FAM/25/057_FPA0302_EXPERTO CONOPS

The Organizational Setting

Under the direction of the ICAO Office of Capacity Development and Implementation, the Operations Section (FOS) is responsible for strategic planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of projects. FOS assists in identifying priority development needs in the civil aviation sector and provides technical cooperation to recipient States. FOS executes projects in accordance with ICAO/CDI policies and contractual modalities.

Design and document the CONOPS for the Rescue and Firefighting Service (SSEI) for each airport and for the central coordination headquarters, complying with applicable national and international regulations, considering different operational, infrastructure, and organizational scenarios, and including a progressive approach to service development, staff training, and equipment. 

In the case of Tocumen International Airport, short-term actions for 2026-2030 are being planned, including the relocation of the current station, so information regarding this airport in terms of possible operational alternatives and infrastructure location is a priority. Additionally, as part of this objective, the determination of the future training ground for the SSEI, which will serve the other airports, will be integrated.

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

Regulatory and technical analysis Diagnosis of current situation:

Identification and application of current regulations: ICAO Annex 14, Doc 9137 Part 1, RACP Parts 139 and 1544, regulations of the Panama Fire Department, environmental regulations of MiAmbiente, and labor regulations of MITRADEL. It will consider as a reference the NFPA (403, 414, 1500, 1003) and others considered by the Expert.

Function 2 (incl. Expected results)

CONOPS design by airport and headquarters:

Assessment of SSEI infrastructure, ICAO category, staffing, vehicles, equipment, and regulatory compliance by airport. Extensive documentation and previous work on this subject will be made available to the Expert.

Function 3 (incl. Expected results)

Design of CONOPS by airport and headquarters:

Preparation of CONOPS for each airport, giving priority to Tocumen International Airport, including (but not limited to):

•     Analysis of risks and operational needs

•     Governance and coordination model from headquarters

•     Definition of resources (personnel, vehicles, equipment) and procedures to be developed 

•     Confirmation or determination of SSEI location. 

For PTY: development of three specific operational scenarios

•     Scenario A: two runways, response to one intervention

•     Scenario B: two runways – maintenance of operations after intervention

•       Scenario C: two runways, maintenance of operations – response to incidents in the terminal and other possible facilities. 

For each scenario at PTY, the following must be done as a minimum:

•     Define the complete organizational structure (management, shifts, functions) - Estimate the required OPEX and investment (CAPEX) •  Include a comparative matrix of technical and operational criteria to assess the advantages and disadvantages of each scenario    (response times, redundancy, scalability, budgetary impact, etc.) 

•     Include a risk matrix for each scenario, identifying operational, logistical, budgetary, or regulatory threats,     with their respective assessment and conclusions. 

•     Include an estimated implementation time for each scenario as a criterion for decision-making. 

•     Propose the optimal location for SSEI station(s) considering coverage, response times, and the possibility of progressively integrating a training field. Consider that a third runway will be available in approximately 10 years.

Function 4 (incl. Expected results)

Management and governance models:

Different models will be considered and compared, the scope of which will be discussed during the preparatory meeting for the bid.

Function 5 (incl. Expected results)

Estimation of resources, costs, and investments:

Costs for personnel, operations, maintenance, replacement of equipment, and infrastructure.

Function 6 (incl. Expected results)

Infrastructure and equipment requirements:

Stations, water supply, foam storage, charging systems, conditions for the use of fluorine-free foams, and environmental suitability. Consider the transition to fluorinated compound-free (PFAS) foams—Type F3/FFF.

Function 7 (incl. Expected results)

Training and career plan:

Career path for SSEI firefighters, initial and ongoing training, certifications, and development of the training center. For this job, you will join the specific working group created for this purpose.

Function 8 (incl. Expected results)

Basic documentation and institutional coordination:

AITSA will provide operational and documentary information and will interact with the relevant institutional bodies at the request of AITSA.

Expected Products 

The following is a non-exhaustive list of expected products. The Expert may propose modifications to this list based on their experience.

•     Work plan and schedule

•     Diagnosis by airport

•     Concise matrix of applicable national and international regulations. 

•     CONOPS by airport and headquarters - Priority will be given to Tocumen International Airport in terms of CONOPS. 

•     Operational scenarios for PTY with locations, organizational structure, OPEX, CAPEX, risk matrix, and comparative criteria matrix (including estimated implementation time for each scenario). 

•     Assessment of the different scenarios and service proposal based on all analyses. Assessment of the training center. 

•     Investment program and SSEI costs by airport and headquarters for the next ten years. 

•     Comparative management models with feasibility analysis 

•     Estimated cost of resources, training, fitness, and education. 

• Career plan and certification proposal – in collaboration with the working group created for this purpose. 

• Detailed implementation schedule for the selected CONOPS to ensure realistic execution. 

• Record of interviews, documents, and references used. 

• Presentations at each relevant milestone in the schedule and final executive presentation for VPs and Steering Committee.

Function 9 (incl. Expected results)

Perform other related duties as required.

COMPETENCIES

Core 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.

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.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

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.

Managerial Competence:

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Qualifications and Experience Education

University degree or equivalent professional qualifications in engineering, operational safety, or related fields.

• Minimum 15 years of experience related to SSEI at ICAO category 9+ aerodromes, covering sizing, training, infrastructure, equipment, etc.

• Experience in similar cases, in the design of operational models, simulations, change management, and SSEI training.

• Experience in cost-benefit assessments and analyses, investment programs, and expenses. 

•     Any ICAO/NFPA certifications applicable to the project and knowledge of the Panamanian framework will be valued.

•    Possess initiative, tact, good judgment, and the ability to foster and maintain harmonious working relationships.

Fluency in spoken and written Spanish and practical knowledge of English at a technical level.

Special Service Agreement (SSA) Monthly Fee: 10,000 USD, plus DSA and Airfare when applicable.

It should be noted that this is a prospective position intended for experts interested in consultancy contracts. (short and long term) 

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

ICAO CDI consultants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants. 

ICAO CDI offers an attractive benefit package to its consultants in accordance with the policies of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC).