Human Factors Specialist (Systems Thinking) - Civil Aviation Authority

Human Factors Specialist (Systems Thinking) 

Location: Gatwick, GB

Company: Civil Aviation Authority

Salary: £48,000 to £55,000 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: BPSS

We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

Human Factors is the science behind Human Performance, and we believe that people are at the core of the Aviation and Aerospace system. This exciting opportunity will enable you to influence Human Factors (HF) and Systems Thinking in the work that we do, you’ll provide HF expertise in projects and programmes, support colleagues by delivering HF training and will collaborate with forums cross the industry.

The Role

Acting as a subject matter expert within the Safety & Business Delivery, Safety Development Team in support of the Human Factors (HF) Programme Lead.

The role has specific responsibilities for assisting in the development of the CAA Human Factors (HF) Strategy and delivery of the related HF action plan, in accordance with State and ICAO objectives, and delivery of ICAO Doc 9859. A key part of this role will be to support with the development and application of Systems Thinking across the CAA.

Responsible for developing and delivering HF training, including Just Culture training, identified from within the CAA HF Strategy for both internal and external audiences, and for maintaining and developing engagement and collaboration opportunities with both internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

The role covers broad expertise across all aspects of the various fields of HF activities and requires the application of this knowledge across all capability teams and domain areas. A key aspect will be the ability to critically review information, challenge assumptions and ensure that information is developed that meets the needs of the different audiences. The role will emphasise the importance of interaction with safety management systems and regulations to deliver practical support and advice for internal and external audiences.

Core Accountabilities

• Support the delivery of CAA HF Strategy through the action plan items, by co-ordination and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Support the development and application of Systems Thinking across the CAA, in collaboration with horizon scanning, innovation and capability teams
• Provide support and direction on HF subject matter areas for the capability teams and, where applicable, supervise and co-ordinate the activities of capability team subject specific focal points
• Seek to identify HF trends by working closely with the Intelligence team
• Ensure that the HF content of the website, publications and the intranet is maintained and current
• Develop and deliver HF training, in line with the HF Strategy for SARG capability team inspectors and, where required, develop, and deliver HF training for a wider external audience on behalf of CAA International, including (but not limited to) the practical application of Human Factors, STPA/STAMP training, and Just Culture training
• Support pilot performance initiatives that contain an HF element, including supporting the objectives of the Aviation Mental Health and Support Programmes
• Support a standardised approach to HF issues across capability teams and policy development
• Promote and facilitate HF considerations across capability teams
• Provide ongoing critical review of HF relevant academic research articles in support of the CAA HF strategy for both current and innovative aviation systems

About You

To be considered for the role you must have a:

• Degree or professional level qualification in HF or specific HF / Human Performance related area, Psychology, Ergonomics, or similar
• Experience within a safety critical industry in an HF related role
• Knowledge of the aviation operating environment
• Experience of System Safety Assessment theory and practical application such as STAMP/STPA
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Personal attributes to include, team worker with flexible and adaptable work ethos; ability to work autonomously, lateral thinker; and ability to participate in multi-discipline teams of both internal and external stakeholders. Proven ability to influence change within mixed discipline teams
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and uncertainty
• Demonstrated application of personal values and behaviours that identify with the values and behaviours of the CAA
• Experience of developing and delivering training courses
• Knowledge and experience of SMS and performance-based regulations is desirable

What Can We Offer You?

This is an opportunity to work amongst a highly skilled team of professionals. The work is varied and interesting and brings opportunities to engage with multiple stakeholders at all levels. There is plenty of opportunity to work on several projects from the here and now to Future Flight workstreams.

For further information about the CAA Human Factors Strategy and Action Plan, please click the link below;

https://www.caa.co.uk/safety-initiatives-and-resources/working-with-industry/human-factors/strategy-and-action-plan/

Additional Information

For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.

To be vetted you must have the right to work in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken.

If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

For more information on BPSS clearance please visit - BPSS clearance

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Working With Us  

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more!  

We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.  

We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance.  

We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. Our Values  

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here

Closing Date: Friday 26th April 2024 Interview Date: W/C Tuesday 7th May or Monday 13th May 2024

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

No recruitment agencies please.

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