Senior Officer - Air Traffic Operations

Role Overview

Senior Officer - Air Traffic Operations at General Civil Aviation Authority, based in the United Arab Emirates. The role involves managing and controlling air traffic operations to ensure the safe, orderly, and efficient flow of traffic for all aircraft operating within the UAE Flight Information Region (FIR).

Role Purpose

Provide Area and/or Approach Radar Control Service, Flight Information Service and Alerting Service to ensure a safe, orderly, and efficient flow of traffic for all aircraft operating within the UAE FIR. Manage high workloads and complex air traffic situations while maintaining familiarity with all airspace, rules, and regulations to control air traffic flow safely and effectively within the area of responsibility of UAE Approach Control Center (ACC).

Key Responsibilities

Air Traffic Control and Management

• Manage and control air traffic within UAE FIR safely.
• Manage air traffic flow as required to avoid congestion in or beyond UAE FIR.
• Manage high workloads and stress, in particular dealing with emergencies and unusual circumstances.
• Communicate instructions to pilots clearly to manage and control air traffic.
• Coordinate with external agencies when required and in a timely manner.
• Comply with all instructions and effect all necessary communications with the appropriate agencies to achieve safe and effective air traffic management.

Incident Reporting

• Report failures, conditions, and procedures likely to constitute a risk to safety and/or regularity.
• Report incidents and abnormal occurrences to the ATC Watch Supervisor.

Development and System Support

• Participate on an ad hoc basis in simulation exercises and development of procedures and airspace restructuring.
• Participate on an ad hoc basis in configuration testing and commissioning of new or upgraded ATC systems.
• Perform other duties related to Air Navigation Services (ANS) commensurate with position.

Proficiency and Knowledge Maintenance

• Complete competency examinations in both theoretical knowledge and practical performance at regular intervals as determined by the GCAA.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of all relevant ICAO documents, in particular Annex 2, Annex 11, Doc 4444, Doc 7030, UAE AIP and Local ATS Instructions (LATSI) for the Emirates ACC.
• Maintain a thorough operational knowledge and understanding of the equipment and systems used for the provision of Air Traffic Services in the UAE FIR.
• Obtain, through pre-watch briefing, relevant information concerning internal and external conditions affecting traffic operating within UAE FIR.
• Complete stringent annual standards checking and competency examination to maintain GCAA's professional standards.

Staff Development and Training

• Perform on the job training of trainee ATCOs (Air Traffic Control Officers) and ATC Cadets when suitably qualified.
• Complete progress reports on trainee ATCOs and discuss the contents with the trainees and management.

Reporting and Documentation

• Ensure that all functional reports are prepared timely and accurately and meet GCAA requirements and quality standards.

Health, Safety and Environment

• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, quality and environmental management procedures and controls to guarantee employee safety, legislative compliance, delivery of high-quality products and services, and a responsible environmental attitude as per Integrated Management System (IMS) available standards.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform additional tasks relevant to the role or area of expertise as requested by management to achieve organizational objectives and commitments.

Qualifications & Experience

• Valid Area and/or Approach Radar Control License issued by an ICAO state or recognized organization and accepted by the GCAA in accordance with Civil Aviation Regulations.
• Valid ATC medical certificate.
• ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 4 or above.

Additional Information

• The jobholder reports to the Senior Specialist – Air Traffic Operations with regard to all administrative duties and tasks required.
• Decision-making authority is assigned to the ATCO (Air Traffic Control Officer) only with regard to carrying out normal operational duties; all other enquiries shall be directed to the Senior ATC Supervisor (SATCS).