Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Aviation Section of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The incumbent will be based in Bria and report to Head of Office and Chief Aviation Section.

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the Air Operations Officer, FS-6, may be responsible for the following duties: * Monitors that air operations are conducted in compliance with Air Tasking Orders (ATOs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), UN directives, Department of Operational Support (DOS) Aviation Manual, UN Aviation Standards for Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Air Transport Operations (UN AVSTADS), UN Aviation Safety Manual, ICAO standards and recommended practices and the host country’s Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs). * Verifies the daily projected Air Tasking Orders (ATOs) for conformance and compliance with the requested tasks, resolves conflicting priorities and ensures that ATOs are published and communicated to all relevant elements in accordance with the established procedures and deadlines. * Manages routine (regular passenger/cargo, logistics resupply) flights, special (casualty and medical evacuation, VIP) flights and military operational flights. * Supervises timely coordination of diplomatic over flight/landing clearances, ground handling support and hotel accommodation/meal/transportation arrangements for aircrews. * Monitors air carriers’ conformance and compliance with the terms and conditions of the applicable long-term aircraft charter agreements and letters of assist. * Provides recommendations to the Chief of Aviation on the necessity for extension or termination of civilian long-term aircraft charter agreements and military letters of assist in accordance with the established deadlines. * Participates in the initial aircraft inspections conducted by the Mission Aviation Safety Officer and verifies that the agreed aircraft specifications are complied with. * Initiates the quarterly civilian air operators’ performance evaluation reports, military letter of assist semi-annual performance evaluation reports and end-of-contract performance evaluation reports in accordance with the established deadlines. * Monitors that applicable aircraft documentation/certificates are valid and current. * Monitors that agreed periods of aircraft non-availability due to maintenance and/or aircrew sickness are complied with and valid maintenance/medical release certificates are provided. * Monitors that aircrew members possess valid licenses and certificates, and meet the requirements agreed in the applicable long-term aircraft charter agreements and letters of assist. * Verifies monthly aircrew attendance records. * Supervises the provision of reliable, cost effective and efficient ground handling support (including emergency crash and rescue support) to the air operations activities of a field mission. * Conducts the aviation risk management for UN aviation activities in accordance with the established procedures. * Monitors utilization of UN air assets and analyzes the statistical data obtained. * Monitors that electronic databases are maintained in accordance with the established procedures and deadlines. * Briefs aircrews on UN policies, aviation safety requirements and the latest applicable aviation standard operating procedures. * Monitors that appropriate reference documents are current, readily available and accessible to all aircrew members and aviation personnel. * Analyzes, in coordination with the Aviation Safety Unit/Section, the aviation safety reports, identifies necessary corrective and preventive measures and informs the Officer on the required actions. * Liaises with other UN units/sections, non-government and government organizations and intergovernmental agencies on aviation matters. *Ensures coordination among Strategic Air Operation Center (SAOC), Forward Support and Deployment Hub (FSDH), UNHQ and other missions to provide solution when mission resources are inadequate. * Participates in the development of the standard operating procedures for the related aviation processes. * Supports capacity building efforts through closing gaps via ensuring skills development, professional certifications needed for aviation operations to thrive. * Participates in the preparation of operational plans, performance reports, and responses to internal and external audit observations. * Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. * Performs other related duties as required and tasked by Chief of Aviation.

Competencies

Professionalism: Advanced knowledge of institutional mandates, ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices and Annexes of the Chicago Convention, policies and guidelines pertaining to air transport operations and related matters. Knowledge of current regulations for use of UAS and airborne ISR aircraft. Advanced knowledge on aviation radio communication terminology and procedures. Knowledge of regulations and requirements designed to ensure the safety of personnel and goods transported by contracted carriers. Knowledge in preparation of operational plans, performance reports, and responses to internal and external audit observations. Ability to carry out operational assessments, evaluations of resources and infrastructural facilities. – Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

Certification from civilian education institution (commercial /state) in Air Transportation Safety management, Aerospace/Aeronautical engineering or Air Space management or from equivalent military educational establishment is required. Please attach the certificate, indicate where it was obtained and the validity period. Certification as a Commercial Pilot, or a Flight Operations Officer/Flight Dispatcher, or an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, or an equivalent military qualification is required. Please attach the certificate, indicate where it was obtained and the validity period. Unmanned Aircraft system certified Operator and/or Remote certified pilot license is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in air transport operations or aviation safety is required. The minimum years of relevant work experience is reduced to five (5) years for candidates who possess a first level university degree. A minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience on a position directly related to the coordination of complex air transport operations in the international environment is required. At least three (3) years of operational experience in supervising, monitoring and tasking of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is required. Experience in carrying out operational assessments and field evaluation of aviation facilities is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.