Air Operations Officer
Organizational Context
This position is within the Strategic Multimodal Movement Operations Centre (SMMOC) in Brindisi, Italy, part of the Integrated Movement Service (IMS) under the Department of Operational Support (DOS). DOS provides end-to-end operational support across the UN Secretariat. The IMS offers unified strategic oversight of multimodal movement operations, enhancing efficiency through an integrated approach. The Air Operations Officer reports to the Chief SMMOC.
Job Purpose
The Air Operations Officer is responsible for managing and supervising the activities of the Air Operations Center (Unit) to ensure air operations comply with all relevant UN directives, aviation standards, and ICAO regulations. This role involves reviewing and approving Air Mission Requests, assigning suitable air assets for maximum safety, cost efficiency, and effectiveness. The officer manages routine, special, and military operational flights, including critical air medical evacuations and search and rescue operations. Key duties include coordinating clearances, ground handling, and crew arrangements, conducting aviation risk management, monitoring asset utilization, and liaising with various stakeholders on aviation matters. The position also contributes to developing standard operating procedures, budget proposals, and aircraft acquisition requirements, while analyzing data for operational insights and reporting.
Responsibilities
Manage and supervise the Air Operations Center (Unit), ensuring compliance with Air Tasking Orders (ATOs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), UN directives, and international aviation standards. Review and approve Air Mission Requests, assigning appropriate air assets for optimal safety, cost-efficiency, and effectiveness. Verify daily ATOs, resolve conflicting priorities, and ensure timely communication. Manage routine, special (e.g., medical evacuations, VIP transport), and military operational flights. Coordinate integrated search and rescue operations. Oversee diplomatic clearances, ground handling, and crew support arrangements. Conduct aviation risk management and monitor UN air asset utilization. Develop and implement SOPs for aviation processes. Liaise with internal UN units, government, and non-government organizations on aviation matters. Contribute to budget proposals and aircraft acquisition requirements. Prepare operational plans, performance reports, and respond to audits. Analyze aviation safety reports to identify corrective actions. Manage staff assignments, conduct performance assessments, and coordinate training. Provide stand-by support for emergency response and utilize data visualization for reporting and decision-making.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in the aviation industry, air transport management/operations, or aviation safety is required. This includes at least three years of managerial experience coordinating complex strategic air transport operations internationally. Experience in coordinating air medical evacuations in complex environments, aviation contract administration, and quality management is also required. Experience with aviation budget management, ICAO standards, international post-conflict operations, and data analytics/visualization tools is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism in aviation operations, logistics, and supply chain processes. Knowledge of institutional mandates, ICAO standards, and UN aviation policies. Ability to analyze data for decision-making and cost-efficient transport solutions. Strong planning and organizing skills, including risk assessment and resource allocation. Client-oriented approach with effective partnership building and problem-solving abilities.