Job Description

The Duty Manager ECD is responsible for ensuring the efficient management of airport security and crisis management operations while supporting overall airport operations. The role acts as a key coordinator between internal departments and external stakeholders, including government agencies, airlines, and regulatory bodies. It ensures compliance with international aviation and government regulations, facilitates resolution of operational issues (such as inadmissible passengers and special mission flights), and plays a central role in managing emergency situations and airport-wide crisis response activities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison with governmental authorities including ICP, National Guard, and other regulatory and law enforcement bodies.
• Manage inadmissible passengers (INAD) in compliance with international regulations and government laws.
• Maintain and manage the daily incident log in coordination with National Guard and security entities, ensuring accurate documentation.
• Manage issuance and communication of airport security passes and permits in line with security protocols.
• Review all security-related documents from stakeholders for compliance with AVSEC policies and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate access for diplomats and VVIP escorts to designated airport areas in compliance with security procedures.
• Disseminate external government circulars (MOI, NECC, ADCMC, DOH Operations Centre, GCAA Operations Centre) to ensure compliance and awareness.
• Act as focal point for special mission flights directed at national level.
• Manage communication with government agencies regarding stranded passengers and operational complaints.
• Oversee Emergency Operations Center activations and ensure effective coordination and communication.
• Implement ECD operating procedures across strategic, tactical, and operational levels.
• Act as crisis communication focal point with Abu Dhabi Crisis Management Centre (ADCMC).
• Support crisis lifecycle activities: preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
• Participate in emergency drills, simulations, and post-incident debriefings.
• Coordinate response to operational disruptions, including medical emergencies, security incidents, and irregular passenger movements.
• Oversee airport emergency response and recovery processes, including command, control, and coordination functions.
• Lead change management activities within the department and ensure proper stakeholder communication.
• Provide support during irregular operations (IRROPs), large-scale disruptions, and national-level alerts.
• Maintain safety-related data, accident statistics, and shift reports for management review.
• Facilitate structured communication flow with ADCMC and other authorities for real-time decision-making.
• Manage information dissemination via the Shiryan platform with ADCMC.
• Support coordination of health-related passenger incidents and emergency communication.
• Maintain comprehensive records of crisis events, communications, decisions, and escalation actions.
• Conduct routine meetings with managers and contribute to departmental decision-making.
• Oversee departmental activities to ensure operational effectiveness.
• Conduct performance appraisals for direct reports and incorporate senior management feedback.

Requirements and Skills

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Airport Operations, Business Administration, or related field.
• Relevant professional certifications, training, or accreditation in aviation, security, or emergency management.
• Significant industry experience in senior operational or emergency planning roles.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience in the aviation industry or emergency planning field.
• Experience in integrated airport operations or crisis management systems.

Core Competencies

• Leadership and team management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability under pressure.
• High level of organizational and coordination skills.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance (aviation security and government standards).
• Crisis and emergency management capability.
• Strong stakeholder and community engagement skills.
• Cultural awareness and ability to work in diverse environments.
• Proficiency in operational and emergency management systems/software.
• Ability to identify training needs and support staff development.
• Strong analytical thinking and report writing skills for executive-level communication.