AIR OPERATIONS OFFICER, P3

Job Opening ID: 281917

Job Network : Logistics, Transportation and Supply Chain

Job Family : Transportation

Category and Level : Professional and Higher Categories, P-3
Recruitment Type : Temporary Opportunities

Duty Station : BAIDOA (BAYDHABO)
Department/Office : United Nations Support Office in Somalia

Date Posted : Jul 29, 2026
Deadline : Aug 4, 2026

ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Air Operations Officer will carry out the following duties: • Manages and supervises the activities of the Mission Air Operations Center (MAOC). • 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). • 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. • Maintains coordination among Strategic Air Operation Center (SAOC). Forward Support and Deployment Hub (FSDH), UNHQ, and other missions to provide solutions when mission resources are inadequate. • Manages the integrated search and rescue operations for UN air assets and other aircraft upon request. • Supervises timely coordination of diplomatic over flight/landing clearances, ground handling support and hotel accommodation/meal/transportation arrangements for aircrews. • Conducts the Aviation Risk Management (ARM) for UN aviation activities in accordance with the established procedures. • Ensures all air operations activities are timely processed in the Aviation Information Management System (AIMS). • Monitors utilization of UN air assets and analyses the statistical data obtained. • Liaises with other UN units/sections, non-government and government organizations and intergovernmental agencies including WFP/UNHAS on aviation matters, providing humanitarian support in the area of operations, with a view to maximizing efficiencies and safety. • Coordinate aviation support to the execution of Security and Medical plans, including CASEVAC/MEDEVAC, evacuation, relocation, footprint lightening of UN personnel and, to the extent possible, personnel contemplated under the Saving Lives Together framework. • Develops and implements the standard operating procedures for the related aviation processes. • Ensures that aircrews are briefed and conversant with 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. • Develops inputs for budget proposals for the mission's air transport operations. • Develops inputs for the Mission's Statement of Requirements to UNHQ for aircraft acquisition. • Provides responses to UNHQ during aircraft technical evaluations to ensure that vendors' proposals meet technical requirements. • Supervises the preparation of operational plans, performance reports, and responses to internal and external audit observations. • Analyzes, in coordination with the Aviation Safety staff, the aviation safety reports, identifies necessary corrective and preventive measures, and informs the Chief of Section, Air Operations, on the required actions. • Advises the CAVO and CMS on existing or potential safety hazards and associated risks and mitigation measures, the Mission Aviation Safety Programme (MASP), the MASP-Accident Prevention Effort (APE), and the implementation of DOS policies related to Aviation Safety and safety promotion. • Manages the allocation and rotation of appropriate work assignments. • Coordinates the individual annual work plans and produces detailed performance assessments and evaluations for the subordinate staff members. • Develop and coordinates training courses, workshops and other related training activities. • Carries out airspace management review and identifies challenges, proposes solutions for implementation. • 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.

.Education

Advanced 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. 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 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, is desirable. Experience in international operations within a post-conflict environment, is desirable.

All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.