Human Capital Internal Use 20 September 2020
Page 1 of 4
Job Description HC-HR-FO-1
Job Description
1. ROLE DETAILS:
JOB DESCRIPTION CODE: UTM001
POSITION TITLE: HEAD OF UTM
REPORTS TO: VP AIR TRAFFIC DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT: UNMANNED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS (UTM OPERATIONS)
GRADE: DANS 10 / DFS 19
2. ROLE PURPOSE:
The role is responsible for providing strategic leadership, vision, and direction to the UTM department. This
position ensures safe, efficient, and equitable management of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) traffic while
spearheading the development and execution of a comprehensive UTM strategy that aligns with national
and organizational goals. The Head of UTM leads innovation, ensures regulatory compliance, and fosters
collaboration across stakeholders to position the UAE as a global leader in UTM. This position also oversees
the Airspace Management Cell (AMC), optimizing operational efficiency, driving system advancements, and
managing risks to maintain seamless operations across the airspace ecosystem.
- Number of Staff Directly Supervised: 4
- Total number of staff Supervised: 11
3. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Strategic Leadership:
• Define and implement a visionary UTM strategy that aligns with national objectives and global trends.
- Drive the development of policies, frameworks, and best practices to advance the UTM ecosystem.
- Advocate for the organization’s position in international forums, contributing to the development of
global UTM standards.
Operational Oversight:
• Ensure the seamless execution of daily UTM operations, addressing complex challenges, and mitigating
- Oversee the integration of cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions to enhance efficiency.
- Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate and improve operational
performance.
Interdepartmental Coordination:
• Facilitate effective collaboration across internal departments, ensuring alignment with overarching
- Act as a liaison between UTM and other critical units such as Safety, Engineering, and Public Affairs.
Human Capital Internal Use 20 September 2020
Page 2 of 4
Job Description HC-HR-FO-1
3. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Regulatory Compliance:
• Ensure that all UTM activities comply with applicable national and international regulations.
- Work closely with regulatory authorities to shape and adapt policies to support a dynamic and
innovative UTM framework.
Stakeholder Engagement:
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government agencies, industry players, and international
- Represent the UTM department in high-level meetings, negotiations, and public forums to advocate for
organizational interests.
Innovation and System Advancement:
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying emerging technologies and methodologies to advance
- Promote research and development initiatives to position the UAE as a global hub for UTM innovation.
Risk Management and Emergency Response:
• Develop and implement robust risk management frameworks to address potential challenges in UTM
- Lead emergency response initiatives, ensuring preparedness and swift resolution of incidents.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
• Establish and oversee a comprehensive performance monitoring system to evaluate operational
- Provide detailed reports and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders.
Department Budgeting Requirements:
• Assess and define the financial needs of the UTM department to support both operational and strategic
- Develop detailed budget proposals, justifying resource allocation to align with department goals and
- Monitor expenditures against the approved budget, ensuring efficient utilization of resources while
- Advocate for additional funding as necessary, presenting data-driven justifications to senior
management.
Team Leadership and Development:
• Inspire, mentor, and develop a high-performing UTM team, fostering a culture of innovation,
- Identify skill gaps and implement targeted training programs to enhance team capabilities.
- Undertakes similar or related duties as directed by senior management.
Human Capital Internal Use 20 September 2020
Page 3 of 4
Job Description HC-HR-FO-1
4. COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Internal:
- All dans
• Government agencies
- Industry stakeholders
- Research institutions
- Public interest groups
- Other international bodies such as ICAO, IATA, CANSO etc.
5. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Aerospace Engineering, Air Traffic Management) or
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in aviation, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Deep understanding of UTM technologies, systems, and regulatory landscapes.
- Proven track record of managing large teams and complex operations.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy at the national and international levels.
• Strategic thinking and visionary leadership.
- Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Proficiency in UTM platforms, project management tools, and data analysis software.
- Advanced project and budget management expertise.
6. BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES: WEIGHT % DISTRIBUTION
- Adaptability & Innovation
• Teamwork
• Strategic Thinking
• Leadership
• Empowerment
• Risk Management
10
10
10
20
15
15
20
Human Capital Internal Use 20 September 2020
Page 4 of 4
Job Description HC-HR-FO-1
7. SAFETY & SECURITY REQUIREMENTS
- Adhere to the applicable safety & security (information security) policies and procedures of dans.
- Report any security (information security) breaches or incidents to dans Security team
- Report any safety incident to dans safety team or by submitting SALAMA.
- Attend safety & security (information security) awareness sessions conducted in dans.
8. APPROVALS:
Accepted: Job Holder
Name & Signature
Reviewed by: Line Manager
Name & Signature