Civil Aviation Law Expert

The Civil Aviation Law Expert will support the institutional reform of the Civil Aviation Committee (CAC) of Armenia, providing technical assistance to transform the CAC into an autonomous, technically competent, and financially sustainable authority. The role involves reviewing and drafting aviation legislation, advising on regulatory frameworks, and supporting implementation of reforms aligned with ICAO standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive review and gap analysis of Armenia's existing aviation legislation for alignment with ICAO Chicago Convention obligations, ICAO SARPs, related guidance and best practices.
• Develop recommendations and draft legislative amendments to establish the legal basis for an autonomous CAC, including governance model, regulatory mandate, enforcement powers, and accountability framework.
• Develop recommendations and draft legislative amendments to establish the legal basis for an effective, sustainable and independent AASIID.
• Draft or substantially revise the primary civil aviation law of Armenia to enable the transition from the current CAC to an autonomous CAC, including provisions on institutional and financial autonomy.
• Develop a legislative and regulatory implementation roadmap, including transitional provisions, secondary legislation, and regulatory orders required to give effect to institutional reform.
• Advise on the regulatory framework for core safety oversight functions: certification, licensing, surveillance, enforcement and accident and incident investigations.
• Coordinate with other experts through Project Coordinator on legal aspects of HR and financial reform.
• Perform duties under the coordination of the Project Coordinator to achieve project objectives.
• Contribute to the review and harmonization of sections developed by other members of the expert team.
• Compile necessary documentation to carry out the work.
• Prepare meetings and field visits including lists of stakeholders, questionnaires, and reports.
• Participate in coordination meetings organized by ICAO CDI and EUR/NAT Responsible Officers and the National Project Coordinator.
• Ensure ICAO's safety, security, and sustainability considerations are incorporated into all deliverables.
• Participate in the development of a detailed work plan with delivery dates and responsibilities.
• Contribute to monthly project monitoring reports.
• Contribute to the review and integration of all reports and documents into final deliverables.
• Prepare presentations for project progress briefings to the Government of Armenia, ICAO, and other stakeholders.
• Review and map existing Armenian aviation legislation against ICAO Chicago Convention obligations, SARPs, related guidance and best practices; produce a legislative gap analysis report.
• Draft or substantially revise the primary civil aviation law and key secondary regulations to establish the legal foundation for an autonomous CAC and independent AASIID.
• Develop a legal and regulatory implementation roadmap with transitional provisions.
• Advise on ICAO compliance from a legal perspective, including Chicago Convention treaty obligations and USOAP corrective action requirements.
• Coordinate with government legal advisors, the Ministry of Justice, and parliamentary staff on legislative drafting processes.
• Provide legal opinions on the institutional status, powers, and accountability of the reformed CAC and AASIID as required during the project.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• University degree in Law, with a focus on public law, administrative law, or international law.
• Specialized education in aviation law or air law (Master’s degree or equivalent) is desirable.
• Minimum 15 years of professional experience in aviation law, public law, or regulatory reform.
• At least 5 years specifically in civil aviation legislation.
• Demonstrated experience drafting aviation legislation or primary laws establishing or reforming civil aviation authorities.
• Solid knowledge of the ICAO Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), its Annexes, and ICAO SARPs.
• Experience working with ICAO Doc 9734 (Safety Oversight Audit Manual) and functional governance frameworks for CACs.
• Proven experience in governmental legislative reform processes, preferably in developing or transition-economy contexts.
• Familiarity with the CIS/Eastern European aviation regulatory and legal context is desirable.
• Strong command of written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of Russian or Armenian is a significant asset.

Skills

• Civil Aviation Law
• Civil Aviation Legislation
• Legislative Drafting
• Regulation Reform
• ICAO Convention Knowledge
• ICAO SARPs
• Safety Oversight Audit Manual
• Governance Framework Analysis
• Governmental Legislative Reform
• Public Law
• Administrative Law
• International Law
• Legal Advisory Services
• Aviation Regulatory Frameworks
• Technical Assistance
• English Language Proficiency

Languages

English