Logistics and Supply Chain Expert (OPAS) at United Nations Development Programme

United Nations Development Programme; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

UNDP seeks an ICAO OPAS Expert to support GACA under ICAO TCP project SAU22801, providing specialized aviation security expertise and regulatory oversight. The role covers capacity building, development of surveillance tools, and risk-based oversight in national frameworks.

The position requires leadership in training programs, compliance with international standards, and collaboration with national and international stakeholders to strengthen aviation security capabilities in the Kingdom of

Qualifications

• University degree in Aviation security or related fields is required.
• At least ten years of experience in an airline, airport, government or civil aviation organization with supervisory and instructional experience.
• Knowledge of ICAO SARPs and national aviation security requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized expertise to support development and enforcement of ICAO Annex 17 SARPs and GACA regulations.
• Develop and strengthen NASP, oversight systems and related regulatory guidance.
• Support Known Consignor and regulatory oversight programs with data-driven monitoring.

Skills

Aviation security knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Training delivery

Analytical thinking

Education

University degree in Aviation security or related fields

Job description

This Full time on site position offers great opportunities for career growth.

The Organizational SettingICAO OPAS Expert will be assigned to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)/Aviation Security Sector under ICAO TCP project Number SAU22801).

The Expert will be assigned to carry out his/her respected duties and responsibilities established within this specific job description and he/she will be under the direct leadership and supervision of assigned superiors, within GACA structure.

Major duties and Responsibilities Function 1 (incl. Expected results)

• Provide specialized technical expertise to support the development, implementation and continuous enhancement of ICAO Annex 17 SARPs and GACA Aviation Security Regulations within the national aviation security regulatory and oversight framework.
• Contribute to the development and strengthening of the State Aviation Security Program (NASP), the National Aviation Security Oversight System, and associated aviation security regulations, policies, technical guidance and oversight methodologies.
• Provide technical support for the development, enhancement and regulatory oversight of the National Known Consignor Program in alignment with ICAO SARPs and national aviation security requirements.
• Provide technical support and capacity building to strengthen regulatory oversight of aviation security across key domains including air cargo and mail, airport catering, duty free operations, aviation-related facilities, Regulated Agents (RA) and Known Consignors (KC).
• Support the development of technical oversight tools, performance indicators and data-driven monitoring mechanisms to enhance aviation security compliance and oversight effectiveness.
• Support national readiness and continuous improvement activities for the ICAO Universal Security Audit Program – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA), with particular focus on air cargo and aviation supply chain security entities (Regulated Agents, Known Consignors, catering and duty‑free facilities).
• Support the development and enhancement of aviation security data systems, risk-based oversight methodologies and technical performance monitoring to enable evidence-based regulatory decision-making.

Function 2 (incl. Expected results)

• Conduct technical assessments of the State aviation security system considering the State’s obligations under the Tokyo, Hague and Montreal Conventions and the need to balance security and facilitation of air transport.
• Provide expert advice on aviation security governance, including roles, responsibilities and organizational arrangements required to strengthen the National Civil Aviation Security Program (NCASP).
• Support the development and enhancement of aviation security plans, regulatory documentation and technical guidance for inclusion in the NCASP and related aviation security regulations.
• Provide technical input to strengthen regulatory requirements and oversight related to air cargo and mail, airport catering, aviation supplies, Regulated Agents (RA) and Known Consignors (KC), in coordination with relevant national stakeholders and international partners.
• Support the development of aviation security planning documentation for integration into the NCASP and national aviation security framework.
• Provide technical input to aviation security workforce planning, including competency frameworks, training strategies and capacity development plans.
• Design and deliver aviation security training programs, workshops and knowledge-transfer activities to strengthen national aviation security capabilities.

Function 3 (incl. Expected results)

• Design, develop and deliver specialized aviation security training program for GACA personnel to support the effective implementation of ICAO SARPs and national aviation security regulations.
• Develop and enhance aviation security inspection and audit programs, methodologies and guidance materials in line with ICAO and GACA aviation security oversight requirements.
• Provide technical support to inspection and audit activities and lead knowledge-transfer initiatives to strengthen national aviation security oversight capabilities.

Impact of The Outcome of the Position

The cooperation provided under this Project aims to reinforce the GACA capacity to provide safe, efficient and cost‑effective civil aviation services through the input of ICAO Advisers and Consultants in specialized disciplines to: address specific problems arising from the introduction of new technologies; develop a manpower and training plan, as well as a career progression plan, which will provide sound guidance for management decisions affecting the hiring, training, promotion and retention of its highly trained personnel.

Work Relations and Contacts

The Logistics and Supply Chain Security Expert will operate under the direct supervision of the General Manager, General Department of Cargo Security & Logistics Facilities Security at GACA. In carrying out the assigned duties, the Expert will regularly coordinate with relevant departments across the Aviation Security Sector to ensure alignment with GACA's operational and regulatory objectives. With regard to external relations, the Expert will engage, as required, with key external stakeholders including logistics zone operators, air cargo ground handling agents, inflight catering operators, airports, and airlines, representing GACA's interests in matters related to logistics and supply chain security.

COMPETENCIES

• Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
• Judgement/Decision-making : Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two‑way communication; tailors language, tone, style, and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
• Commitment to Continuous Learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in Aviation security or related fields is required.
• At least ten years of experience in an airline, airport, government or civil aviation organization with supervisory and instructional experience in air and ground security matters.
• Proven experience in the planning, organization and implementation of security practices for the safeguarding of civil aviation, aerodromes and facilities, appreciation of the legal basis of AVSEC and restricted articles regulations.
• Knowledge of the principles of operation and use of security devices and equipment including surveillance, detection and intrusion alarm systems in relation to purely domestic, mixed and international regulations.
• Ability to organize and implement bomb threat response procedures. anti-hijacking procedures and other aerodrome security measures.
• Working knowledge of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) relevant to the Aviation Security specialty, i.e., ICAO Annex 17 to the Convention on ICAO (Chicago Convention), ICAO Security Manual for the Safeguarding of Civil Aviation from Acts of Unlawful Interference (Doc 8973).
• Familiarity with ICAO AVSEC Training Program and ICAO Annexes 6, 9, 14 and 18.
• Knowledge of the principles of operation of TSA, EU & UK regulations.
• Experience of working in the environment of a developing country is desirable.
• Experience and qualification of training the trainees.
• Languages: A good command of functional reading, writing, and speaking abilities in English.

Remuneration

• P5 STEP 1 No Fee
• THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.