Foreign Affairs Specialist

Job Title

Duties

Serves as a recognized expert within FAA and is called upon to provide leadership for highly complex and challenging activities under the minimal direction of a manager or an executive. May act as a technical expert to develop new and innovative concepts, approaches, methodologies, techniques, and policies, or as a senior project manager or team leader for large, challenging work activities. Implements the key focus areas of the FAA's international mission. Develops initiatives that advance U.S. standards, policies, and procedures to achieve a safer, more efficient, and sustainable global air transportation system and competitive marketplace. Formulates strategies to help achieve a common and modernized system of air traffic control and air navigation for both civil and military aircraft. Identifies and facilitates bilateral arrangements that promote U.S. and foreign commitments to harmonize standards, and/or adopt of U.S. practices through targeted technical assistance and cooperative arrangements. Collaborates with the FAA staff offices and lines of business to advance the international component of FAA programmatic initiatives as the international standard, and to ensure interoperability, collaboration and harmonization. Applies experience and expert technical knowledge applicable to his/her discipline, as well as an understanding of new technologies and methodologies, to perform critical tasks requiring the development of new concepts, systems, or innovative approaches. Identifies and resolves highly complex problems or issues which often cross organizational boundaries and impact on the accomplishment of FAA's strategic objectives. Works with International Civil Aviation Organization regional office (ICAO NACC) and other regional aviation entities, as well as identified critical states and partners and contributes to the FAA's strategic planning by formulating FAA initiatives of appropriate scope and scale to U.S. interests that efficiently leverage the FAA presence and efficacy in the world. Supports the FAA's international mission. Builds critical communication networks and relationships with other governments, air navigation service providers, international organizations, U.S. Embassy officials, and aviation industry representatives. Collects, analyzes and distributes critical information and intelligence in his/her area of responsibility and using this information to assist FAA decision makers in effectively developing and implementing the FAA international strategic plan. Manages key programs and projects that advance the agency's international goals and objectives. Supervises the hiring, workload, and expectations of locally employed staff (LES) in the FAA office. Is responsible for managing the LES' day-to-day assignments, providing feedback and direction on projects, and assessing the employee in the State Department's employee rating system. Interacts daily with the U.S. Embassy and participates in a number of Embassy functions, including membership in various Embassy committees. Other duties may include attending Embassy meetings, participating in briefings for members of the American business community, representing the FAA and/or the Embassy at international events, or fulfilling additional activities as directed by the Embassy leadership. Contacts are internal and external. Often represents FAA as the primary technical authority for major projects, programs, and other areas of FAA responsibility. Communicates the latest NOTAMs, advisories and other documents and information to key partners in his/her AOR, and advises FAA HQ of airspace changes or other conflict-related updates in AOR that may affect U.S. carriers. Formulates and recommends organizational positions on major projects/policies/issues to senior management.