This position is located within the Air Transport Service (ATS), Logistics Division (LD), Office of Supply Chain Management (OSCM), Department of Operational Support (DOS).

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 under the Department of Operational Support includes the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Supply Chain Management, Logistics Division, Procurement Division, Uniformed Capabilities Support Division, Global Service Centre 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 (UN) operations. The Division provides direction and advice on logistical matters, 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 Air Transport Service provides aviation support to all Secretariat entities through the timely establishment of the required contracts, in coordination with the Procurement Division, and provides management support to all clients to enhance cost-effectiveness and efficiency of aviation operations. The Service is responsible for providing aviation sourcing support, including for unmanned aerial systems, by developing technical specifications, statements of requirements, modalities of long-term versus short-term sourcing and letters of assist versus commercial sourcing, to ensure that clients' needs are met with the most appropriate services in the most cost-effective and efficient manner. The Service is also responsible for improving the management and operations of United Nations aviation support, including by determining aviation requirements, analysing spending and utilization, and exploring new ways of fulfilling client requirements, including through standby arrangements and sharing within the Secretariat. The Service provides guidance to ensure the right configuration of air assets, infrastructure and services in order to facilitate the execution of mandated tasks, while ensuring that contracted services comply with the requirements of the United Nations and the International Civil Aviation Organization Standards and Recommended Practices. The Service also provides dedicated air transportation support during the start-up, sustainment, transition and liquidation phases of missions; facilitate the planning and implementation of training courses, workshops and seminars for the development of aviation specialists; and establish operational guidance to support the effective and efficient delivery of capabilities from both commercial providers and Member States.

The Air Transport Officer reports to the Head of the Service or his/her designated official.

Within limits of delegated authority, the Air Transport Officer is responsible for the following duties:

General:
• Reviews, advises and monitors the missions air transport operations. Plans, assesses and works with category teams to define air transportation solutions aimed at satisfying clients’ requirements, based on market analysis, clients’ surveys, analysis of historic data, and new trends in the aviation industry.
• Monitors that air operations are conducted in compliance with UN directives, Department of Peace Operations (DPO)/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).
• Reviews, revises and endorses preparation of Letters of Assist (LOA) and their submission to contract specialists relating to the provision of air assets by national governments.
• Coordinates preparation of Invitation to Bid (ITB), ensuring that all specifications and requirements are addressed, and liaises with procurement specialists on processing of invitations.
• Reviews and endorses preparation of Requests for Proposals (RFP) to ensure that requirements and specifications are accurate and complete.
• Participates in planning meetings within DOS, and with government officials, on both the start-up and liquidation phases of field missions, and advises on air transport requirements and availability.
• Participates with other air transport officers in DOS, Contributing Country representatives, Permanent Mission officials, military advisers, representatives of transport industry, national government representatives and others in negotiating and approving policies, procedures and operating requirements.
• Participates with insurance specialists in resolving problems related to insurance policies for air transport.
• Provides leadership and work direction to assigned work team, and/or mentors and supervises the work of new/junior officers; may serve as a first-level supervisor of a small organizational entity.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Air Transport:
• Advises on air transport administrative, logistics and technical support policy objectives to effectively service components.
• Oversees the development of air transport safety and maintenance rules and regulations.
• Plans the use of air transport to achieve pre-determined outcomes using cost effective and efficient methods to deliver services.
• Participates in consultations with representatives of the principal components on satisfying operational aviation needs.
• Assists in developing air transport guidelines and instructions and reviewing them periodically.
• Advises on the serviceability of aircraft equipment in use and on the disposal of the unserviceable or beyond economical repair equipment.
• Oversees the preparation of technical reports, statistics and other documents required for regular and ad-hoc reporting requirements related to air transport operations.
• Reviews and approves recommendations on acquisition of air transport vehicles by purchase, lease or contingency agreements.

Air Safety:
• Advises senior management on all aviation safety matters, to include safe practices and procedures, ICAO annexes, accident investigation, accident prevention, safety and training, vendor registration, certification of aircraft registration, airworthiness, personnel licensing and maintenance plans, etc.
• Ensures establishment of adequate systems for monitoring, analyzing, reporting and exchanging data pertaining to air safety.
• Monitors action taken, especially on al aircraft accident Boards of Inquiry, and provides specialized investigative knowledge to boards and other entities as required.
• Monitors all techniques and aircraft types for potential safety hazard; evaluates technical requirements, need for equipment and pilots, etc.
• Establishes policy governing aviation safety management in UN missions, and for training and employment of air safety personnel.
• Supervises Transport Officers at Headquarters as well as in the field, and ensures that adequate and efficient safety organizations are maintained in mission areas.
• Undertakes assessment and inspection visits to UN peacekeeping missions.
• Prepares statistical analysis of all UN contracted aircraft related incidents; provides education and dissemination of information on air safety.

• 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 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.

• 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.

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in aeronautics or related field is required. A first-level university degree in the above specified areas in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Technical aviation qualification such as, Commercial Pilot License, Air Traffic Control License, Flight Operations Officer License, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer license or Aeronautical Engineer is required.

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the aviation industry is required.

• Experience in research and development of sourcing solutions for aviation services, including identification of requirements, conducting technical evaluation and contract management is required.

• Experience in the coordination of complex air transport operations in an international environment is desirable.

• Experience in developing and carrying out strategic initiatives to optimize the planning, contracting and management of aviation services is desirable.

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

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

• This position is funded by the Support Account. The Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year.

• This job opening is advertised to fill a temporarily vacant position during the absence of the regular incumbent for a period of one year or longer. The regular incumbent is entitled to return to this position at the expiry of the temporary vacancy period. If the regular incumbent exercises the right to return, the appointment or temporary assignment of the candidate selected for this job opening will not be renewed or extended.

• This position is pending classification approval.

• 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.

• 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.

• Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.

• 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.

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.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.

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.