AIR OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

Volunteering Crisis & Emergency Response Communications & PR Logistics & Procurement

Overview

Assist in managing aviation operations and ensuring flight safety for UN missions.

You have:

• 8 years of progressively responsible experience in Aviation or at least 5 years directly related to air transport operations or air traffic control.
• Knowledge of UN and mission aviation policies, standards, and procedures.
• Ability to work under pressure and in politically sensitive contexts.
• Strong communication skills for effective coordination and reporting.
• Understanding of cultural awareness and ability to work in diverse environments.

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established by Security Council resolution 690 of 29 April 1991 in accordance with settlement proposals accepted on 30 August 1988 by Morocco and the Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguia el- Hamra y de Río de Oro (Frente POLISARIO).

The settlement plan, as approved by the Security Council, provided for a transitional period for the preparation of a referendum in which the people of Western Sahara would choose between independence and integration with Morocco. While the organization of the referendum has not been possible, other requirements of the mandate have been pursued successfully. MINURSO today performs the following tasks:

Monitor the ceasefire between the parties that became effective on 6 September 1991;Support the political process and report to the Secretariat and the Security Council on developments in and affecting Western Sahara;

Reduce the threat of mines and UXOs Support the UNHCR confidence building programme

The Air Operations Assistant under the supervision of the Air Operation Officer liaises with Aviation Information Management Suit (AIMS) users, develops and drafts daily Air Tasking Orders, weekly plans and quarterly air support schedules that remain suited to the Mission’s air support needs.; Proposes risk mitigation measures if required and flag for attention - make appropriate decision when unable to mitigate risks; Ensures flight crews are briefed and conversant with UN/Mission policy, flight safety procedures and latest applicable aviation standard requirements; Awareness of the level of responsibility and attached serious implication on the Organization’s reputation as concerns risk; The post is vital without which, Air Movement Management and Safety will be seriously affected - this falls in line with UN AVSTADS and 2018 Aviation Manual.

The Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

a. Prepare daily and Monthly Flight Schedules for both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft in the most economic, safe, and effective manner and in line with Mission requirements. b. Keep track of UN aircraft within and outside the Mission area. c. Maintain continuous watch on the assigned communication channels/ frequencies HF-VHF; d. Monitor and perform communication with UN Aircraft ensuring that all missions are executed safely and in accordance with ICAO/ IATA regulations, SARPs, latest Aviation Manual, MINURSO Aviation SOP, local area procedures and daily flight schedule. e. Use radio and Flight Tracking systems to monitor the position and movements of UN aircraft. f. Use Aviation Information Management System (AIMS) on daily bases for flight operations g. Collect aeronautical and meteorological information; provision of pre-flight weather briefings after interpreting charts, forecasts, TAFs, METARs, reports and satellite imagery. h. Verify monthly Aircraft Utilization Reports (AURs) i. Prepare monthly aviation report for submission to UNHQ for the purpose of billing and payments.

Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams

8 years of progressively responsible in Aviation or and at least 5 years directly related to air transport operations or/and air traffic control/air navigation services.

The MINURSO Area of Responsibility (AOR) is comprised of Western Sahara and “Tindouf Area” in Algeria. Western Sahara is located on the Northwest coast of Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, situated between Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania. MINURSO’ AOR is divided into four security areas: the Laayoune area, West of the berm (WoB), East of the berm (EoB), and Tindouf area in the South West of Algeria. Laayoune is the largest city in Western Sahara and it is where MINURSO maintains its MHQ, MLB and CTC compounds. Currently Security Level System (SLS) 3 is in effect at all security areas.

The risk of terrorist attack has increased due to a direct threat issued against MINURSO by a terrorist group, whereas risk of armed conflict has also been elevated due to the tension in the Guerguerate area. Civil unrest and crime continue to remain as possible threats against UN assets and resources in Laayoune. Natural hazards and road traffic accidents are also a concern in several security areas. The risk from landmines/ unexploded ordinances (UXOs) remains applicable in some areas of the AOR. Respective Host Authorities have primary responsibility for securing UN personnel, assets and resources in the area of operations under their control. Algerian authorities provide security to the UN inside Tindouf city and up to the Algerian Check point where the Frente Polisario (FPOL) assumes responsibility for providing security to the UN.

The movement restriction in Tindouf is in place from 10 pm to 6 am. Travelling towards the airport or to the FPOL refugee camps must be escorted by both Algeria and FPOL.

All personnel employed by the organizations of the United Nations system are responsible for their own safety and security, irrespective of their location of assignment. Persons employed by organizations of the United Nations system are accountable to the Head of Mission (HoM). As such you are expected to follow any guidelines and recommendations that are issued by the HoM/Designated Official and actively seek to keep yourself informed of any security policy development that will guide your assignment in the AoR. Western Sahara is unique and MINURSO is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org