Chief of Unit – Air Operations

About the role

The Chief of Unit, Air Operations leads the Strategic Air Operations Centre (SAOC) within the United Nations Strategic Multimodal Movement Operations Centre in Brindisi, Italy. Reporting to the Chief SMMOC, the incumbent ensures safe, efficient and cost‑effective air transport for UN field missions worldwide.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and supervise the SAOC team, overseeing air transport of passengers, cargo and dangerous goods in compliance with UN aviation manuals, ICAO standards and host‑country regulations.
• Develop and monitor Air Tasking Orders, Standard Operating Procedures and risk‑management processes for all UN aviation activities.
• Provide technical advice to field missions, coordinate with UN units, governments and NGOs, and ensure quality control of aviation data and performance reports.
• Prepare operational plans, budgets, statements of work and evaluate charter agreements, ground‑handling contracts and insurance matters.
• Act as line manager for sub‑unit managers, handling work allocation, performance assessments and training program development.

Required profile

• Professional knowledge of UN aviation standards, ICAO regulations and air transport operations in peacekeeping and humanitarian contexts.
• Strong client‑orientation, accountability and ability to work under pressure while maintaining gender‑balanced approaches.
• Proven leadership experience in managing multi‑disciplinary aviation teams and coordinating with international stakeholders.

Required skills

• Air transport operations management
• Aviation risk management
• Compliance with ICAO standards and UN Aviation Safety Manual
• Preparation of Air Tasking Orders and Standard Operating Procedures
• Budgeting and contract management for charter and ground‑handling services