AIR OPERATIONS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Aviation Section within the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) based in Mogadishu, Somalia. The Aviation Technical Compliance Officer will report directly to the Chief of Aviation Section. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Aviation Technical Compliance Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Manages and supervises the activities of the Aviation Technical Compliance Unit (TCU). • Monitors that air operations are conducted in compliance with Air Tasking Orders (ATOs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), UN directives, Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO)/Department of Field Support (DFS) 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). • Reviews and approves Air Mission Requests and ensures that the most suitable air asset(s) is/are assigned to a task to achieve the maximum safety, cost efficiency, and effectiveness in the mission support. • 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. • Manages the integrated search and rescue operations for UN air assets and other aircraft upon request. • Manages the implementation of the Mission’s aviation quality management program. • Develops the technical standards for the integration of all UAS operations. • Manages the integration of the aviation capacity building program. • Supervises timely coordination of diplomatic overflight/landing clearances, ground handling support, and hotel accommodation/meal/transportation arrangements for aircrews. • 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. • Develops and implements the standard operating procedures for the related aviation processes. • Develops inputs for budget proposal, including for the Mission's Statement of Requirements to UNHQ for aircraft acquisition. • Provides responses to UNHQ during aircraft technical evaluations to ensure that the vendor’s proposals meet technical requirements. • Supervises the preparation of operational plans, performance reports, and responses to internal and external audit observations. • Performs other related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Advanced technical qualifications, including authoritative knowledge and wide exposure to the full range of fixed wing and helicopter air operations and aviation safety issues. Ability to advise senior management and other senior officials on approaches and techniques on highly complex/sensitive issues. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Planning & 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Air Transportation/Aviation Management, Air Traffic Management, Aviation Safety Management, Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, or graduation from an equivalent military educational establishment is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationTraining and certification as a Commercial Pilot, or a Flight Operations Officer/Flight Dispatcher, or an Air Traffic Controller or an equivalent military qualification is required. Training in aviation technical reports/aircraft inspections, quality management/quality assurance, contract management, and managing aviation capability development programs is desirable. Work ExperienceA minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in air transport operations or aviation safety, with at least three (3) years of managerial experience on a position directly related to the coordination of complex air transport operations in the international environment is required. At least five (5) years of implementing civil-military capacity building programs for the African Union, Somalia Security Forces, and/or Somalia Civil Aviation Authorities is desirable. At least 5 years of experience in high-risk, high-tempo operations within a civil-military context is desirable. Experience in safety and quality management, knowledge of UN financial regulations, and proficiency in the application of ICAO standards and recommended practices, as well as experience in international operations within a post-conflict environment, is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).