AIR OPERATIONS OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is within the Aviation Section of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), based in Baidoa. The Air Operations Officer reports directly to the Chief of the Aviation Section, playing a key role in managing and overseeing air operations within the mission.

Job Purpose

The Air Operations Officer is responsible for managing and supervising the Mission Air Operations Center (MAOC) and ensuring all air operations comply with international standards, UN directives, and mission-specific procedures. This includes approving air mission requests, optimizing air asset allocation for safety and cost-efficiency, managing various flight types (routine, special, operational), and coordinating with various stakeholders. The role also involves managing search and rescue operations, coordinating clearances and logistics for aircrews, conducting aviation risk management, and ensuring efficient processing of air operations data. Furthermore, the officer supports security and medical plans, develops standard operating procedures, briefs aircrews on policies, and contributes to budget proposals and aircraft acquisition requirements.

Responsibilities

Manage and supervise the Mission Air Operations Center (MAOC). Ensure air operations comply with Air Tasking Orders (ATOs), SOPs, UN directives, and international aviation standards (ICAO, host country AIPs). Review and approve Air Mission Requests, assigning suitable air assets for safety, cost-efficiency, and effectiveness. Verify daily ATOs, resolve conflicting priorities, and ensure timely communication. Manage routine, special (e.g., medical evacuation, VIP), and military operational flights. Coordinate with Strategic Air Operation Centers, UNHQ, and other missions. Oversee integrated search and rescue operations. Supervise coordination of diplomatic clearances, ground handling, and aircrew logistics. Conduct Aviation Risk Management (ARM) and process activities in the Aviation Information Management System (AIMS). Monitor UN air asset utilization and analyze data. Liaise with other UN entities, NGOs, and government agencies on aviation matters. Coordinate aviation support for security and medical plans, including CASEVAC/MEDEVAC. Develop and implement SOPs for aviation processes. Ensure aircrews are briefed on policies and safety requirements. Monitor and maintain availability of reference documents. Develop inputs for budget proposals and aircraft acquisition requirements. Supervise the preparation of operational plans, performance reports, and audit responses. Analyze aviation safety reports with safety staff, identifying corrective actions. Advise on safety hazards, risks, and mitigation measures. Manage staff assignments, work plans, and performance evaluations. Coordinate training activities and conduct airspace management reviews.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in air transport operations or aviation safety is required, including at least three years of managerial experience in coordinating complex international air transport operations. Experience in high-risk, high-tempo civil-military operations is desirable. Additional desirable experience includes safety and quality management, knowledge of UN financial regulations, application of ICAO standards, and international operations in post-conflict environments.

Skills

Professionalism, Planning & Organizing, Accountability, authoritative knowledge of air operations and aviation safety, ability to advise senior management, effective communication, risk management, coordination, and staff supervision.

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