Aviation Assistant (Airport Operations)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's vision is to create a future where every person has access to the food they need to live a healthy and active life. The organization is recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or identity. WFP has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media platforms for updates and news.

Job Overview:
The Aviation Assistant (Airport Operations) position is critical for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of air transport services provided by WFP to the humanitarian community. The role is based at the Antananarivo airport, which serves as the main hub for UNHAS (United Nations Humanitarian Air Service) operations in Madagascar. The incumbent will report to the Aviation Officer in charge of operations and will work closely with the UNHAS team and airport stakeholders. This position requires a proactive individual who can operate independently while adhering to general guidelines and demonstrating sound judgment in managing daily challenges. The Aviation Assistant will be responsible for coordinating various administrative and technical tasks to support the delivery of air services, ensuring compliance with WFP standards and risk management procedures. The role demands a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and the ability to handle complex security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security situations effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and provide technical assistance for air operations, ensuring compliance with WFP standards and risk management procedures to support safe and effective air services for the humanitarian community.
• Liaise with airport authorities, local authorities, and external parties to obtain necessary approvals, documents, and permits for air operations.
• Verify that all registered passengers have boarded and that all cargo has been loaded before takeoff, coordinating with crew members to ensure safe flights.
• Collect all post-flight documents to verify that flights have adhered to established conditions and periodically review and assess the performance of air carriers.
• Address operational issues proactively, liaising with all parties and managing complex security situations to find timely solutions while adhering to WFP standards.
• Assist in negotiating local service contracts to establish effective partnerships, applying optimal general conditions that facilitate air operations.
• Analyze data and produce technical reports to inform decision-making and facilitate planning, execution, and reporting, ensuring proper contract execution.
• Maintain and update databases and files, ensuring that the information used is accurate, structured, and accessible, facilitating compliance with reporting requirements.
• Respond to inquiries from service beneficiaries, adhering to standard procedures and seeking advice when necessary to address all information requests promptly with a strong customer service focus. 1
• Build relationships with colleagues to ensure transport activities align with broader programs and adopt a collaborative approach to air operations. 1
• Supervise the work of other staff members, providing practical guidance and support to ensure that individual and collective objectives are met according to agreed standards and timelines. 1
• Make data-driven recommendations, facilitate process reviews, and contribute to improving methods and practices to maximize the performance of air operations and related activities. 1
• Implement or maintain minimum procedures necessary to ensure an effective safety management system for conducting air operations. 1
• Apply standard emergency preparedness practices to assist WFP in responding quickly in its key areas of action at the onset of crises.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven ability to manage multiple requests simultaneously while maintaining a high level of accuracy and professionalism.
• Ability to anticipate operational needs and propose practical solutions to enhance service quality.
• Capacity to represent the UNHAS service professionally to passengers, partners, and authorities, maintaining a positive and customer-oriented attitude.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to WFP's values and principles, including integrity, collaboration, commitment, humanity, and inclusion.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of secondary education. A post-secondary certificate in fields related to aviation navigation, air traffic control, aeronautical engineering, or a related area is essential for functions related to air operations and desirable for those related to air movements. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of aviation operations and safety protocols.

Experience:
A minimum of 6 years of experience in organizing flights from uncontrolled airfields is required. Candidates should have experience interpreting flight plans, planning refueling operations, managing fuel, and supervising refueling operations. Experience in air freight transport operations and sorting procedures is also essential. This level of experience ensures that the candidate is well-versed in the operational challenges and requirements of aviation within humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written French is mandatory (Level C). Knowledge of English is also required (Level B). Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and for ensuring compliance with operational standards.

Additional Notes:
This position is a service contract at Level 6, with a duration of 12 months, subject to renewal based on performance and organizational needs. The role is based in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and may involve working in complex security environments. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, and all employment decisions are made based on merit and organizational needs.