• Function title: Network Specialist (Weather Operations)
• Reference: NOC-NM-2024-FCO/853
• Location: Brussels
• The selected candidate must reside either at this location or within a reasonable proximity that allows for the satisfactory execution of their duties – Information about living in Brussels
• Nature of competition: Internal and external competition
• Applicable regulations: Staff regulations governing officials of the EUROCONTROL Agency
• Type of post: Operational Staff
• Job level: FCO5-FCO7 – Check salary simulations for the basic grade
• Generic job title: N1: (Operating) Specialist
• Number of posts: 5
• Duration of appointment: Undetermined
• Security clearance: EUROCONTROL, NATO or EU Secret
• Directorate/Service: NMD/NOM/NMOC – Network Management Operations Centre
• Competition publication date: 18/10/2024
• Competition closing date: 14/11/2024(23:59 Brussels time)
• Reserve list: Applicable – See details in the “Useful information” section

Your team

Within the Network Management Directorate,The Network Manager Operations Centre (NMOC) optimises traffic flows by constantly balancing capacity supply and demand while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of flights going to and over Europe.

The Network Specialist in weather operations executes real time operational activities within the Flow Domain of the Network Manager Operations Centre in accordance with defined processes, procedures and reporting requirements.

Roles within the NM operations are expected to change due to the next generation of network management operational systems introduced by the iNM Programme, the integrated network management programme. Applicants should be aware of this innovation and be able to demonstrate resilience and change orientation.

Your role

Your role will be to :

• Develop the Network Plan, in collaboration with other NMOC Specialists, incorporating scenario applications and other air traffic flow management (ATFM) measures intended to mitigate the effects of adverse weather conditions.
• Analyse, together with other NMOC Specialist, the real time ATFM measures implemented or to be implemented taking into account network weather observations to fine tune ATFM measures applied by local Flow Management Positions.
• Coordinate with the relevant units for aircraft operators to adjust demand and avoid areas affected by bad weather.
• Enhance, based on meteorological forecasts, models and various data sources such as EUMETSAT and actual data, the management of adverse weather impacts on enroute, airports and Terminal Manoeuvring Areas (TMA).
• Contribute to the development of a playbook of precoordinated routes with all Area Control Centres (ACCs) and airlines. Ensure routes take into account potential weather-related hazards, minimise disruptions and optimise safety and efficiency.
• Support contrail avoidance and the management of potential impacts of space weather on the European air traffic network.
• Serve as principal interface between the Network Manager (NM) internal partners, operational stakeholders and State-designated aeronautical Meteorological Offices regarding daily meteorological conditions impacting European aviation.
• Analyse all relevant meteorological information from across Europe (and surrounding areas) and provide briefing material that focuses on airport, TMA and enroute weather impacting network operations.
• Conduct post-operations analyses and collaborative reviews with airlines and ACCs to assess forecast accuracy and the effectiveness of the implemented weather management plan.
• Conduct daily network video conferences with, among others, national meteorological entities to coordinate the network’s weather situation, including space weather phenomena and periods of crisis situations.
• Contribute to stakeholder outreach and information sharing initiatives to promote and facilitate engagement with NM’s ATFCM severe weather operations activities.
• Stay informed, collaborate with relevant teams and ensure follow-up on strategic and long-term activities and projects, where severe weather impact plays a crucial role in enhancing safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability in flight operations.
• Provide summaries, reports, instructions and training on aviation meteorological topics as required.
• Carry out any tasks in line with the main purpose of the job.

Required qualifications, experience & competencies

• Studies in a relevant area such as Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Physical Science or a related discipline.
• Accredited forecaster training and qualifications in applied aeronautical meteorology, compliant with World Meteorological Organisation’s (WMO) Guidance on Aeronautical Meteorological Forecaster Competency Standards.
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience in the aviation domain to carry out the advertised tasks.
• Experience in operational meteorological forecasting within the aviation domain.
• Experience in forecast production, stakeholder briefings, and analysis of meteorological data.
• Experience in atmospheric research.
• Proficiency in using meteorological tools and software, such as radar systems, satellite data, and computer models.
• Understanding of meteorological concepts, weather systems, space weather and climate patterns.
• Understanding of relevant ICAO global standards, practices and policies.
• Technical writing skills (English).
• The following would be considered an asset:
  • Experience in producing aeronautical MET products defined in ICAO Annex 3.
  • Experience in presenting weather forecasts on various media platforms.
  • Understanding of climate change science and its impact on weather patterns.
  • Understanding of the functioning of European institutions including EASA and SJU.
  • Knowledge or understanding of ATM/Air Navigation operations, procedures and systems.
  • Familiarity with the regulatory frameworks of aeronautical meteorology provision in Europe.
  • Ability to provide training.
• This job will be subject to an internal vocational training which will lead to the awarding of an internal certification. The role requires the attainment and retention of a double validation amongst the following operational domains: Flow Management, Flight Planning and Airspace Data. Passing this double validation is mandatory to conclude the training phase.
• Analytical thinking: You apply a methodical approach to complex information.
• Problem-solving: You anticipate and solve business problems.
• Communication: You are able to foster two-way communication.
• Planning & Organising: You know how to plan ahead and adapt as required.
• Networking: You know how to maintain and expand effective networks.
• Ability to work under pressure, especially during severe weather events.
• Physical aptitude to work in shift. This position requires shift work; the specific shift schedule will be determined based on operational needs.
• Commitment to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, is essential as weather conditions and crisis situations can require immediate and around-the-clock monitoring and response.
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment.
• Professional conduct in line with the corporate behaviours of the Agency, i.e. result-driven, readiness to change, customer focus, integrity and team-player approach.
• The working languages of the Agency are English and French. For this particular job, candidates must be proficient users of English at C1 level (oral/written). The selected candidate will have to acquire at least a basic level (A1) of French by the end of the probation period.
  The levels relate to the European-framework-reference Common European Framework of References for languages (CEFR).
• Please note that the advertised positions are contingent upon final budget approval.

Useful information

• Applications will be accepted from nationals of EUROCONTROL Member States only.
• This is an appointment for an undetermined period.
• Before being established in the post:
  • External candidates must provide certified documentation of their completed studies or relevant professional training.
  • Candidates must successfully complete internal vocational training to earn certification. Additionally, they are required to serve a probationary period. If the training concludes in less than nine months, the remaining period up to nine months will be served as probation. If the training extends beyond nine months, the candidate’s official establishment in the post will only occur after the full completion of the training.
• The successful candidate shall be appointed at the grade set out in this vacancy notice, or if a group of grades has been published for a job level, in principle at the basic grade of the published job level.
• Candidates declared suitable who are not selected for the post will be placed on a reserve list for similar roles. The reserve list will be valid for one year from the closing date of applications.
• Information on salary and benefits can be found on our Careers site
• EUROCONTROL is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equality and diversity. In the event of equal merit, preference may be given to the applicant from the under-represented diversity characteristics in order to complement diversity of teams and rebalance the workforce.
• Candidates should go to our Careers site and read the tips on how to apply.