Air Operations Assistant
Organizational Context
The United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) provides critical support to the Gang Suppression Force, the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, the Haitian National Police, and the Haitian Armed Forces. UNSOH also delivers technical assistance to the Organization of American States. This role is based in Port-au-Prince within the Aviation Unit, reporting to the Chief of the Mission Air Operations Center.
Job Purpose
The Air Operations Assistant plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient and safe provision of air transport services for UNSOH's field mission activities. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing various types of flights, including routine passenger and cargo, special medical and VIP evacuations, and military operations. The Assistant ensures all operations adhere to stringent international and UN aviation standards, safety manuals, and local regulations. By proposing optimal air assets and compiling Air Tasking Orders, the role directly contributes to the mission's operational effectiveness, safety, and cost efficiency. The position also involves coordinating search and rescue operations and briefing aircrews, underscoring its importance in maintaining seamless air support.
Responsibilities
The Air Operations Assistant is responsible for planning and coordinating routine, special, and military operational flights in strict accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), UN directives, and international aviation standards (ICAO). This includes reviewing Air Mission Requests to identify the most suitable and cost-effective air assets. The role involves compiling, publishing, and communicating daily Air Tasking Orders (ATOs) to all relevant parties. Additionally, the Assistant coordinates integrated search and rescue operations for UN and other aircraft, briefs aircrews on safety policies and procedures, and arranges diplomatic clearances, ground handling, and crew accommodations. The position also contributes to the development of SOPs, monitors reference documents, and analyzes aviation safety reports to recommend corrective actions.
Work Experience
A minimum of eight years of progressive experience in air transport operations or aviation safety is required. Experience with ICAO standards and recommended practices, aircraft operation, and aircraft contract management is essential. Experience in international operations within a post-conflict environment is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, knowledge of aviation operations, aviation industry procurement and logistics, institutional mandates, ICAO standards, UN aviation policies, data analysis, effective communication, and efficient time management.