VA028-2026 Aviation Assistant (G5-SC5) (Damascus - Deir Ezzor)
Organizational Context
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and building pathways to peace and prosperity. Operating in Syria since 1964, WFP supports communities through emergency relief, resilience-building, and strengthening social protection systems, addressing significant food insecurity and displacement challenges.
Job Purpose
The Aviation Assistant will perform essential coordination and administrative tasks to ensure the safe and effective delivery of air services for the humanitarian community in Syria. This role involves liaising with airport authorities for clearances, managing passenger and cargo manifests, coordinating pre-flight and post-flight documentation, and maintaining aviation-related databases. The incumbent will also research and report on aviation information to support planning and execution, respond to client queries, and collaborate with internal teams to align aviation activities with broader WFP programs. By ensuring compliance with WFP standards and contributing to process improvements, the Aviation Assistant plays a crucial role in facilitating vital humanitarian operations and supporting the reintegration of returning refugees and displaced persons.
Responsibilities
The Aviation Assistant role at the World Food Programme (WFP) in Syria involves crucial coordination and administrative tasks to ensure safe and efficient air services for humanitarian operations. Key responsibilities include managing air operations in compliance with WFP standards and risk management processes, liaising with airport authorities for necessary clearances and documentation, and conducting pre-flight checks to confirm passenger and cargo details. The assistant will also collate post-flight documentation, research and report on aviation-related information to aid in planning and execution, and maintain accurate databases and records. Responding to client inquiries, collaborating with internal teams to align aviation activities with broader programs, and supporting process improvements are also vital. Furthermore, the role requires assisting other staff, adhering to emergency preparedness practices, and representing the UNHAS service professionally. This position is essential for supporting WFP's extensive reach in Syria, which has been providing humanitarian assistance since 1964 and plays a critical role in addressing food insecurity and supporting recovery efforts for displaced populations.
Work Experience
Requires at least 5 years of experience in the aviation industry. This includes experience in restricted flying zones, managing aviation risks, flight planning, booking and ticketing, handling passenger and cargo manifests, passenger and cargo handling, aircraft loading, interpreting weather reports, and basic flight following and radio telephony procedures.
Skills
Aviation coordination, Administrative support, Risk management, Liaison with authorities, Flight operations, Passenger and cargo handling, Data management, Client service, Process improvement, Emergency preparedness, Microsoft Office proficiency, Communication (English and Arabic)