Air Operations Officer

About the role

The Air Operations Officer will be based in the Aviation Section of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) in Baidoa. Reporting directly to the Chief of the Aviation Section, the incumbent will oversee the Mission Air Operations Center and ensure safe, efficient air support for UN humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and supervise daily activities of the Mission Air Operations Center (MAOC).
• Monitor compliance with Air Tasking Orders (ATOs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), UN aviation manuals, ICAO standards and host‑country AIPs.
• Review and approve Air Mission Requests, assigning the most suitable air assets for safety, cost‑efficiency and mission effectiveness.
• Validate projected ATOs, resolve priority conflicts and ensure timely publication and communication.
• Coordinate routine passenger/cargo flights, special casualty/medical evacuations, VIP movements and military operational flights.
• Maintain liaison with the Strategic Air Operation Center, Forward Support and Deployment Hub, UNHQ and other missions to address resource gaps.
• Oversee integrated search‑and‑rescue operations for UN and external aircraft.
• Handle diplomatic over‑flight/landing clearances, ground handling, crew accommodation and transport logistics.
• Conduct Aviation Risk Management (ARM) and ensure all activities are recorded in the Aviation Information Management System (AIMS).
• Analyse air asset utilisation and statistical data to improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with UN units, NGOs, government agencies and inter‑governmental bodies such as WFP/UNHAS on aviation matters.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing air operations in a UN, humanitarian or peacekeeping environment.
• Strong knowledge of UN aviation directives, ICAO standards and host‑country aeronautical publications.
• Ability to supervise a multi‑disciplinary operations centre and coordinate with multiple UN and external stakeholders.

Required skills

• Aviation Information Management System (AIMS)
• Air Tasking Orders (ATOs) processing
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) development
• UN Aviation Standards (UN AVSTADS) and ICAO regulations
• Search and rescue coordination