Vacancies at ATNS

Job description

Strategic Alignment -

• Align daily operations with Operations targets and objectives, and business requirements, ensuring achievement thereof through multidisciplinary coordination across the Air Traffic Control Centre; Facilitate the execution of the Air Traffic Service Unit's business plan to support achievement of strategic Operations business objectives.

 ATS Operations Management - Comprehensive Oversight and Resource Integration:  

• Continuously monitor the performance of all operational positions within the Air Traffic Control Centre, using real-time data and feedback to assess and ensure consistent adherence to required standards and regulations; Identify potential areas of synergy between different units, encouraging cross-unit collaboration and knowledge sharing to enhance overall Centre performance; Regularly review operational protocols and procedures, updating them as necessary to reflect best practices and the latest regulatory guidelines;
• Ensure the effective integration and utilisation of all resources to meet the service delivery capabilities required, aligning with customer expectations and operational demands; Enforce strict adherence to South African Civil Aviation Regulations, Technical Standards, and the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Standards and Recommended Practices.  

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance:  

• Investigate reports of non-compliance with regulations and procedures, providing detailed feedback and recommendations for corrective actions to relevant parties; Participate in rating and validation examinations, highlighting any discrepancies, and ensuring the adherence to standard procedures; Continuously monitor and identify any trends or indicators of potential deterioration in safety or service levels, implementing proactive plans to maintain high standards.  

Operations Supervision and Training:  

• Provide continuous operations supervision over air traffic services, assisting with oversight in various ATS areas of the ATSU; Lead and oversee operational training within the ATSU, recommending personnel for Designated Examiner certification and ensuring high standards of proficiency and knowledge; Develop, maintain, and review the air traffic service’s Station Standing Instructions, policies, procedures, service level agreements, and procedural documents, ensuring they are up-to-date and in compliance with current regulations.

 Multidisciplinary Briefings:  

• Conduct regular, detailed briefings with representatives from all operational units, ensuring everyone is informed about current operational statuses, imminent changes, or notable events; Use these briefings to reinforce a culture of transparency and open communication, where challenges, successes, and strategies are shared and discussed collaboratively; 
•  Ensure that critical information, such as changes in regulations, technological updates, or lessons learned from incident reviews, is disseminated promptly and clearly to all relevant parties.  

Coordination with CAMU and Aeronautical Information Management:  

• Establish a strong, collaborative relationship with the CAMU’s Air Traffic Flow Specialist, working together to develop and implement strategies for efficient air traffic flow and optimal sector configurations;
• Provide the CAMU with accurate, timely data and feedback, enabling them to make well-informed decisions that contribute to smooth, efficient air traffic flow management; Stay informed of broader airspace management trends and developments, ensuring the Centre's practices are aligned with national and international standards;
• Manage and implement Aeronautical Information Management systems, enhancing the support level and efficiency of Air Traffic Service delivery; Actively engage in the review of legislation impacting Air Traffic Services, providing informed inputs and advocating for operational needs and safety considerations.

Client Experience and Continuous Improvement:

•  Ensure communications with all parties maintain the highest standards of clarity, empathy, and timeliness, fostering positive experiences and trust; Identify and recommend improvements in processes and procedures, focusing on innovation, research, and the commercial viability of new initiatives. 

Emergency Response Leadership and Incident Management:  

• Develop, maintain, and regularly test comprehensive emergency response plans, ensuring all staff are trained and prepared to execute their roles effectively under crisis conditions; Lead the response to emergencies or major operational disruptions, coordinating efforts across all relevant units and maintaining clear, authoritative communication throughout the incident;
•  Conduct thorough post-incident reviews to identify causes, assess the effectiveness of the response, and develop strategies for improvement; Support the Regional Manager ATS in overseeing investigations into air traffic incidents, recommending and implementing appropriate actions, and ensuring lessons are learned and integrated into future operations; Ensure that aviation safety recommendations, measures and value-added initiatives are consistently delivered, monitored, and enhanced

Operational Proficiency and Examination Preparations: 

• Prepare and issue unit orders and local knowledge questionnaires for rating and validation examinations, ensuring comprehensive knowledge assessments; Maintain personnel operational proficiency by standing watch in various operating positions, setting a standard of continuous personnel development.

Governance, Compliance,  Risk Management & Reporting -

•  Support the Regional Manager ATS with the implementation of a robust governance framework for the ATS Unit; Monitor and ensure compliance of air traffic service at the ATSU with all relevant  ATNS policies, processes and procedures,  and relevant legislation; Support Regional Manager ATS with managing the ATSU’s performance against strategy and set targets and objectives; Support Regional Manager ATS with ATSU’s projects' overall risk assessment and issue management; Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policy and standards; Prepare ad hoc reports as required.

Stakeholder Relationship Management -

• Establish sound relationships with all key stakeholders through continuous engagement and communication, including CAMU, ARCC, AMC, ACSA, and FRS to support ongoing alignment and collaboration; Adapt Air Traffic Management service delivery as practically as possible to meet client needs and expectations (Sector demand management);
• Participate in internal and industry collaborative decision making to ensure the delivery of air traffic service is aligned to business requirements; Build and maintain effective collaborative relationships with all relevant business functions and teams within ATNS to enable the required alignment and optimal Air Traffic Management service delivery.

Financial Management -

• Manage delegated expenditure in line with business priorities and objectives, and within approved financial parameters; Support the Regional Manager ATS with the development, utilisation, and management of the ATSUs budget; Ensure effective management of operational costs to support efficient utilisation of financial resources; Ensure compliance with  ATNS Finance policies and processes.

People Management -

• Develop and implement staffing strategies that are responsive to fluctuating traffic patterns and other variable operational demands, ensuring optimal workforce deployment at all times; Manage employees in accordance with HC policies and processes; Ensure that new employees have been properly on-boarded prior to commencing work; Monitor the time and attendance of subordinates, and report absenteeism issues to management and Human Capital; Coordinate and ensure resourcing deliverables in line with the Service Level Agreements;
• Manage the performance of direct reports in line with the performance management process; Conduct talent reviews of staff as required by the HC Talent Management process; Ensure high levels of discipline and performance standards to achieve Air Traffic Management service delivery objectives ; Manage performance outputs of the team/pool by using the performance management system and taking corrective action promptly and effectively;
• Mentor and coach staff as required to ensure continuous development and availability of the required skills at all times; Ensure the transfer of knowledge and skills to enable sustainability within the team/pool from a succession management perspective; Conduct talent reviews in line with the HC Talent Management process; Drive employee engagement and retention within the team.

Minimum requirements

Minimum Formal Qualifications:

• Matric
• Air traffic control qualification / rating
• Grade 2 Instructor Certificate

Minimum Years of Experience:

•  A current validated ATC license in a relevant discipline with the Air Traffic Control Centre.
• At least 5 years applicable ATC experience coupled to 2 years on-the-job instructional experience in the current position

go to method of application »

Job description

Oversee the maintenance of the ATNS Safety Management System relevant to Flight procedure design, Aeronautical Information Management, Aeronautical Cartography and Obstacle Evaluations -

• Safety Policy and Objectives. Assist in the establishment and maintenance of a safety policy and processes that align with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices. Define safety objectives and ensure they are communicated and understood by Operations and the rest of the organization. 
• Safety Risk Management. Identify hazards associated with flight procedure design, AIM, aeronautical cartography, and obstacle evaluations. Conduct risk assessments and implement risk mitigation strategies to manage identified risks.
• Safety Assurance. Monitor and measure the effectiveness of safety risk controls. Conduct periodic safety audits and reviews to ensure compliance with ICAO standards and continuous improvement of the Safety Management System. Provide guidance to ensure implementation of recommendations resulting from SACAA Part 173, 177, 175 and 178 audits. Monitoring of Safety Regulation and Instrument Flight Procedures/, ICAO Doc 8168. Develop safety reports on FPD, AIM, Aeronautical Cartography and OE for OPSCOM. Ensure compliance with all relevant ICAO SARPS, CARS and CATS for FPD, AIM, Aeronautical Cartography and OE section. Conduct Oversight of FPD related courses and course material. Provide inputs and guidance to ICAO, CANSO and CARCOM and NASCOM workgroups, sub-groups and planning groups.
• Safety Promotion: Foster a safety culture within the organization by promoting safety awareness and training. Ensure that all personnel involved in flight procedure design, AIM, aeronautical cartography, and obstacle evaluations are adequately trained and competent. 
• Documentation and Record Keeping. Maintain comprehensive records of all safety-related activities, including hazard identification, risk assessments, and safety audits. Ensure that all documentation is up-to-date and accessible to relevant personnel.
• Coordination and Communication. Facilitate effective communication and coordination between various departments and stakeholders, including Airport Authorities, Flight Procedure Designers, ATM, Regulators, ATSUs, Airport Safeguarding, AIM, Cartographers, Surveyors, Database Coders, and Operators. Ensure that safety information is shared and integrated across all relevant functions

Research - 

• Identify and undertake research and development projects when required that will advance the corporate safety objectives of ATNS. Perform thorough research on aviation safety topics, including the latest developments in flight procedure design, AIM, aeronautical cartography, and obstacle evaluations. Stay updated with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and other relevant regulations.
• Analyze data and trends to identify potential safety improvements and innovations. Collaborate with internal teams such as Flight Procedure Designers, AIM specialists, Cartographers, Surveyors, and Database Coders. Facilitate effective communication and coordination within the organization to ensure alignment with safety objectives and standards

Flight Procedures, Data Management and Airspace Design -

• Flight Procedures. Develop and validate instrument flight procedures (IFPs) in accordance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), but for Business Development and Non-SACAA required procedures. Ensure that all flight procedures are designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Design non-South African Flight Procedures and Airspace as per AP005/FPD Operations Manual, including ICAO DOC 8168 Vol II and ICAO DOC 9906 Vol I and ICAO DOC 9613 criteria, accepting responsibility and accountability that designs are produced in accordance with the relevant criteria and are compliant for the safe operation of aircraft. Provide oversight of quality assurance system for flight procedure design, as outlined in ICAO Doc 9906. Perform safety assessments to identify and mitigate risks associated with flight procedures. Document safety cases to provide assurance of the safety and reliability of these procedures. Provide specialist consulting services to third parties outside South Africa seeking flight procedure design services. 
• Data Management. Collect, validate, and manage aeronautical data to ensure its accuracy and reliability. Use standardized data formats to maintain data quality and interoperability. Database Management: Maintain and update aeronautical databases, ensuring data integrity and compliance with ICAO requirements. Implement data protection measures to safeguard sensitive information. 
• Data Analysis. Analyze aeronautical data to support decision-making processes and improve operational efficiency. Identify trends and patterns to enhance safety and performance. 
• Airspace Design. Airspace Planning: Design and optimize airspace structures to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. Ensure that airspace design aligns with ICAO's Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) principles. Coordination and Collaboration: Work closely with stakeholders, including air traffic management (ATM) units, regulators, and airport authorities, to ensure cohesive airspace design. Facilitate effective communication and coordination to address any airspace-related issues. Provision of technical advice and input to the airspace and route design function. 
• Regulatory Compliance. Ensure that all airspace design activities comply with ICAO regulations and national aviation authority requirements. Stay updated with changes in regulations and incorporate them into the airspace design domain and processes. Remain knowledgeable with respect to all ICAO developments in flight procedure design, AIM, Aeronautical Cartography, OE and ATM operational concepts. Ensure that all designs comply with local environmental considerations. Assist with facilitating FPD-related courses. Maintain own Pans-Ops competency through training plan.

Stakeholder Relations Management - 

• Establish sound relationships with all relevant internal and external stakeholders to support ongoing alignment and collaboration. Engage with external stakeholders, including Airport Authorities, Air Traffic Management (ATM) units, Regulators, ATSUs, and Airport Safeguarding teams. Represent the organization in meetings, workshops, and conferences to discuss safety-related matters and share best practices.
• Provide expert advice and support to clients, ensuring their needs and concerns are addressed in line with ICAO requirements. Engage SACAA on FPD, AIM, Aeronautical Cartography and OE related matters. Participate in Instrument Flight Procedure Panels, workshops and conferences as relevant. Represent ATNS at local stakeholder forums. Attend Work Groups as required for the maintenance of safety and standards.

Administration and Reporting - Documentation Management.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all relevant activities. 
• Reporting. Prepare and submit regular safety and compliance reports to management and prepare regulatory authorities. 
• Compliance Monitoring. Ensure adherence to ICAO regulations and internal safety policies through regular reviews and audits. Monitor and ensure SACAA audit and corrective action plans are submitted timeously. Provide inputs and guidance in ICAO, CANSO and CARCOM and NASCOM workgroups, sub-groups and planning groups. Provide specialist consultancy services for ATNS to third parties outside South Africa seeking flight procedure design services.
• Identify and undertake research and development projects, where required, that will advance the corporate safety objectives of ATNS. Facilitate effective communication and information sharing across departments and stakeholders. Assist with scheduling, agenda preparation, and minute-taking for safety meetings.
• Data Management. Analyze and manage data to identify trends and ensure data integrity, i.e. accuracy and completeness.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Grade 12 with a university exemption and a pass rate in both Mathematics and Science
• Completion of Basic PANS-OPS Course and Advanced PANS-OPS Course in line with ICAO requirements
• Completion of the AT/AIM Core Content Course, where applicable
• Qualified Air Traffic Controller, IFR Rated Pilot, ATSO, AIM Officer or more than ten years’ flight procedure design experience

Minimum Years of Experience 

• Minimum 5 years extensive experience in air transport operations, including:
• Flight procedure design and validation
• On-the-Job instruction
• Aeronautical Cartography: Experience in aeronautical cartography will be an advantage
• Aeronautical Surveying: Experience in aeronautical surveying will be an advantage
• Procedure Design Project Management: Experience managing projects related to flight procedure design will be an advantage
• Obstacle Evaluation: Familiarity with ICAO Annex 14 and experience in obstacle evaluation will be an advantage