Aviation Infrastructure Audit Support Officer (Specified Purpose Contract)

Please note: availability is required 4 weeks from offer date and placement in planned to cease on the 31st July 2027.

The Irish Aviation Authority is the civil aviation regulator for Ireland. We are responsible for the regulation of safety, security, and consumer interests. Our responsibilities are set out in the framework of applicable global, European, and national legislation/regulation. For more information, please visit our website: About the Irish Aviation Authority.

Mission: The Irish Aviation Authority regulates to the highest professional standards to ensure a safe, secure, sustainable and consumer-focused civil aviation environment. We support world-class performance and innovation in Irish and global aviation.

Values: Our values reflect what we believe in and how we behave when engaging with each other, our clients and partners, and the society in which we live.

• Safety First: We Uphold the highest standards of Civil Aviation safety and security in everything we do for the benefit of aircraft passengers and aviation personnel and in the public interest.

• Costumer Focussed: We protect the rights of consumers, ensuring a safe, secure and efficient civil aviation experience.

• Sustainability: We Support the development of aviation in a sustainable manner that meets the present demands for safeguarding the needs of the future.

• Integrity and Accountability: We Act with transparency, fairness and responsibility in all our decisions and actions.

• Professionalism: We Maintain the highest levels of expertise, ethics, responsiveness, efficiency and conduct in our work, and we recognise our true strength is in our people.

• Collaboration: We Work closely with stakeholders to promote trust, alignment and shared success.

• Respect and Inclusion: We Value diverse perspectives and foster an inclusive, respectful workplace and stakeholder environment.

Job Description

The Aviation Infrastructure Audit Support Officer reports to the Head of Aviation Infrastructure. The role is focused on the 2027 ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) inspection of Ireland, and will include tasks such as, audit preparation, audit participation, and post audit activities.  

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Provide dedicated additional capacity for  Audit activities across the Air Navigation Services (ANS0 and Air Ground Air (AGA) audit areas.

• Reviewing the applicable ICAO SAAQ sections, Protocol Questions and compliance checklists for ANS and AGA. 

• Supporting audit preparation relating to ICAO Annexes 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, relevant elements of Annex 12, Annex 14 and Annex 15. 

• Identifying, obtaining and organising the legislation, regulations, procedures, guidance, oversight records and other objective evidence required to support the State’s responses. 

• Developing and maintaining an evidence matrix linking each applicable Protocol Question and SAAQ response to the relevant supporting evidence. 

• Reviewing evidence for completeness, accuracy, currency, consistency and traceability. 

• Liaising with regulatory teams, government bodies, aerodrome operators, air navigation service providers and other stakeholders to obtain information and supporting documentation. 

• Assisting subject-matter experts in preparing and updating SAAQ responses, Protocol Question responses, compliance statements and supporting explanations. 

• Identifying evidence and compliance gaps and maintaining an action tracker to record responsibilities, deadlines and progress. 

• Establishing and maintaining a controlled electronic repository for audit documentation, including document naming, version control and cross-referencing. 

• Supporting consistency and quality-assurance reviews across the ANS and AGA audit areas. 

• Preparing progress reports, management briefings, dashboards and other audit-readiness material. 

• Supporting internal readiness reviews, mock audits and the preparation of personnel who may be interviewed by the audit team. 

• Supporting the timely retrieval and presentation of evidence during the audit and recording requests for additional information or follow-up action. 

• Undertaking other related duties necessary to support audit readiness.

This job description is not exhaustive, and other duties may be added as the Authority may reasonably require.  

Skills and Qualifications

The successful candidate should have the following qualifications and skills:  

Required

• A relevant third-level qualification, or equivalent professional experience, in aviation, engineering, safety, regulation, compliance, quality assurance, public administration or a related field is required.   

• Excellent understanding of the civil aviation regulatory environment and experience in aviation regulation, air navigation services, aerodrome operations, safety management, compliance monitoring, auditing, quality assurance or technical administration.  

• Demonstrable ability to interpret technical and regulatory material, assess information against defined requirements, identify gaps and determine whether available documentation provides adequate evidence of compliance.   

• Strong organisational, analytical and written communication skills are required, together with experience in gathering, reviewing and managing documentation with appropriate accuracy, traceability and version control.  

• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder-management skills and be capable of coordinating inputs from regulatory colleagues, technical specialists, government bodies, service providers, aerodrome operators and other aviation stakeholders.   

• They must be able to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, and recognise when technical advice or validation is required.  

• Excellent IT skills, including the full range of O365 is a prerequisite. Ability to familiarise and become proficient with specialist software is also required. 

Desirables

• Knowledge of ICAO USOAP CMA, including the SAAQ, Protocol Questions and corrective action processes, is desirable, as is familiarity with the ANS and AGA requirements contained in ICAO Annexes 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, relevant elements of Annex 12, Annex 14 and Annex 15.   

• Experience supporting regulatory audits, inspections, compliance reviews or maintaining evidence matrices and audit repositories would also be an advantage. 

Key Competencies Required for Effective Performance

For assessment of applicants the following competency model will be used. This model reflects the changing and more complex environment in which those at this level operate. Each competency is supported by a list of key performance indicators set out below.

EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Leadership Potential 

• Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change.

• Contributes to the development of policies in own area and the broader Department/Organisation.

• Seeks to understand the implications of taking a particular position on issues and how interdependencies need to be addressed in a logical and consistent way. 

• Maximises the contribution of the team, encouraging ownership, providing support and working effectively with others.

• Formulates a perspective on issues considered important and actively contributes across a range of settings. 

Judgement, Analysis & Decision Making:  

• Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, weighing up a range of critical factors .

• Takes account of any broader issues and related implications when making decisions .

• Uses previous knowledge and experience to guide decisions .

• Makes sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and stands by these .

• Puts forward solutions to address problems.

Management & Delivery of Results  

• Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives.

• Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time.

• Structures and organizes their own and others work effectively Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available.

• Delegates work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is required.

• Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation.

• Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments/changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively.

• Applies appropriate systems/ processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs.

• Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills  

• Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing role.

• Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management.

• Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues.

• Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling the benefits.

• Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy, and respect, even in challenging circumstances.

• Presents information clearly, concisely, and confidently when speaking and in writing.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self-Development   

• Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/ Organisation and effectively communicates this to others.

• Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to their area of work.

• Focuses on self-development, striving to improve performance.

SELECTION PROCESS

The Selection Process may include:

• Shortlisting of candidates, based on the information contained in their application.

• A competitive preliminary interview which may include a presentation.

• Psychometric testing.

• Work sample/role play/media exercise, and any other tests or exercises that may be deemed appropriate.

• A second competitive interview which may include a presentation.

• Garda Vetting

Shortlisting  

The number of applications received for a position generally exceeds that required to fill the position. While a candidate may meet the eligibility requirements of the competition, if the numbers applying for the position are such that it would not be practical to interview everyone, we may decide that a smaller number will be called to the next stage of the selection process. In this respect, we provide for the employment of a shortlisting process to select a group who, based on an examination of the application forms, appear to be the most suitable for the position.  

This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates who based on their application appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience.  

Application documents will be reviewed against shortlisting criteria. The shortlisting criteria may include both the essential and desirable criteria specified for the position. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications/ experience in your application.   

References 

It would be useful if you would begin to consider names of people who would be suitable referees and that we might consult (2 names and contact details). The referees do not have to include your current employer but should be able to provide a reference for you. The referees should be able to provide relatively recent information on your performance and behaviour in a work context.  

You may wish to select referees that can provide such information from different perspectives or in different work contexts. Please be assured that we will only contact referees should you come under consideration after preliminary interview stage. Please note, should you be successful at final interview, we will require a reference from your current employer prior to recommendation for appointment.   

Successful candidates may be required to complete several clearance processes such as Health and Character Declaration and any other relevant checks required for the particular role.  

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION  

The IAA will not be responsible for refunding any expenses incurred by candidates.  

The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend interview, or a successful result letter, is not to be taken as implying that the IAA is satisfied that such a person fulfils the requirements or is not disqualified by law from holding the position.  

Prior to recommending any candidate for appointment to this position the IAA will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determine the suitability of that candidate. Until all stages of the recruitment process have been fully completed a final determination cannot be made nor can it be deemed or inferred that such a determination has been made. Should the person recommended for appointment decline, or having accepted it, relinquish it, the IAA may at its discretion, select and recommend the candidate who came second for appointment on the results of this selection process.  

Applications will be treated in strict confidence. Deeming of candidature to be withdrawn - Candidates who do not attend for interview when and where required, or who do not, when requested, furnish such evidence as the IAA require in regard to any matter relevant to their candidature, will have no further claim to consideration.  

Candidates' Obligations

Candidates should note that canvassing will disqualify and will result in their exclusion from the process.

Candidates must not:

• Knowingly or recklessly provide false information

• Canvass any person with or without inducements

• Interfere with or compromise the process in any way

In addition, where a person found guilty of an offence was or is a candidate at a recruitment process, then:

• Where they have not been appointed to a post, they will be disqualified as a candidate and

• Where they have been appointed after the recruitment process in question, they shall forfeit their appointment.

Salary Rate

The salary range for this role is Point 1 €96,967 to Point 14 €149,389 pro rata per annum.

Probationary Period

The position is subject to a probationary period of 3 months from the date of actual commencement and is subject to the provision of satisfactory performance during that period.  

Hours of Attendance

Hours of attendance will be fixed from time to time but will amount to not less than 41 hours gross per week. The successful candidate will be required to work additional hours from time to time as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper performance of their duties subject to the limits set down in the working time regulations.

Annual Leave

Annual Leave excluding public holidays is 28 days pro rata per annum.

Pension

The successful candidate will on date of joining become a member of the Irish Aviation Authority pension scheme details of which will be communicated to the successful candidate on offer of appointment.  

Other Benefits

• Access to cycle to work scheme

• Tax free Bus/ Luas/ Rail to assist with travel costs to and from work

• Access to Employee Assistance Programme

• Access to IAA health and wellbeing initiatives

• Learning and Development opportunities

Location

The IAA is based in the Times Building, 11-12 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2 near Trinity College. We are convenient to all Luas lines; several Dublin Bus routes and are about 5 minutes from Tara Street Railway Station. We are also just minutes from O’Connell Street and St. Stephen’s Green.

Hybrid working arrangements may be agreed in line with IAA Flexible Working policy.   

Application

Applications must consist of the following to be considered for shortlisting:

• A letter of motivation (max. two A4 pages) outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the position.

• A comprehensive CV.

Complete applications including a CV and letter of motivation should be received no later than Wednesday 4th November 2026.

Eligibility

Candidates should note that eligibility to compete is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, the UK and those with an IRP with stamp 4. To qualify candidates must be citizens of the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or have an IRP with stamp 4 on the date of application.

The IAA are not in the position to offer sponsorship for this role.

The IAA promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from people from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups including, but not limited to, ethnic minority and people with disabilities. IAA firmly believes that such diversity enriches our workplace culture and drives innovation.

If you have a disability or need any specific accommodations during the application or selection process, please let us know. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to ensure all candidates have an equal opportunity to participate fully in the recruitment process. You can contact us at human.resources@iaa.ie.