AIR OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

Details

Mission and objectives

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. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General was to have sole and exclusive responsibility over matters relating to the referendum and was to be assisted in his tasks by an integrated group of civilian, military and civilian police personnel, to be known as the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara.

Context

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

Task description

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.