Air Operations Assistant (Aviation Fire Marshall)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) requires emergency aircraft crash, rescue, and firefighting (ARFF) services at its airfields. This role supports safe flight operations across the Mission's area of responsibility and addresses a critical capability gap in essential emergency response services.

Job Purpose

The Air Operations Assistant (Aviation Fire Marshal) is responsible for planning, coordinating, supervising, and monitoring aviation firefighting and rescue services to ensure the safe conduct of all aviation operations within the MINURSO Mission area. This includes maintaining operational readiness of firefighting resources and equipment, ensuring compliance with UN and ICAO standards, and providing technical guidance for emergency response. The role is crucial for maintaining effective aviation firefighting capabilities and supporting the Mission's air operations.

Responsibilities

Manage and supervise Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) operations at MINURSO airfields, helipads, and temporary landing sites. Coordinate the provision of emergency crash and rescue (ECR) support for air operations. Maintain an effective aviation firefighting capability, ensuring compliance with UN Aviation Standards and ICAO SARPs. Conduct regular inspections of firefighting facilities and equipment, and ensure continuous operational readiness of all related resources. Assist in developing and implementing aviation firefighting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and contingency plans. Plan and conduct emergency response exercises and drills. Provide technical guidance on firefighting techniques, hazardous materials, and incident management. Conduct fire safety inspections and risk assessments of aviation facilities and fuel storage sites.

Work Experience

A minimum of six years of progressive experience in air transport ECR operations, including active participation in aviation rescue or related safety experience, is required. Experience in firefighting techniques, equipment management, and conducting aviation emergency exercises is essential. Experience with rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft operations is also required.

Skills

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) operations management, Emergency Crash and Rescue (ECR) coordination, Aviation firefighting, Fire safety inspections, Risk assessment, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) development and implementation, Emergency response planning and execution, Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) management, Technical guidance, Compliance with UN Aviation Standards and ICAO SARPs.

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