Foreign Affairs Specialist

Foreign Affairs Specialist

Department of Transportation

Federal Aviation Administration

Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety (AVS)

Summary

This position serves as a Foreign Affairs Specialist in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Office. Supports the mission of the Office with a focus on international activities and the global leadership strategic initiative.

Duties

Performs a mixture of routine and varying assignments under the limited direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist.

Coordinates with the manager and more experienced foreign affairs specialists to plan time and use assigned resources to accomplish assignments. Supports the management, coordination, and preparation of programs to further the office's mission with a specific focus on the international aspects of UAS integration. This support includes, but is not limited to the following tasks: assist with coordination of a subset of UAS international work in technical/policy areas; researching U.S. and foreign aviation policies and programs; attending meetings, and supporting the wider FAA team to work with key stakeholders both within the FAA and with foreign counterparts.

Facilitates FAA involvement in projects, as well as visits by foreign officials.

Applies experience, knowledge, and understanding of international aviation programs to accomplish assignments. Works with subject matter experts and senior representatives to perform the following activities: (1) collects, records and analyzes data/information, as appropriate, for briefing and background papers on technical, policy and political aspects of international aviation issues, in preparation for and in support of anticipated meetings, travel, or decision-making by senior FAA officials. Arranges the necessary logistical support for such events and ensures appropriate FAA representation. (2) Develops international agreements, coordinates program requirements, and arranges for the resources (personnel, equipment, funding) required to execute agreed upon FAA responsibilities associated with international technical assistance; (3) collect, analyze, and distribute critical information and intelligence in his/her area of responsibility; (4) Assists in developing targets and initiatives for formulating FAA's international strategy.

Drafts briefing materials for FAA specialists and senior officials engaged in training and technical activities; collects and records information about policies, programs, and state of aviation related to UAS.

Maintains open and effective communication, cooperation, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders. Identifies, interprets and applies guidance, policy, and regulations to assigned projects. Works deliverables to completion, assists with resolving complex problems and issues, and follows schedules and milestones. Participates on project meetings and periodic reviews, involving a wide variety of stakeholders and prepares accurate and timely project status reports.

Established policies/procedures provide guidance for most assignments, but allow some discretion to select the most appropriate approach. Typically receives guidance on selecting approach from a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist. May provide recommendations to improve work processes.

Frequently refers problems and work issues to a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist when existing guidelines are not available or applicable.

Work is reviewed periodically during assignments and at completion to ensure timeliness and technical compliance with the requirements of the project or other work activity. Work activities typically support the work of other employees and contribute to activities of the organizational unit.