Air Operations Assistant
Organizational Context
The United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) provides support to key Haitian and international entities, including the Gang Suppression Force, BINUH, Haitian National Police, and Haitian Armed Forces. The Air Operations Assistant role is situated within the Air Field and Air Terminal Unit in Port au Prince, reporting to the Chief of the unit.
Job Purpose
The Air Operations Assistant is responsible for coordinating reliable, cost-effective, and efficient ground handling support for UN air operations, including emergency crash and rescue services. This role ensures aviation security, manages Foreign Object Debris (FOD), and verifies airfield readiness according to UN standards. The assistant participates in search and rescue operations, coordinates aviation infrastructure projects, and contributes to technical specifications for goods and services. They also monitor contracts, conduct equipment inventories, manage aviation risks, analyze air asset utilization, maintain databases, and brief aircrews on safety procedures and policies. The position plays a crucial role in the operational efficiency and safety of air transport within the mission.
Responsibilities
Coordinate reliable and cost-effective ground handling support, including emergency crash and rescue services, for UN air operations. Manage Foreign Object Debris (FOD) and aviation security activities at airfields and air terminals. Participate in integrated search and rescue operations and ensure the readiness of personnel and equipment. Verify that airfields and landing sites meet UN operational requirements. Coordinate aviation infrastructure rehabilitation projects with host country authorities. Develop technical specifications for goods and services, and evaluate vendor proposals. Oversee the requisition process and monitor ground handling contracts, evaluating vendor performance. Conduct inventories and checks of aviation equipment, and manage aviation risk. Monitor the utilization of UN air assets and analyze statistical data. Maintain electronic databases and brief aircrews on UN policies and safety requirements. Analyze aviation safety reports, identify corrective actions, and liaise with relevant organizations on aviation matters. Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures, budget proposals, and mission requirements for aircraft acquisition. Prepare operational plans, performance reports, and respond to audit observations.
Work Experience
A minimum of eight years of progressive experience in air transport operations or aviation safety is required. This includes experience with ICAO standards, aircraft operation, and contract management. Experience in international operations within a post-conflict environment is desirable, as is experience with data analysis tools like Power BI and aviation databases.
Skills
Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, knowledge of aviation operations, procurement, logistics, ICAO standards, aviation safety, data analysis, and database management.