Supervisory Foreign Affairs Specialist

The incumbent serves as the Manager, international Affairs Branch in the Flight Standards Service International Program Division.

The incumbent serves as the Manager, International Affairs Branch in the Flight Standards Service International Program Division with responsibility for the routine day-to-day technical and executive direction of the branch. Serves as the primary contact and develops policy for AFS international regulatory affairs and also encourages and fosters relationships with the Civil Aviation Authorities or foreign governments, building reciprocal relationships, to facilitate technical assistance programs and activities. Resolves all but unique problems without the intervention or higher level management. Coordinates and directs all international Flight Standards programs, policies and procedures for highly complex international safety programs. Defines, plans and organizes assigned budget, staff, and other resources to accomplish objectives for more than one organization programs. Has discretion to ensure the alignment of projects/programs with the tactical (short-term) objectives of the major subdivision. Functional responsibilities of the Manager of the International Affairs Branch include: Serves as a point of contact for the European Aviation Safety Agency, Transport Canada, ICAO, Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation, and other foreign aviation authorities with responsibility for developing, coordinating and monitoring AFS policy, and overseeing government-to-government agreements including regional initiatives, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), etc. Develops, approves, and managing ICAO-related programs, initiatives and requirements including: Universal Aviation Safety Oversight Audit Program (USOAP); and initiating notification of US differences to ICAO under Article 38 of the Chicago Convention in coordination with divisions with associated rulemaking responsibilities. Aids in the development, presentation, and execution of technical assistance and related training programs for foreign civil aviation authorities, including records maintenance of report presentation to document such activities. Develops and oversees AFS-related Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements and associated implementation procedures. Serves as the clearance point of contact for Inter-Agency Group on International Aviation (IGIA) for purposes of coordinating U.S. positions and strategies, normally for ICAO proposals and events.