Flight Operations Inspector – Fixed Wing Aircraft

Role Flight Operations Inspector - Fixed Wing Aircraft
Salary Scale Commensurate to the qualifications & experience of the successful candidate

Reports to Manager Flight Operations (Scheduled Operations Division) or Manager Flight Operations (Non-Scheduled Operations Division, including Training Organisations/Examiners)
Location The Times Building, 11-12 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2.

Position Full time

Duration Permanent

All applications will be considered for the position of Flight Operations Inspector (Scheduled) and Flight Operations Inspector (Non-Scheduled).

Candidates who have successfully completed the selection process but for whom there isn’t a current vacancy, will be placed on a Panel for either of the two roles mentioned above and will be advised accordingly. These Panels will be maintained for a period of 12 months. Should a suitable vacancy arise during that period, candidates will be offered a position in order of merit from the selection process

THE IRISH AVIATION AUTHORITY

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is the single aviation regulator for Ireland. We are responsible for the regulation of safety, security and consumer interests. For more information, please visit our website: About the Irish Aviation Authority (iaa.ie).

Mission: The Irish Aviation Authority regulates to the highest professional standards to ensure a safe, secure and consumer-focused aviation environment. Through regulations, we support word class performance and innovation in Irish and global aviation.

Values: Our values reflect what we believe in and how we behave when engaging with each other, our clients and partners, and the society in which we live.

• Safety defines us: We are the industry experts and the authority in our field.
• The passenger is central: We protect the interests of passengers in everything we do.
• We champion excellence: Individually and collectively, we ensure that our practices and performance are of the highest standard in global aviation, and consistently implemented.
• Our value is in our people: Our professionalism and commitment are at the heart of everything we do.
• Clear and responsive: We are accessible. We meet and surpass our public service commitments and strive to provide clarity and promote understanding in all aspects of regulation.
• Collaborative: We promote teamwork within the Authority, and work with stakeholders and clients to find solutions.
• We promote sustainable and responsible practices: Aiming to promote the development of aviation in a sustainable and responsible way, meeting the imperative to protect our shared environment.

Job Description

Vacancies exist in the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), Flight Operations Sub-Directorate for the role of Flight Operations Inspector (FOI) - Fixed Wing Aircraft. The role will suit a highly motivated individual with an extensive background in commercial air transport operations. The position will primarily report to the Manager Flight Operations, scheduled and unscheduled Divisions.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Advise the Manager, Flight Operations Division on matters concerning entry control for:

• Approvals to individuals to carry out specific activities (e.g. airline check captain, training officer, etc)
• Certificates to an organisation or individual for the provision of services, aircraft facilities, procedures, or systems, etc; and
• Attesting that individuals have the ability to safely exercise the privileges of a pilot licence and associated ratings (and having satisfied the medical requirements may be granted a licence and associated ratings).
• Exercise surveillance to ensure that airlines comply with the required safety standards. This includes audits, spot checks, inspections, periodic meetings with the airlines, collection and analysis of data, investigation of significant incident reports and provide feedback to operators, flight checks, route checks, and liaising with the industry.
• Provide information and support to the airlines for the purposes of: clarification, policy announcements, technical information, accident information, etc. Support includes giving advice on regulations and standards.
• Initiate corrective action (i.e. administrative and if necessary legal measures) to ensure compliance with the required standards.
• Advise the Manager, Flight Operations Division on exit control over licences, approvals (i.e. individuals) and certificate holders (i.e. organisations) involving airline operations, training organisations, aircraft, facilities, procedures, or systems regarding the:

1.  Variation
2. Suspension
3. Revocation, or
4. Disqualification

of an approval or certificate; as well as on the detention of aircraft; and the exercise of exit control over those voluntarily leaving the system.

• Assist in the maintenance of an ongoing analysis of airline operations to determine flight safety trends.
• Advise the Manager on specific or general matters relating to the airline operations.
• Assist with technical advice in the development of safety standards and in the development of regulations.
• Assist in the maintenance and preservation of records and documents relating to airline operations for recording according to the IAA Document Control Policy.
• Assist in the provision of technical advice and support in the investigation of accidents and incidents.
• Liaise with other IAA divisions including Personnel Licensing, Aeronautical Services, and Airworthiness.
• Liaise with other State bodies, civil aviation authorities and agencies, industry bodies and members of the public on a large variety of aviation related matters.

This job description is not exhaustive, other items may be added from time to time at the discretion of the Manager, Flight Operations Division.

Skills and Qualifications

The successful candidate should have the following qualifications and skills:

Required:

• 10 years’ operational experience in air transport operations (5,000 hours) as a pilot.
• Hold an EASA ATPL.
• Considerable experience as pilot-in-command of transport category multi-engine aircraft with a MOPSC of more than 19 seats or with an MCTOM of more than 45,360 kg.
• Considerable experience in international operations.
• Experience in either operational management within an air transport operation; or considerable experience as an (EASA) certified flight examiner and/or as an (EASA) certified flight instructor;
• Good understanding of aviation safety management systems.
• A good working knowledge of Irish, European Union and international safety regulatory laws and standards;
• A good working knowledge of the framework of international organisations with which the IAA works including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Commission (EC);
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to produce coherent and well-constructed reports.
• Excellent IT skills, including the full range of Microsoft suite is a prerequisite. Ability to familiarise and become proficient with specialist software is also required.

Desirables:

• The ability to investigate and to reach justified conclusions.
• The ability to cope concurrently with many tasks and to work under time pressure.
• Willingness to travel extensively.
• Good management and organisational skills together with the ability to deal with aviation companies at the highest level.
• Have experience in the assessment of airline or air operators’ personnel.
• Experience in operational management within an air transport.

KEY COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE:

For assessment of applicants the following competency model will be used. This model reflects the changing and more complex environment in which those at this level operate. Each competency is supported by a list of key performance indicators set out below.

EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Team Leadership:

• Works with the team to facilitate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives and addressing and performance issues if they arise
• Provides clear information and advice as to what is required of the team
• Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet objectives
• Leads the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required
• Places high importance on staff development, training and maximizing skills & capacity of team
• Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change

Judgement, Analysis & Decision Making:

• Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, weighing up a range of critical factors
• Takes account of any broader issues and related implications when making decisions
• Uses previous knowledge and experience to guide decisions
• Makes sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and stands by these
• Puts forward solutions to address problems

Management & Delivery of Results

• Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives
• Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time
• Structures and organizes their own and others work effectively Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available
• Delegates work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is required
• Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments/changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively
• Applies appropriate systems/ processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs
• Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing role
• Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management
• Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues
• Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling the benefits
• Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy, and respect, even in challenging circumstances
• Presents information clearly, concisely, and confidently when speaking and in writing

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self-Development

• Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/ Organisation and effectively communicates this to others
• Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to their area of work
• Focuses on self-development, striving to improve performance

SELECTION PROCESS
The Selection Process may include:

• Shortlisting of candidates, based on the information contained in their application.
• A competitive preliminary interview which may include a presentation.
• Psychometric testing.
• Work sample/role play/media exercise, and any other tests or exercises that may be deemed appropriate.
• A second competitive interview which may include a presentation.
• Garda Vetting

Shortlisting

The number of applications received for a position generally exceeds that required to fill the position. While a candidate may meet the eligibility requirements of the competition, if the numbers applying for the position are such that it would not be practical to interview everyone, we may decide that a smaller number will be called to the next stage of the selection process. In this respect, we provide for the employment of a shortlisting process to select a group who, based on an examination of the application forms, appear to be the most suitable for the position.
This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, who based on their application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience.
Application documents will be reviewed against shortlisting criteria. The shortlisting criteria may include both the essential and desirable criteria specified for the position. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications/ experience in your application.

PANEL DURATION

Successful candidates will be placed on the Flight Operations Inspector (Scheduled) or Flight Operations Inspector (Non-Scheduled) panel for the duration of 12 months. This may be extended if required. A panel is made up of candidates who have been deemed suitably qualified following successful completion of the recruitment stages of a competition. As vacancies arise, they will be filled from the panel of suitably qualified candidates.
Successful candidates placed on the panel will be informed of their position once all candidates have been placed. Placement on a panel is not a guarantee of appointment to a position.
If a successful candidate is not offered a position after the lifetime of the panel, they will be required to re-apply during the next recruitment campaign

REFERENCES

It would be useful if you would begin to consider names of people who would be suitable referees and that we might consult (2 names and contact details). The referees do not have to include your current employer but should be able to provide a reference for you. The referees should be able to provide relatively recent information on your performance and behaviour in a work context.
You may wish to select referees that can provide such information from different perspectives or in different work contexts. Please be assured that we will only contact referees should you come under consideration after preliminary interview stage. Please note, should you be successful at final interview, we will require a reference from your current employer prior to recommendation for appointment.
Successful candidates may be required to complete several clearance processes such as Health and Character Declaration and any other relevant checks required for the particular role.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The IAA will not be responsible for refunding any expenses incurred by candidates.
The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend interview, or a successful result letter, is not to be taken as implying that the IAA is satisfied that such a person fulfils the requirements or is not disqualified by law from holding the position.
Prior to recommending any candidate for appointment to this position the IAA will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determine the suitability of that candidate. Until all stages of the recruitment process have been fully completed a final determination cannot be made nor can it be deemed or inferred that such a determination has been made. Should the person recommended for appointment decline, or having accepted it, relinquish it, the IAA may at its discretion, select and recommend the candidate who came second for appointment on the results of this selection process.
Applications will be treated in strict confidence. Deeming of candidature to be withdrawn - Candidates who do not attend for interview when and where required, or who do not, when requested, furnish such evidence as the IAA require in regard to any matter relevant to their candidature, will have no further claim to consideration.

Candidates' Obligations

Candidates should note that canvassing will disqualify and will result in their exclusion from the process.

Candidates must not:

• knowingly or recklessly provide false information
• canvass any person with or without inducements
• interfere with or compromise the process in any way

In addition, where a person found guilty of an offence was or is a candidate at a recruitment process, then:

• where they have not been appointed to a post, they will be disqualified as a candidate and
• where they have been appointed after the recruitment process in question, they shall forfeit their appointment.

SALARY RATE
The salary will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
The position is subject to a probationary period of 6 months from the date of actual commencement and is subject to the provision of satisfactory performance during that period.
HOURS OF WORK
The hours of work are 36 hours per week. Standard working hours at the IAA are:
Monday to Thursday: 9:15am to 5:30pm with 1-hour lunch break
Friday: 9:15am to 5:15pm with 1-hour lunch break
ANNUAL LEAVE
Annual Leave excluding public holidays is 26 days rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service.
PENSION
The successful candidate will on date of joining become a member of the Irish Aviation Authority pension scheme details of which will be communicated to the successful candidate on offer of appointment.

OTHER BENEFITS

• Access to cycle to work scheme
• Tax free Bus/ Luas/ Rail to assist with travel costs to and from work
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to IAA health and wellbeing initiatives
• Learning and Development opportunities

LOCATION

The IAA is currently based in the Times Building, 11-12 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2 near Trinity College. We are convenient to all Luas lines; several Dublin Bus routes and are about 5 minutes from Tara Street Railway Station. We are also just minutes from O’Connell Street and St. Stephen’s Green.
Hybrid working arrangements may be agreed in line with IAA Remote Working Policy.

APPLICATION

Applications must consist of the following to be considered for shortlisting:

• A letter of motivation (max. two A4 pages) outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the position.
• A comprehensive CV.

Complete applications including a CV and cover letter should be received no later than 9am, Friday 22rd November 2024 using the reference IAAFOI2024.

ELIGIBILITY
Candidates should note that eligibility to compete is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, the UK and those with an IRP with stamp 4. To qualify candidates must be citizens of the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or have an IRP with stamp 4 on the date of application.
Please click this link to view current member states in the EEA:
EEA member countries and cooperating countries — European Environment Agency (europa.eu)

The IAA are not in the position to offer sponsorship for this role.

Candidates must be capable of getting security clearance in order to obtain airside clearance and be able to travel freely throughout the world including the US.
The IAA is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups including ethnic minority and people with disabilities.

Data Protection
As part of any recruitment process, the IAA collects and processes Personal Information relating to job applicants. We may collect your name, address, personal public service number and contact details, including email address, telephone number, details of your qualifications, skills, experience and employment history.
For more information, please follow this link to our Privacy Notice: Privacy (iaa.ie)

Job requirements
Skills and Qualifications
The successful candidate should have the following qualifications and skills:
Required:

• 10 years’ operational experience in air transport operations (5,000 hours) as a pilot.
• Hold an EASA ATPL.
• Considerable experience as pilot-in-command of transport category multi-engine aircraft with a MOPSC of more than 19 seats or with an MCTOM of more than 45,360 kg.
• Considerable experience in international operations.
• Experience in either operational management within an air transport operation; or considerable experience as an (EASA) certified flight examiner and/or as an (EASA) certified flight instructor;
• Good understanding of aviation safety management systems.
• A good working knowledge of Irish, European Union and international safety regulatory laws and standards;
• A good working knowledge of the framework of international organisations with which the IAA works including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Commission (EC);
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to produce coherent and well-constructed reports.
• Excellent IT skills, including the full range of Microsoft suite is a prerequisite. Ability to familiarise and become proficient with specialist software is also required.

Desirables:

• The ability to investigate and to reach justified conclusions.
• The ability to cope concurrently with many tasks and to work under time pressure.
• Willingness to travel extensively.
• Good management and organisational skills together with the ability to deal with aviation companies at the highest level.
• Have experience in the assessment of airline or air operators’ personnel.
• Experience in operational management within an air transport.