Salary Scale: Commensurate with experience & qualifications of the successful candidate
Reports to: Head of Aviation Sustainability
Location: The Times Building, 11-12 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2.
Position: Full-time
Duration: Permanent
THE IRISH AVIATION AUTHORITY
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is the single aviation regulator for Ireland. We are responsible for the regulation of safety, security and consumer interests. For more information, please visit our website: About the Irish Aviation Authority (iaa.ie).
Mission: The Irish Aviation Authority regulates to the highest professional standards to ensure a safe, secure and consumer-focused aviation environment. Through regulations, 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 defines us: We are the industry experts and the authority in our field.
The passenger is central: We protect the interests of passengers in everything we do.
We champion excellence: Individually and collectively, we ensure that our practices and performance are of the highest standard in global aviation, and consistently implemented.
Our value is in our people: Our professionalism and commitment are at the heart of everything we do.
Clear and responsive: We are accessible. We meet and surpass our public service commitments and strive to provide clarity and promote understanding in all aspects of regulation.
Collaborative: We promote teamwork within the Authority, and work with stakeholders and clients to find solutions.
We promote sustainable and responsible practices: Aiming to promote the development of aviation in a sustainable and responsible way, meeting the imperative to protect our shared environment.
Job Description
The IAA recently established a new role, Head of Aviation Sustainability, to drive a new strategic objective of supporting the aviation sector’s transition to net zero carbon by 2050 in support of our new strategy.
The Head of Aviation Sustainability reports to the Director of Economic Regulation, Consumer Affairs and Licensing. The team is responsible for a number of key oversight functions in respect of civil aviation in Ireland:
* Delivery of a new IAA strategy and sustainability strategic priority
* Implementation of the ReFuelEU regulation
* Supervision of regulated entities’ environmental performance
* Support to Department of Transport and other aviation stakeholder s
This new role of Senior Environmental Officer will help the IAA meet its statutory sustainability responsibilities and strengthen internal coordination and external engagement with key stakeholders (including Government, EU institutions and industry).
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
* Assist in interpreting and implementing sustainability regulations and directives (e.g. ReFuelEU), drafting inputs to consultations and coordinating compliance actions.
* Proactively engage key stakeholders directly and via industry groups on environmental performance and other related topics.
* Support engagement and information flows with airports, airlines, Government departments and agencies, EU bodies and other stakeholders.
* Collect, validate, analyse and report on environmental metrics and industry progress, support dashboards and KPI development (e.g. in Power BI).
* Track and manage workplans, risks, timelines and deliverables across sustainability projects and workstreams.
* Accurate and thorough analysis to inform decision making and associated processes. Such analysis might include benchmarking, forecasting, trend analysis, modelling and other spreadsheet modelling.
* Drafting consultation and decision reports and submissions, monitoring reports, internal reports, and giving internal/ external presentations.
* Meeting with key stakeholders in the aviation industry, assessing the merits of conflicting views, considering how to take their views into account in the decision-making process.
* Maintaining an awareness of environmental regulatory practice in Ireland, Europe and internationally.
* Conduct research and horizon scanning to inform IAA policy positions, regulatory responses and guidance.
* Draft briefings, reports, presentations and external-facing materials; contribute to internal awareness and capability building.
* Support implementation and maintenance of an environmental management system, GHG accounting methodologies and verification readiness.
* Support the development of training resources, based on training needs assessment.
* Lead and coordinate external communications on environmental initiatives, including drafting press releases, preparing content for social media and representing the IAA at industry forums and conferences.
* Design and deliver internal engagement initiatives to build awareness and ownership of environmental goals, including campaigns, workshops and training sessions.
* This job description is not exhaustive, other items may be added from time to time at the discretion of the Head of Aviation Sustainability.
Job requirements
Skills and Qualifications
The successful candidate should have the following qualifications and skills:
Required:
* Degree in environmental science, engineering, sustainability, public policy, aviation or a related field (or equivalent relevant experience).
* Strong understanding of sustainability
* Familiarity with EU sustainability and disclosure frameworks in an aviation/ regulatory context.
* Strong analytical skills with experience in data handling and visualisation (e.g. Excel, Power BI).
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex topics for diverse audiences.
* Works effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
* Thrives in a dynamic, evolving and fast-paced environment.
* Initiative and drive: Proactive in identifying opportunities to support sustainability goals.
* Applies analytical and critical thinking to support evidence-based decision making.
* Maintains integrity and confidentiality handling sensitive information.
* Experience with project management tools and methodologies.
* Excellent IT skills, including the full range of O365 is a prerequisite. Ability to familiarise and become proficient with specialist software is also required.
* Postgraduate degree in science, engineering, sustainability, environment, public policy or a related field.
* Experience in aviation sustainability, ESG reporting, ISO 14001 and ISO 14064.
* Some experience with change management.
* Experience with stakeholder engagement across government, EU and industry fora.
* Additional language skills and knowledge of policy and regulation in other jurisdictions are 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 experiencetoguide 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 andorganizes 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
* Practioners 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,andrespect,even in challenging circumstances
* Presents information clearly,concisely,and confidently when speaking and in writing
SpecialistKnowledge,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.
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
Commensurate with experience & qualifications of the successful candidate
Probationary Period
The position is subject to a probationary period of 6 months from the date of actual commencement and is subject to the provision of satisfactory performance during that period.
Hours of Work
The hours of work are 36 hours per week. Standard working hours at the IAA are:
* Monday to Thursday: 9:15am to 5:30pm with 1-hour lunch break
* Friday: 9:15am to 5:15pm with 1-hour lunch break
Annual Leave excluding public holidays is 28 days per annum.
Pension
A successful internal candidate that is currently a member of an Irish Aviation Authority pension scheme will remain in that scheme.
Other Benefits
Competitive salary and superannuation package (eligibility applies)
Flexible working arrangements and work/life friendly policies
Bike to Work and Tax Saver schemes
Inclusive engagement groups: D&I, Social, and Green Teams
Approved travel and subsistence allowances
EAP counselling and mental health support
Free annual flu vaccine, health screening, and menopause clinic session
Onsite and digital gym
Weekly wellbeing seminars
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 Remote 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.
* Complete applications including a CV and letter of motivation should be received no later than 5pm, Friday, 31st October 2025.
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.
Please click this link to view current member states in the EEA:
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.
Accommodations during the application and interview process may be requested directly to human.resources@iaa.ie.
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