AIR OPERATIONS OFFICER, P3

  • Organisation: United Nations Secretariat
  • Location: Bentiu
  • Contract: F
  • Deadline: 19 November 2026

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Aviation Section of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) at Bentiu which is classified in the "E" category and is a non-family duty station. The Air Operations Officer will report to the Chief Air Operations Unit in Juba.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Air Operations Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Monitor air operations activities and ensure that they are conducted in compliance with Air Tasking Orders (ATOs), Standard Operating Procedures, UN directives, Department of Peace Operations (DPO) Aviation Manual, ICAO, IATA and the host country's Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs). • Determine the most suitable air asset to be utilized in terms of cost, safety and efficiency. • Review all operational and logistical mission flight requests. • Manages special mission and VIP flight requests and manifests. • Review, plans and coordinates daily projected task orders and air support requirements. • Prepare and publish mission materials, flight schedules, air task orders and issues them to flight crews • Develop and implement aviation standard operating procedures (SOPs) in compliance with the DPO Aviation Manual, ICAO, IATA and the host country's AIPs. • Ensure that flight crews are briefed and conversant with UN policies, flight safety procedures and latest applicable aviation standard requirements. • Ensure that appropriate reference documents are readily available and accessible to all flight crew members and aviation personnel. • Coordinate integrated Search and Rescue air operations. • Coordinate weather observation, forecasting development and dissemination of weather information. • Manage daily flight operations through Flight Following. • Liaise closely with other Sections, international organizations/agencies concerning aviation movement matters. • Prepare inputs, data and estimates for budget reporting and planning purposes. • Coordinate high-level issues and activities with the host government & airport authorities for airfield operations and projects such as Performance Based Navigation Security. • Initiate procurement process of airport/AIRFIELDS/HLS equipment and systems such as airfield lighting, navigation equipment, ARFF vehicles/equipment and others needed to support Mission aviation operations. • Prepare Scope of Work and Scope of Requirements, technical evaluations, and ground support evaluations. • Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: 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 on approaches and techniques related to highly complex/sensitive issues; recognized expertise in the field; demonstrated capacity for intellectual leadership and ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives and translate it into a results-oriented work programme; ability to comprehend and reconcile the diverse features of air operations; ability to plan and develop a unified aviation system to meet the needs of the Mission; knowledge of the technical capabilities of the various aircraft. 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 honours 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 with a relevant combination of education, professional training, certification in air transport, and 2 additional years of experience in air transportation related occupation, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A 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 strategic air transport operations in the international environment is required. Experience in the use of ICAO standards and recommended practices is desirable. Experience in managing international air transport operations in a field operation of the United Nations (inclusive of peacekeeping operations, special political missions, agencies, funds and programmes), or of other similar international organizations is desirable.. Knowledge of UN financial regulations and rules is desirable.

Languages

English 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).

Required Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II

Assessment

Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

Special Notice

This "Recruit from Roster" job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected. •Qualified women that meet the requirements of this job opening are particularly encouraged to apply and will be given full consideration in accordance with the United Nations efforts to increase women participation in its workforce. Please note that pursuant to the Staff selection system policy (ST/AI/2025/2): (1) Applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located, and (2) Applicants for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a mission, field operation, or resident coordinator’s office cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. For currently serving staff of a United Nations Common System organization, only the UN-recognized nationality will be considered for the purposes of these restrictions.

United Nations Considerations