Air Operations Assistant
Organizational Context
This position is within the Aviation Unit of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in Abyei. The Air Operations Assistant reports to the Chief Air Terminal Unit. The role supports the coordination, monitoring, safety, and emergency response of UN aviation operations, ensuring safe and efficient movement of aircraft, passengers, and cargo according to UN standards.
Job Purpose
The Air Operations Assistant is responsible for supporting the coordination, monitoring, safety, and emergency response aspects of UN aviation operations within UNISFA. This involves ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft, passengers, and cargo in compliance with UN aviation standards. Key duties include assisting in the coordination of various flight types (passenger, cargo, medical evacuations), flight following, managing clearances, ground handling, and aircraft parking. The role also involves monitoring refuelling, operating ground support equipment, reviewing operational documentation, verifying manifests, and ensuring proper aircraft handling and ramp safety. Additionally, the assistant provides aviation safety oversight, conducts facility inspections, monitors safety procedures, maintains emergency equipment, and participates in emergency responses and drills.
Responsibilities
Assists in coordinating routine and specialized flights, including passenger, cargo, logistics, VIP, military operations, casualty, and medical evacuations. Supports flight following and integrated search and rescue operations involving UN air assets. Coordinates diplomatic clearances, ground handling, and support for aircrews. Plans and manages aircraft parking and apron utilization. Monitors aircraft refuelling and fuel uploads, adhering to safety procedures. Operates Airport Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE) as required. Reviews aircraft weight and balance records, load plans, and cargo manifests, initiating follow-up actions. Verifies passenger and cargo manifests for compliance. Ensures aircraft are properly marshalled, parked, secured, and prepared for ground operations. Monitors passenger embarkation/disembarkation and controls ramp access, ensuring airside safety and security. Provides aviation safety oversight during ground operations, including parking, refuelling, loading, and passenger handling. Conducts routine inspections of ramps, aprons, helipads, and fuel facilities to identify and mitigate hazards. Monitors compliance with aviation safety, fire prevention, and emergency response procedures. Ensures serviceability of firefighting and emergency equipment. Participates in aircraft emergency responses and coordinates activities with relevant stakeholders. Maintains operational records and participates in drills and exercises.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in air operations, airport operations, aviation support services, ground handling, aviation safety, or movement control is required. Experience in related fields is also considered.
Skills
Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, Air Operations Coordination, Aviation Safety Oversight, Emergency Response, Record Maintenance, Ground Handling Equipment Operation.