Job Description

The

Senior Manager - Airport Emergency Planning

is responsible for the development, management, and maintenance of the corporate emergency plan for Abu Dhabi Airport's operations, ensuring that all contingency measures are effectively incorporated.


This includes coordination of mutual-aid efforts, collaboration on the review, update, and implementation of emergency response protocols and processes with relevant stakeholders; development and delivery of training programs; design, implementation, and management of emergency facilities; and development and evaluation of emergency exercises.


The role ensures Abu Dhabi Airports maintains exemplary system-wide preparedness in alignment with international aviation best practices and compliance with

GCAA CAR Part XI, CAR Part X Appendix 5, GCAA Safety Decisions

, and the

Communicable Disease Management Programme

.


The incumbent also acts as the

Airport Emergency Planning Postholder

, providing strategic guidance and oversight of all emergency response processes to ensure compliance with GCAA regulations and Health Authority directives. The role requires leadership in developing a comprehensive, high-standard emergency response framework applicable across all ADAC airports.

Responsibilities

Decision Making

Develop and implement risk-based emergency response best practices across all ADAC airports, interpreting GCAA and ICAO standards. Exercise partial independent judgment in executing responsibilities. Recommend actions to ADAC senior management during incidents or emergencies to minimize impact and risk. Provide decisions and recommendations to reduce risks and ensure inter-agency coordination during emergencies.

Planning

Develop annual and quarterly plans for Airport Emergency Plan reviews and simulation exercises. Collaborate with stakeholders to update AEP protocols aligned with the Safety Management Systems Risk Register.

Communication

Report directly to the ES&C General Manager. Liaise with ADAC senior management and external entities (Police, Civil Defense, Health Authorities, regional hospitals, airlines). Negotiate and gain commitment from stakeholders to adhere to emergency response roles and responsibilities.

People Management

Recommend and evaluate training needs of subordinates. Conduct performance appraisals and recommend appropriate actions.

Operations

Serve as

Department Head for Airport Emergency Planning

, managing staffing, budgeting, recruitment, training, and performance. Develop, implement, and manage emergency processes compliant with GCAA regulations, Health Authority directives, and SMS requirements. Oversee design, development, and maintenance of the

Airport Emergency Plan (AEP)

and related

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

. Manage

Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)

,

Gold Command

, and other emergency facilities. Act as

EOC Support

during actual emergencies, advising executive management on strategy and tactics. Design, implement, and manage emergency drills and exercises involving internal and external stakeholders. Develop a comprehensive Emergency Response Planning framework for all ADAC airports. Chair

Aerodrome Emergency Committee

meetings to coordinate and manage emergency plans. Promote collaboration among ADAC departments and government agencies; formalize agreements and MOUs for coordinated responses. Provide ADAC senior management with regular updates, guidance, and tactical direction on emergency response. Lead planning, coordination, and conduct of emergency simulation exercises to ensure preparedness. Develop protocols for the

Incident Command System (ICS)

including

Mobile Command Post

,

EOC

, and

Gold Command

. Deliver and oversee emergency response training and coaching sessions. Produce post-incident evaluation reports with recommendations for continuous improvement. Serve as

EOC Advisor

during real emergencies to support operational decision-making. Mentor and empower Airport Emergency Planning staff to achieve departmental goals and enhance performance. Conduct annual and bi-annual performance evaluations and manage departmental KPIs. Prepare and manage the annual budget for the Airport Emergency Planning department. Coordinate emergency-related

Business Continuity

protocols with the BCM Department.

Requirements & Skills

Education and Qualifications

Bachelor's degree (minimum) in

Aviation Management

,

Human Factors

,

Safety Management Systems

,

Business Continuity Management

, or related disciplines. Diploma or Certificate in

Aviation Emergency Response

and

Family Assistance

preferred. Proficiency in

Arabic and English

(to university level). Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of advanced education.

Experience

Minimum

15 years of aviation industry experience

, with significant exposure to operational environments, emergency planning, and crisis management. At least

8 years in managerial roles

. Experience in project management, preferably in developing airport, airline, or government crisis/disaster response plans. Proven record in developing operational policies and procedures.

Technical Knowledge and Competencies

In-depth understanding of

GCAA

and

ICAO

Regulations. Knowledge in

Incident Command System (ICS)

,

Emergency Preparedness/Disaster Management

,

Family Assistance

,

Safety Management Systems

,

Human Factors

, and

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

. Training or certification in one or more of the following is an advantage: + Audit/Quality Assurance
+ Safety Management Systems (SMS)
+ Business Continuity Management
+ Crisis Communications
+ Emergency Exercise Management

Core Competencies

Leadership and communication skills Accountability and teamwork Passion and achievement orientation Empowerment and adaptability Strong negotiation and influencing abilities Strategic thinking and conceptual skills * Professional credibility and relationship management within international aviation emergency networks