Chief of Unit, Air Operations

Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located within the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH). Pursuant to Security Council resolution 2793 (2025), UNSOH has been mandated to provide support; primarily to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), the Haitian National Police (HNP), and the Haitian Armed Forces in the context of any joint operations with the GSF. Additionally, UNSOH is tasked with delivering technical assistance to the Organization of American States (OAS). The incumbents at this level are responsible to manage a component in missions that are of moderate complexity in terms of size, scope, programmes and operations. The Chief of Unit, Air Operations is responsible for following duties: Management of air transport operations within a field mission; Development and management of unit budget; Management of unit human resources; Development and management of mission aviation standard operating procedures; Coordination with the host country civil and military authorities. This position is based in Port au Prince and is located in the Aviation Section. The incumbent will report to the Chief Aviation Section P5 or designated official. Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Chief of Unit, Air Operations, P-4 will be responsible for the following duties: • Manages and supervises the activities of the Air Operations Unit. • Monitors that air operations are conducted in compliance with Air Tasking Orders (ATOs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), UN directives/Department of Operational Support (DOS) Aviation Manual, UN Aviation Standards for Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Air Transport Operations (UN AVSTADS), UN Aviation Safety Manual, ICAO standards and recommended practices and the host country's Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs). • Supervises the provision of reliable, cost effective and efficient air transport services for the transportation of passengers and cargo (including dangerous goods requiring special handling) within a field mission and resolves conflicting priorities. • Supervises the aviation risk management for UN aviation activities in accordance with the established procedures. • Provides technical advice to the substantive and support elements of a field mission on all aspects of the air transport activities. • Liaises with other UN units/sections, non-government and government organizations and intergovernmental agencies on aviation matters. • Supervises the provision of efficient aviation search and rescue coverage for UN transport assets and other transport assets upon request. • Supervises the preparation of operational plans, performance reports, and responses to internal and external audit observations. • Supervises the development and implementation of standard operating procedures for aviation related processes. • Monitors that quality control procedures are implemented for all work processes. • Monitors the accuracy and validity of data recorded in the management information systems. • Develops, in consultation with the Chief, Service Delivery and/or Chief of Mission Support, a cost-effective and efficient air transport plans accessing the modalities of different types of air assets in operational terms. • Evaluates services rendered to a field mission under long-term aircraft charter agreements, letters of assist, stand-by air charter agreements and ground handling contracts. • Develops budget for field mission's air transport operations and reports on the budgetary performance of the Air Operations Unit at the end of each financial period. • Coordinates the requisition process with purchasing authorities to ensure that bidding and approval activities meet requirements. • Determines technical specifications for air transport services and develops statements of work/requirements. Provides responses to UNHQ during the vendor's evaluation to ensure that vendor’s proposals meet technical requirements. • Acts as a Certifying Officer for the air transport tasking with the overall responsibility for the efficient use and accurate accounting of all resources controlled and all expenditures made by the Air Operations Unit. • Monitors that UN financial regulations and rules are complied with in all activities of the Air Operations Unit. • Participates in various field mission administrative bodies such as the Local Committee on Contracts, the Tenders Committee, the Local Property Survey Board and Boards of Inquiry. • Participates, in collaboration with insurance specialists, in resolving problems related to insurance policies for air transport services. • Develops the Air Operations Unit Staffing Table and acts as a Line Manager to Sub-Unit Managers. • Manages the allocation and rotation of appropriate work assignments. Coordinates individual annual work plans for unit managers and produces detailed performance assessments and evaluations for all staff as required. • Supervises the personnel management and evaluates staff performance of the Air Operations Unit. • Supervises the development of training courses, workshops and other related training activities and coordinates them with UNHQ. Develops and implements the Air Operations Unit Training Plan. • Performs other related duties as required. Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge of diverse aviation operations. Knowledge of aviation industry procurement and logistics processes. Knowledge of institutional mandates, ICAO Standards and recommended Practices and Annexes of the Chicago Convention, policies and guidelines pertaining to air transport operations and related matters. Ability to review alternative options and select most effective and cost-efficient mode of transport of equipment, supplies and personnel. 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 aviation operations and related matters. Ability to complete in-depth analyses and to formulate conclusions and recommendations. Shows pride in work and 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. 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. 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' needs 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 projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands in the best interest of the organization. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. 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, on any of the education areas mentioned above, with a relevant combination of education, professional training, certification in air transport operations, and two (2) additional years of work experience in air transport related occupation, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific Qualification An Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) or its military equivalent is desirable. Training and certification as a Commercial Pilot or a Flight Operations Officer/Flight Dispatcher, or an equivalent military qualification is required. Work Experience A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in air transport operations or aviation safety, with at least five (5) 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 managing and supervising diverse teams is required. Experience in coordinating air operations with diverse stakeholders, UN agencies funds and programmes, is required. Experience in air operations and contract management is required. Experience in the use of ICAO standards and recommended practices is required. Experience in international operations in a post conflict environment is required. Experience in safety and quality management 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. French and Spanish are desirable. 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). .headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; } Required LanguagesLanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIDesirable LanguagesLanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingFrenchUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level ISpanishUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level I 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. This job opening is subject to the approval of UNSOH 2026-2027 budget and availability of the position with validity from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. 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. This job opening is being advertised for advance planning purposes pending formal approval of the relevant funding and staffing structures. An appointment may be terminated, or post level adjusted in accordance with the Staff Rules for such reasons as abolition of post or reduction of staff or committee funding approvals, for example in the event that the funding for the post is not approved or the mandate of the mission is not extended. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. Staff members appointed to the current position are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter. 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 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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No Fee