain of aviation.**
* At least 8 years of recent managerial experience, out of which at least 4 at senior level with proven capacity to successfully lead teams of professionals in different domains and to ensure financial sustainability.
* Proven experience in the aviation sector with responsibility for product design, certification, and/or regulatory oversight activities.
* Proven knowledge of the EU airworthiness certification system and the international context of certification processes, including associated concept of organisation approvals as shown by training and/or professional experience.
* English oral and written skills will be assessed throughout the assessment phase. Mother tongue English speakers will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of a second EU language.
** This vacancy is open as well to Temporary Agents (2f) employed at EASA, in the grade bracket AD 11 - AD 14. Staff members on grade AD 11 should have at least 2 years seniority in the grade in order to be eligible to apply.
Selection Criteria
The following constitute advantageous criteria for the role. Candidates not fulfilling these criteria will not be excluded from the selection:
* Strong track record of working with the stakeholders in the aviation certification domain and liaising with foreign authorities.
* Good knowledge of EU aviation safety legislation and the obligations of EU bodies, Member States and organisations therein.
The selection process is based on the assessment of the professional skills and competences listed below. While these are considered essential for performing the role effectively, candidates who do not meet all criteria may still be considered.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
* Change Management
* Resource Management
* Strategy development and planning
* Stakeholder Management
* Crisis Management
* Product certification
* Familiarity with certification processes, techniques, methods, and specifications
* General understanding of EASA regulations & aviation safety standards
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCES
* Communication
* Flexibility & Change Adaptability
* Guiding Staff
* Engaging Staff
* Managing Ambiguity
* Strategic Agility
Conditions of Employment
Contract:
5 years contract as Temporary Agent 2 (f) with possibility of extension.
Working hours:
40 hrs per week (on a full-time working pattern). Flexible working arrangements.
Salary:
Depending on work experience. Additional allowances depending on personal situation.
Location:
Cologne, Germany (relocation is required).