Job description

Role Purpose: 

To lead and manage the International Affairs & Air Transport Department by directing the execution of air transport agreements, coordinating and providing technical leadership in bilateral and multilateral air service negotiations under the authority of the Executive Director, administering traffic rights and operational approvals, and maintaining the institutional contact point between Dubai's civil aviation authority and international and local aviation counterparts. The role ensures the effective implementation of DCAA's aero-political agenda, safeguards the operational and commercial interests of Dubai's designated carriers, and directs the department's regulatory and analytical functions in alignment with the Sector's strategic objectives and applicable federal and international aviation frameworks.

       Key Responsibilities/Duties 

       Functional: 

1.    Air Transport Policy Implementation & ExecutionLead the implementation and operational execution of approved air transport policies, aero-political directives, and regulatory frameworks within the Department, ensuring that bilateral and multilateral Air Service Agreements are applied effectively and that departmental activities are fully aligned with the Executive Director's strategic direction and applicable federal aviation requirements.2.    Bilateral & Multilateral Negotiation Technical LeadershipLead the technical preparation, coordination, and execution of air service agreement negotiations and consultations, including advance planning, comprehensive country and route analytical studies, and the development of DCAA's negotiating position for review and approval by the Executive Director prior to engagement. Provide technical leadership during negotiation sessions within delegated authority, ensuring the protection and advancement of Dubai's designated carriers' traffic rights and the integrity of agreed Air Service Agreements.3.    Traffic Rights & Capacity AdministrationDirect the administration, monitoring, and enforcement of traffic rights, capacity entitlements, and related operational approvals within the Emirate, ensuring compliance with agreed Air Service Agreements, bilateral MOUs, and applicable regulations. Oversee the processing of requests related to air transport activities within the legislative schedules assigned to the Department under Executive Council Decision No. 4 of 2017, including aircraft registration and de-registration NOCs, landing permit authorizations, and schedule modifications.4.    Operational Approvals OversightOversee the review and issuance of approvals for seasonal and charter flight schedules, aircraft landing permits, block permits, ad-hoc flight requests, and aircraft component transfer approvals ensuring all air transport operations within Dubai comply with DCAA, GCAA, ICAO, and relevant international regulatory frameworks. Ensure approval processes are executed within established SLA standards, and that documentation and decision trails are maintained.5.    International Contact Point ManagementBuild, strengthen, and maintain the institutional contact point between DCAA and international and local aviation authorities, ensuring reliable, structured channels of communication with foreign civil aviation authorities, ICAO, IATA, and relevant international bodies. Oversee the management of the Department's country and airline data systems and ensure information is current and accessible for negotiation and operational purposes.6.    Aviation Market Intelligence & Negotiation SupportDirect the collection, analysis, and interpretation of aviation industry data, traffic utilization trends, route performance indicators, and bilateral agreement implementation statistics to support informed decision-making, strengthen negotiation positioning, and enable the periodic provision of aviation statistics to GCAA.7.    Federal & Inter-Emirate Technical CoordinationLead technical-level coordination with GCAA, relevant federal ministries, and other Emirates' civil aviation authorities on air transport regulatory matters, ensuring operational alignment and providing DCAA's technical input to federal-level discussions. Escalate matters requiring strategic aero-political positioning or unified national determination to the Executive Director.8.    National Carrier Liaison & Interest ProtectionOversee structured engagement with Dubai's designated carriers regarding traffic rights utilization, capacity conflicts, schedule approvals, and regulatory matters ensuring the protection of their operational and commercial interests within established agreements and applicable frameworks. Coordinate with carriers to ensure compliance with emergency and crisis procedures, in coordination with the relevant DCAA organizational units.9.    International RepresentationRepresent DCAA in technical working groups, industry committees, international forums, and bilateral consultations related to air transport and international affairs within delegated authority from the Executive Director safeguarding Dubai's aviation interests and contributing to multilateral aviation policy discussions at the technical level.10.    Department Administration & GovernanceApprove the operational plans of the Department's organizational units in accordance with DCAA's strategic planning guide, oversee their execution, and maintain work manuals, procedures, and the Department's database. Contribute operational insights and technical assessments to the Executive Director's policy development process and lead continuous improvement in the Department's internal governance frameworks and procedures.11.    Other DutiesPerforms other tasks assigned by the Executive Director that are consistent with the Department's mandate and the Director's scope of authority.

Managerial: 

1.    Department Strategy and PlanningLead development and execution of the Department’s operational plan, ensuring alignment with sector priorities, governance frameworks, and performance expectations.2.    People Leadership and Capability DevelopmentLead, coach, and develop office staff, setting clear performance expectations, promoting accountability, and supporting capability development in coordination with HR and sector leadership.3.    Performance and Quality DisciplineEnsure structured performance monitoring, reporting accuracy, and adherence to quality assurance and governance standards across all office activities.4.    Resource and Budget CoordinationCoordinate preparation and follow-up of office-related resource and budget requirements in alignment with sector priorities and institutional financial governance processes.5.    Stakeholder and Cross-Unit CoordinationMaintain structured working relationships with sector directors, department heads, and internal governance functions to ensure integration, alignment, and reliable execution of sector governance requirements.6.    Governance Culture and Continuous ImprovementPromote a culture of governance discipline, documentation integrity, process consistency, and continuous improvement across office operations and sector coordination activities. 

Academic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Air Transport Management, Aviation Law, International Relations, Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field from a recognized university.

• Master’s Degree in Aviation Management, Air & Space Law, International Relations, Public Policy, Business Administration (MBA), or a related discipline is preferred.

  
  

  Certifications:

  
  
• Civil Aviation Management 
• ICAO/IATA & EU Regulations
• Air & Space Law
• Airport / Airline Operations
• Safety & Security Regulations
• Aviation Economics
• Advanced Negotiation and Diplomatic Engagement Skills

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 18+ years of progressive experience in the civil aviation sector, air transport regulation, international aviation affairs, aviation economics, or related fields with a Bachelor’s degree; or 16+ years with a Master’s degree.
• Minimum of 5+ years in a senior managerial or leadership role, with demonstrated responsibility for leading teams, overseeing complex regulatory frameworks, and managing high-level negotiations or strategic initiatives.
• Extensive exposure to bilateral and multilateral Air Service Agreements and aero-political matters.
• Senior-level involvement in air transport policy implementation and regulatory oversight.
• Experience coordinating with federal authorities, civil aviation regulators, and international stakeholders.