AIR OPERATIONS ASSISTANT Full Time

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Aviation Section of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). The Air Operations Assistant (Emergency Crash and Rescue – ECR Coordinator) will be based in Goma and will report to the Chief Airfield Support Unit. Goma is classified as “D” hardship level and is a non-family duty station.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Air Operations Assistant will carry out the ECR coordinator duties amongst the generic duties of Air Operations Assistants, as the following: Emergency Crash and Rescue • Assists with the coordination of the provision of reliable, cost effective and efficient emergency crash and rescue (ECR) support (including ground handling support) to the air operations activities of MONUSCO. • Oversees and participates in the integrated search and rescue operations for the UN air assets and other aircraft upon request and assists with the coordination of operational readiness of the required personnel and equipment. • Verifies that airfields/air terminals and landing sites are equipped for UN air operations in accordance with the requirements of the DFS Aviation Manual and UN AVSTADS with specific emphasis on ECR equipment. • Provides support with the coordination of the aviation infrastructure rehabilitation projects with the civil and military aviation authorities of a host country. • Assists with the development of technical specifications for ECR goods and services, provides inputs to the responses to bids and technical evaluations to ensure that vendor’s proposals meet technical requirements. • Participates in the coordination of the requisition process of ECR equipment with purchasing authorities. • Provides support with contracts for the provision of ECR services and equipment and participates in the evaluation of vendor’s performance in coordination with the Contracts Management Unit and/or the Procurement Section. • Conducts inventories and physical annual checks of relevant aviation ECR equipment. • Monitors daily ECR availability at MONUSCO airfields against ICAO category requirements and immediately report variances to Chief ASU. • Monitors that appropriate ECR reference documents are current, readily available, and accessible to all aircrew members and aviation personnel. • In coordination with the Aviation Safety Unit/Section, provides support with the analysis of the aviation ECR safety reports, identifies necessary corrective and preventive measures, and informs the Chief ASU on the required actions. • Liaises with other UN units/sections, non-government and government organizations and intergovernmental agencies on aviation ECR matters. • Provides inputs in the development of the standard operating procedures for the ECR processes. • Provides inputs in the development of budget proposals for the mission’s ECR requirements. • Provides inputs in the development of the detailed Mission’s Statement of Requirements to UNHQ for ECR acquisition. Air Operations Centre (Unit) duties: • Coordinates routine (regular passenger/cargo, logistics resupply) flights, special (casualty and medical evacuation, VIP) flights and military operational flights in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), UN directives, Department of Field Support (DFS) Aviation Manual, UN Aviation Standards (UN AVSTADS), UN Aviation Safety Manual, ICAO standards and recommended practices and the host country’s Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs). • Reviews Air Mission Requests and proposes the most suitable air asset(s) to be assigned to a task to achieve the maximum safety, cost efficiency and effectiveness in the mission support. • Compiles the daily projected Air Tasking Orders (ATOs) in accordance with the requested tasks; publishes and communicates ATOs to all relevant elements in accordance with the established procedures and deadlines. • Assists with the coordination of diplomatic over flight/landing clearances, ground handling support and hotel accommodation/meal/transportation. Technical Compliance and Quality Assurance Unit duties: • Assists in monitoring air carriers’ and military aviation units’ conformance and compliance with the terms and conditions of the applicable long-term aircraft charter agreements and letters of assist. • Provides recommendations, in consultation with the supervisor, to the Technical Compliance Officer 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. • Assists with the quarterly civilian air operators’ performance evaluation reports, military letter of assist semi-annual performance evaluation reports and end-of-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. • Assists in conducting internal audits in accordance with the approved unit’s/section’s Internal Audit Program and Internal Audit Plan. • Assists in conducting random checks and inspections of civilian air operators and military aviation units. Air Fields/Air Terminals Unit duties: • Assists with the coordination of 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. • Assists with the coordination of the Foreign Object Debris (FOD) activities at airfields and air terminals. • Assists with the coordination of the aviation security activities related to operations at airfields/air terminals used for UN air operations. • Participates in the integrated search and rescue operations for the UN air assets and other aircraft upon request and Assists with the coordination of the availability and operational readiness of the required personnel and equipment. • Verifies that airfields/air terminals and landing sites are equipped for UN air operations in accordance with the requirements of the DFS Aviation Manual and UN AVSTADS. • Provides support with the coordination of the aviation infrastructure rehabilitation projects with the civil and military aviation authorities of a host country. • Assists with the development of technical specifications for goods and services, provides inputs to the responses to bids and technical evaluations to ensure that vendor’s proposals meet technical requirements. • Participates in the coordination of the requisition process with purchasing authorities. • Assists in conducting the aviation risk management for UN aviation activities in accordance with the established procedures. Results Expected: A well organized and efficient Air Operations Unit capable of carrying out the safe and efficient transportation to and from the field mission of both civilian and military personnel as well as equipment and goods. The planning, coordinating, adjusting and monitoring of all operational and safety activities simultaneously in an effective and timely manner. The provision of timely and well explained information on aviation safety requirements and related UN rules, regulations and safety procedures to field mission staff.

Competencies

Professionalism: 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. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

A valid driver’s license is required. A vocational training certificate in Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, or Crash Fire rescue, or Aviation Emergency Crash and Rescue is required. Training and certification as Commercial Pilot, or a Flight Operations Officer/Flight Dispatcher, or an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, or a Ground Operations Officer, or an equivalent military qualification is required. Training as an aviation internal auditor is desirable. Training in the safety and quality management is desirable Advanced knowledge of aviation radio communication terminology and procedures is required. Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools such as the Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required.

Work Experience

A minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in air transport operations or aviation safety is required. A minimum of six (6) years of experience in ECR operations, including active participation in aviation rescue operations is required. Experience in the development and implementation of the safety and quality management systems is desirable. Experience in SAR in remote and hostile areas is desirable. Experience in the use of ICAO standards and recommended practices is desirable. Knowledge of UN financial regulations and rules is desirable. Experience in international operations in a post conflict environment is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English (oral and written) 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

This job opening is to identify the most qualified candidate for the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). Candidates endorsed by the FCRB but not selected will be placed on the Air Operations Assistant, FS-4 roster. The entire assessment process takes an average of six months; all applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) within 14 days of the conclusion of the process. Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 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.

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.