Assistant Policy & Technical Advisor

Salary: Up to £46,000 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: 12-14 Month Fixed Term Contract – Maternity Cover

Security Level: BPSS

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship

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.

The Role

The principal aim of this post is to provide support to policy specialists and the wider team within Communication Navigation Surveillance & Spectrum (CNSS) Policy to assist in the identification and delivery of recommended changes to CNS/ATM policy and frequency management processes to support the future of flight. The role will also help coordinate technical support and advice to wider policy development activity within AAA and SARG.  Policies and requirements must be proportionate, in accordance with the Better Regulation Principles, relevant and in line with national and international regulations.

The role will provide critical support in engagement with Air Navigation Service Providers and international bodies such as ICAO and Eurocontrol to assist with the development and deployment of new concepts & technologies and to influence the international regulatory environment. This will include the drafting and review of international papers, rulemaking mandates and policies to support the future of flight and the modernisation of airspace.

This post will require engagement and development within a broad range of aviation specialisms including commercial and general aviation, RPAS, space planes and innovation.

Core Accountabilities

The role will provide specialist advice and support to the development of existing and creation of new policy frameworks to support the future of flight and airspace modernisation.

Specific post accountabilities include:

• Investigate and assist in the development of policy positions to support the future of flight, including but not limited to wider policy initiatives such as  RPAS C2 and DAA, HAPS and space flight.
• Ensuring national CNS & spectrum policy requirements align with national law and international requirements, processes, and recognised best working practice, most notably those related to ICAO and Eurocontrol.
• Work alongside existing policy specialists to support the development of new policy frameworks in the CNSS arena to support future applications and wider policy initiatives.
• Coordinate the creation of relevant insights in support of CNSS team activity, through the identification, scrutiny and interpretation of data.
• Preparation of relevant briefing material, and consideration of responses, to ensure that our engagement with stakeholders is effective and any proposed changes are adopted and (bought into) in the appropriate manner.
• Act as Secretary or Assistant Specialist member at appropriate meetings
• Provide assistance in the drafting and development of rulemaking mandates and associated consultation material
• Provide support on technical matters related to CNS systems, and will assist in the development of appropriate guidance to industry and CNS/ATM providers, other areas of the CAA, Government Agencies and International Bodies

SARG generic accountabilities

• Capture and readily share safety-relevant intelligence, information and analysis from multiple internal and external sources with all CAA groups.
• To keep up to date with CAA records management policies and procedures and to amend CNS & S Policy team practices and procedures to ensure continuing compliance.
• Develop CNS policy consistent with national and regional strategies and initiatives.
• Support the development and implementation of new technology, systems and sharing of spectrum bands with other civil and military systems.
• Act as the initial point of contact for the coordination and assessment of general technical enquiries from internal and external stakeholders, utilising policy expertise within the team in an effective way to provide suitable responses.

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.

BPSS - 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.

Relocation & Property

The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations.

We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers.

We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028.

Inclusive Recruitment

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.

As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.

Use of Artificial Intelligence by candidates in the CAA recruitment process

We recognise that many of our candidates find Artificial Intelligence to be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected on that basis.

Working With Us

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 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!

Our Values

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

Closing Date: Sunday 10th May 2026

Interview Date: W/C Tuesday 26th May 2026

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.