Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Forward Support Deployment Hub (FSDH) of the Logistics Division, Office of Supply Chain Management in the Department of Operational Support based in the Regional Service Centre in Entebbe. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Section, FSDH or designated official. The post is based in FSDH located in Entebbe, Uganda. The Department of Operational Support was established to provide operational advisory services to client entities across the Secretariat, including other departments, offices away from headquarters, field missions, and regional commissions. The Office of Supply Chain management includes the Office of the Assistant Secretary -General for Supply Chain Management, Logistics Division, Procurement Division, Uniformed Capabilities Support Division, Global Service Center, and the Enabling and Outreach Service. The Logistics Division performs a central role in the implementation of end-to-end supply chain management across the United Nations operations. The Division provides direction and advice on logistical matters, manages, monitors and assesses the delivery of strategic transportation and support services, and directs the delivery of transportation and specialist support services in the functional areas of air transport, ground transport, engineering, medical and supply, inclusive of fuel, rations and general supplies and security equipment. The Forward Support and Deployment Hub (FSDH) is located in Entebbe, it is structured into three units: the Air Support Unit, the Movement Operations and Freight Forwarding Support Unit and the Regional Deployment Stock Unit. The FSDH aims to enhance the operational and administrative effort through the implementation of policies and technical guidance provided by OSCM, and coordination, management, and monitoring of logistics and supply chain management operations for efficient, responsive, and reliable support to regional and ad hoc operational requirements.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Air Operations Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Manage and administer all provision of support activities related to airfields projects and equipment. • Plan, review and develop airfield infrastructure in close coordination with missions to be served and UNHQ in the areas of Management Service Agreement, Air Traffic Management/Communication Navigation System and Aviation Ground Support Equipment. • Provide assistance to oversee the management of airfield development plan and rehabilitation projects for field missions in collaboration with ICAO. • Provision of training of staff to conduct airfield and ground handling, pallet loading, helicopter under-slung loads, cargo handling operations, including use of airport fire vehicles, aviation ground support equipment and main handling equipment. • Lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff and design training skills enhancement initiatives to ensure effective transfer of skills. • Negotiate and coordinate with relevant stakeholders for the repair and maintenance of aprons, runways, helipads, taxiways, hangars, UN air terminal buildings, airfield access, fuel farms, lighting stands, drainage, grass cutting, bird control, fencing, for services, air traffic control structures, air navigation aids, GNSS and other infrastructure needs. • Conduct periodic inspections of airfields and helipads of the mission area and establish relationships with the personnel of ground handling companies and Civil Aviation Authorities. • Establish systems contracts for all types of airfields, air terminal and air/ground support equipment for field mission(s) support. • Through the Fire Marshals ensure provisions of firefighting and rescue services at heliports/airfields. • Coordinate with the host country’s airports authority and Civil Aviation Authority on issues and matters concerning operation of airfields/helipads. • Monitor the physical state of landing sites helipads, assigned buildings, hangars and other relevant assets. • Ensure accurate placement of all helipad firefighting equipment and proper grounds maintenance. • Ensure that proper refueling facilities are provided and procedures are in place. • Through the meteorological officer/assistant ensure that meteorological services are available at the airfield/helipad. • Provide advice of any landing Zone surface problems • Perform other functions as assigned by the Chief FSDH.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of diverse air transport operations, including phases on the Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Letters of Assist, etc. Ability to review alternative options and select most effective and cost efficient mode of transport of equipment, supplies and personnel to and from field missions. Ability to provide technical leadership; strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to transport operations and related matters. Ability to complete in- depth analyses and to formulate conclusions and recommendations. Knowledge of UN financial regulations and rules. 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. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ need and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in project; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in Air Transportation/Aviation Management, Aviation Safety Management, Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, or graduation from an equivalent military educational establishment is required. A first-level university degree in one of the above specified fields in combination with professional training, certification in air transport operations, and two (2) additional years of qualifying work experience in air transport or in a related field, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Air Traffic Control License (ATC), Flight Operations Officer License or Aeronautical Engineer or Maintenance Engineer License, or an equivalent license from the military air transport establishment is required. An Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) or its military equivalent is desirable.

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 air transport operations in the international environment is required. Experience in aviation safety and aviation quality management is desirable. 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 Common System or a comparable international organization is desirable. Experience working with data analytics and visualization tools and developing data analytics and visualization reports and dashboards is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in Oral and Written English is required. Knowledge of French or another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

• This position is funded by the Support Account. The Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to the extension of the mandate and/or the availability of funds. • 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. • 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. • Applicants from troop and police-contributing countries who are found most suitable and recommended for selection will be given due consideration for positions in a peacekeeping operation or Headquarters support account funded positions in the Department of Peace Operations and the Department of Operational Support, taking into account their contribution to United Nations peacekeeping, in accordance with General Assembly resolutions 66/265 and 67/287. • At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

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.