Global Lead ATM and Airport policy

About the team you are joining

IATA strives to improve the understanding of the air transport industry among decision-makers and increase awareness of the benefits that aviation brings to national and global economies. Advocating for the interests of airlines across the globe, we challenge unreasonable rules and charges, hold regulators and governments to account, and strive for sensible regulation.

Employment Type:
Permanent

As Global Lead ATM & Airport Policy you will report to the Director Global Advocacy Strategy and will be responsible for leading the airline’s global policy positions and advocacy strategy related to air traffic management (ATM) and airport policy. Your main focus will be on influencing regulatory, legislative, and institutional frameworks to improve operational efficiency, capacity, cost‑effectiveness, resilience, and sustainability of airspace and airport systems, while safeguarding airline interests.

You will operate at a senior level, engaging with governments, regulators, airports, air navigation service providers (ANSPs), and international organizations.

• Develop policy positions that promote efficient, interoperable, and performance‑driven ATM systems and airport infrastructure.
• Lead high‑level advocacy with policymakers, regulators, and authorities at national, regional, and international levels on ATM and airport issues.
• Together with relevant technical SMEs, develop IATA’s global advocacy strategy on ATM and airport policy, including airspace modernization, capacity management, performance regulation, economic regulation, charging and cost recovery, resilience, and infrastructure planning.
• Anticipate emerging policy, regulatory, and technological trends affecting ATM and airport operations and assess their impact on airline strategy and network operations.
• Engage with air navigation service providers, airport operators, and oversight bodies to influence regulatory frameworks, performance targets, and investment priorities.
• Coordinate lobbying activities, including bilateral meetings, consultation responses, position papers, and participation in hearings and advisory groups.
• Address policy issues related to contingency planning, resilience, and crisis management from an airline operational perspective.
• Coordinate advocacy efforts focusing on airport regulation, including economic oversight, charging frameworks, slot access, and capacity development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure airline alignment on key policies and positions through engagement with the relevant airline industry groups.
• Work cross‑functionally with OSS, legal, communications, and regional teams to ensure coherent advocacy positions and compliance with the advocacy / lobbying framework.
• Track progress against advocacy objectives and evaluate policy outcomes at global and regional levels.

• 15 years of experience, of which at least 10 in government affairs or public policy, ideally in an aviation or government / regulatory setting.
• Policy analysis and strategic thinking, with the ability to develop and manage an advocacy strategy.
• Sound knowledge in ATM and airport operations with at least 5 years of interfacing with air navigation service providers.
• Good knowledge in the regulatory and policy framework driving ATM and airport operations at global and regional levels.
• Capability to explain complex technical concepts to a non‑technical audience. Ideally experience of briefing senior leadership and/or policymakers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines while ensuring attention to detail and that work is of a high standard.
• Team working and collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders, including member airlines and policy makers.
• Excellent communications skills in English, both written and oral.

Travel Required: yes: 5%

Diversity and Inclusion are one of our key priorities and we want to role‑model it. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills so that you can contribute at your best and be who you are. The more inclusive we are, the better we will be able to thrive to represent, lead and service the airline industry.

If there is anything we can do to create a more comfortable interview experience for you, please let us know.