Established in Havana, Cuba in 1945, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 240 airlines or 84% of total air traffic. We support many areas of aviation activity and help formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues. IATA’s mission is to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry. We help airlines to operate safely, securely, efficiently, and economically under clearly defined rules. Professional support is provided to all industry stakeholders with a wide range of products and expert services.
If you are ready to join our unique organization, you embrace our corporate culture and if you are eager to contribute to our success, you may have what it takes to work for IATA.
We are presently recruiting for the Industry Affairs Executive, South Africa role. Reporting to the Area Manager, Southern Africa and working closely with the Regional Head, Membership and External Relations – Africa and the Middle East and the Vice President, Africa, you will lead a step change in how aviation is perceived in South Africa so that this new perception can positively influence and shape aviation-related legislation and policy in South Africa.
Responsibilities
Develop, communicate and manage a three year national perception change strategy and plan;
Work with the IATA Economics team to develop and enhance evidence-based data about the economic and social value of aviation;
Carry out baseline analysis to understand the perception of aviation among identified stakeholder groups in South Africa (e.g. governments, passengers, the business community, etc);
Use the evidence based data to promote the social and economic value of aviation to [1] policy decision makers and [2] other stakeholders that have the ability to influence those decision makers. This needs to be at all levels; local, state, and national. This will include developing and overseeing an innovative and integrated communications strategy, including with the media, to present a positive image of the airline industry so as to positively influence stakeholder perception;
Develop and maintain close relationships with key stakeholders in government relevant to value of aviation initiatives, political parties and other non-traditional stakeholders, managing all meetings, correspondence and activities;
Build advocacy coalitions by engaging the local airline community (IATA members and non-members) and other stakeholder groups that benefit from air transport (the business community, passengers and other non-traditional stakeholders);
Work closely with the Area Manager, Southern Africa to ensure that any value of aviation messaging is incorporated into the Area Manager’s ‘day to day’ advocacy activities on specific topics and to actively support those activities where possible/appropriate;
Ensure that any value of aviation activities in South Africa are aligned with IATA’s global efforts to promote the value of aviation;
Serve in an advisory capacity on all aero-political matters in the country;
Determine financial requirements and prepare budgets; monitor, verify and reconcile expenditure of budgeted funds;
Provide timely reports as appropriate, regarding progress of work and achievement of set objectives;
Any other tasks as assigned.
What does success look like?
Improved perception of aviation among key stakeholders, which has started to influence a Smarter Regulation approach to aviation in South Africa
Member airlines are positive about the value of aviation initiatives and are engaged in the process
Qualifications and Skills
University degree in Business Administration, Political Science or any other relevant discipline;
More than 10 years of professional experience in a senior advocacy or aero-political role (Experience in the aviation industry a clear asset);
Excellent stakeholder relationships with government, politicians, the business community, media and industry stakeholders
Proven outstanding project management skills, ability to work under pressure on multiple matters with tight deadlines and changing priorities;
Outgoing personality, excellent social skills, ability to influence people in a multi-cultural environment;
Sharp analytical skills, discretion and excellent oral presentation skills;
Excellent written and spoken English; any other regional language is an advantage.
Candidates must possess and exhibit the following core IATA values:
Be people and team oriented, focused on results, embrace innovation and change, and demonstrate leadership and personal integrity