Director of Flight Safety

The Director of Flight Safety, as the senior technical individual, leads and manages the Flight Safety Division, ensuring continuous oversight and effective implementation of the Authority’s technical and administrative policies related to aviation safety and security.

 DIRECTOR OF FLIGHT SAFETY - VACANCY NOTICE

The Barbados Civil Aviation Authority is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for the position of Director of Flight Safety to oversee the Flight Safety Division. This pivotal role is crucial for maintaining and enhancing the Authority’s commitment to the highest standards of aviation safety.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Flight Safety, as the senior technical individual, leads and manages the Flight Safety Division, ensuring continuous oversight and effective implementation of the Authority’s technical and administrative policies related to aviation safety and security. This includes responsibilities in personnel licensing, air and ground operations, aircraft airworthiness, aerodromes, air navigation services, cabin safety, dangerous goods, remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), and aviation service providers. Additionally, the Director of Flight Safety serves as the primary technical advisor to the Director General on all aviation-related matters.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide strategic management, technical guidance, and continuous oversight, for the Flight Safety Division, as well as budgetary, resource, and departmental policy planning.
2. Develop a structured process for safety and security oversight, including licensing, certification, surveillance activities, enforcement, resolution of deficiencies and continuous monitoring, ensuring a systematic approach to managing aviation safety and security risks.
3. Spearhead the drafting, review, and updating of civil aviation legislation, ensuring alignment with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) as well as national regulatory needs.
4. Develop and implement comprehensive aviation safety and security regulations, addressing key areas such as personnel licensing, airworthiness, operations, and air navigation services.
5. Establish and maintain Implementing Standards that provide detailed requirements to enforce the legislation and regulations, supporting regulatory consistency and clarity across the aviation sector.
6. Develop and implement Policies, Regulations and Procedures for the Flight Safety Department and be at the forefront in the implementation of programmes and projects aimed at improving Barbados’ Effective Implementation (EI) level.
7. Design and update Technical Guidance Manuals (TGMs) to provide structured instructions and best practices for aviation stakeholders, including operators, maintenance organizations, and service providers, facilitating compliance with safety and security standards.
8. Oversee the preparation and readiness efforts for the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) and Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) to ensure compliance with international standards.
9. Maintain an up-to-date database of all aviation document holders, including operators, maintenance organizations, and licensed personnel, to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. 
10. Develop and implement corrective action plans (CAPs) for non-compliances or findings identified during inspections, audits, or incident investigations.
11. Oversee the Electronic Filing of Differences [EFOD] process and the Online Framework [OLF], ensuring accurate and timely filing of differences in relation to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
12. Review, analyze, and document any differences between national regulations and ICAO SARPs, coordinating with relevant departments to determine feasible approaches to address or file these differences.
13. Lead the establishment, development, and maintenance of the State Safety Oversight (SSO) and State Security Oversight systems to ensure a comprehensive framework that meets ICAO standards and national requirements.
14. Lead the formulation of the National Civil Aviation Policy on Safety and Security, setting a strategic vision and regulatory framework that aligns with international standards and addresses the state’s unique operational needs.
15. Serve as the primary point of contact for aviation related incident and accidents when requested for response by the Aircraft Accidents and Incidents Investigation Coordinator (AAIIC).
16. Monitor the performance of the Inspectors across all areas of responsibility, ensuring that they are adequately qualified; optimally performing and that development programs are effectively implemented.
17. Prepare an annual training plan, based on the training needs of the Division, and monitor the progress of the approved training plan to ensure that the training is provided to meet the goals of the plan, and that the staff receive all required training, both initial and recurrent, to enable the Division to optimize its productivity and to remain compliant with ICAO requirements.
18. Represent the Director General and/or Barbados at industry conferences, meetings, and events.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• A Postgraduate Degree in Aviation Management or Business Administration; A sound technical aviation background in one or more of the areas within the span of control and at least five (5) years’ progressive experience as a Senior Aviation Inspector or Director;

OR

• Holder of a bachelor’s degree in Management, Administration, Economics, or an Aviation related discipline; AND a minimum of seven (7) years’ experience within the regulatory arm of the Civil Aviation Authority of an ICAO compliant Member State, including at least three (3) years working at the level of a Director;

OR

• A minimum of ten (10) years' experience with a Civil Aviation Authority as a delegated Inspector, including at least three (3) years as the Chief Inspector or Manager of the Operations, Airworthiness, Air Navigation Services, Aerodromes and Ground Aids or Aviation Security Unit of the Flight Safety Division of an ICAO Member State.

• All applicants must demonstrate verifiable experience leading organizations, managing people, achieving strategic results and fostering stakeholder relationships.

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

1. A thorough knowledge of the Authority's aviation safety and security policies, standards and procedures, licensing and aircraft registry standards and procedures, and the certification standards and procedures for air operators, approved maintenance organizations, aerial work operators, RPAS operators, and approved training organizations.
2. A sound knowledge of the Barbados Civil Aviation Act and Civil Aviation Regulations, as well as a working knowledge of the ICAO Annexes and supporting documents.
3. The ability to establish and maintain good, professional, working relationships with the other Divisions in the Authority and with persons at all levels of industry.
4. Demonstrated analytical skills, including the ability to adopt a systematic approach to problem-solving, in a complex technical environment and to exercise sound professional judgment, in a calm manner, while under pressure.