Air Operations Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Interim security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) is a peacekeeping mission established by the United Nations to provide security and support for the local population in the Abyei Area. The mission aims to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and to support the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. UNISFA operates in a challenging environment, focusing on maintaining peace and security in the region. The organization is committed to upholding the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its operations, and it employs a diverse workforce across various countries.

Job Overview:
The Air Operations Assistant plays a crucial role in the Aviation Unit of UNISFA, stationed in Wau. This position involves a variety of responsibilities related to flight operations, including scheduling UN flights, coordinating with ground handling services, and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. The assistant will work closely with aircrew and local authorities to facilitate smooth operations and maintain safety standards. The role requires effective communication and teamwork skills, as the assistant will collaborate with various stakeholders to achieve operational goals. The position is vital for ensuring that air transport operations run efficiently and safely, contributing to the overall mission objectives of UNISFA.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Air Operations Assistant will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Assisting with the scheduling of UN flights and arranging necessary airspace and landing clearances.
• Coordinating with ground handling agents to meet all aircrew requirements during dispatch at the airport.
• Managing operational issues related to mission aircraft, such as cleaning services, refueling, and transportation.
• Monitoring weather forecasts and NOTAMs, and communicating relevant information to pilots and the Mission Air Operations Center (MAOC).
• Utilizing radios and flight tracking systems to oversee the position and movements of UN aircraft.
• Maintaining accurate records of flight activities, including dispatch and technical compliance.
• Completing radio logs according to UNISFA Aviation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Conducting operations risk management assessments.
• Liaising with local authorities for operational support, including airport passes and maintenance requests. 1
• Ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards at all times.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in air transport operations is required. This experience can be reduced to three years for candidates holding a first-level university degree or higher. The role demands a strong understanding of aviation operations and the ability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may have their experience requirement reduced, highlighting the importance of formal education in this field. A background in aviation management or related fields would be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in air transport operations. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may qualify with three years of relevant experience. This experience should encompass various aspects of aviation operations, including flight scheduling, coordination with ground services, and compliance with aviation regulations.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also recognized as a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French would be considered an asset, although it is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until a specific date, and if the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The temporary nature of this role means it does not guarantee future employment or incumbency of the post. Eligibility may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and the position may be restricted to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates are encouraged to provide complete and accurate information in their applications.