Manager: International Relations

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To manage the planning, coordinating, and implementing of international relations, diplomatic engagements, and global collaboration with international and relevant local stakeholders.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Planning and Advisory

• Implement a comprehensive International Relations Strategy and Plan.

• Coordinate all international relations activities.

• Develop clear guidelines for participation in international civil aviation activities

• Promote the adoption and implementation of global regulatory standards and practices to advance South Africa’s aviation agenda

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Regional Cooperation Programme.

• Keep a track of all plans and programmes

Research & Analysis

• Conduct background research on international aviation policies, foreign civil aviation, and global trends.

• Monitor global events and provide briefing notes or summaries for senior officials.

Administration

• Compile briefing documents for international missions/bilateral for the Minister/ DCA.

• Facilitate and coordinate State Letters / Source distribute State Letters

• Update the Focal Point list annually

• Coordinate submission and retain trip reports

• Compile and route report outcomes and recommendations

• Coordinate the Regional Assistance Programme

• Schedule preparatory meetings

• Prepare itineraries, welcome kits, and meeting materials for international guests or delegations

International Relations & Stakeholder Relations

• Identify gaps and coordinate stakeholder interventions.

• Assist in providing opportunities to build professional networks with international colleagues, organisations, and stakeholders.

• Assist in developing international partnerships, collaborations, and agreements.

• Support and assist in the development and implementation of international programmes.

• Support the organisation of international visits, conferences, workshops, and diplomatic events

• Work closely with different stakeholders to ensure seamless policy integration and provide technical expertise on international civil aviation matters.

• Collaborate with Personnel to ensure international safety oversight obligations are met and to represent South Africa's safety record and protocols accurately abroad.

• Manage the relationship with the International Civil Aviation Organization, including preparing for and participating in audits (USOAP, USAP), attending panels and working groups, and submitting required State reports.

• Act as a key point of contact for the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), promoting regional cooperation, supporting the implementation of the AFCAC Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiatives, and representing South African interests within the African aviation landscape.

Monthly And Quarterly Reports

• Compile monthly and quarterly reports and ensure accuracy of the information therein

• Ensure that reports are submitted timeously

Compliance and development of policies and procedures

• Develop and implement the SACAA's international engagement strategy in direct alignment with the National Civil Aviation Policy, the DoT's strategic objectives, and DIRCO's foreign policy directives and procedures.

• Ensure that ISO procedures are adhered to

• Ensure that the section does not attract findings and that all findings are addressed and closed

• Coordinate South Africa's positions for international meetings (e.g., ICAO Assemblies, AFCAC Summits) in collaboration with the DoT, ensuring a unified national stance

Protocol Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable government or related protocol requirements.

• Coordinate protocol management.