Air Operations Specialist - UNDP/ELECT Project - Kabul

Duration of Initial Contract :UNDP supports stabilization, state building, governance and development priorities in Afghanistan. UNDP support, in partnership with the Government, the United Nations system, the donor community and other development stakeholders, has contributed to institutional development efforts leading to positive impact on the lives of Afghan citizens. Over the years UNDP support has spanned such milestone efforts as the adoption of the Constitution; Presidential, Parliamentary and Provincial Council elections; institutional development through capacity-building to the legislative, the judicial and executive arms of the state, and key ministries, Government agencies and commissions at the national and subnational levels. UNDP Afghanistan is committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability and works in close coordination with the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the UN system as a whole to maximize the impact of its development efforts on the ground. Years of conflict have damaged Afghanistan’s economic, political, physical, social and institutional structures. Reconstruction demands a secure environment in which there is credible leadership and enforced rule of law. Strong, legitimate and effective public administration structures, responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens - including the poor – are a precursor to any sustainable development. To this end, UNDP supports Afghan electoral institutions so that they can become more effective vehicles for development.The UNDP Enhancing Legal and Electoral Capacity for Tomorrow (ELECT) project- phase I (2006 – 2011) provided technical and operational assistance to Afghan electoral bodies throughout the 2009 Presidential and provincial council elections and 2010 parliamentary elections. ELECT II which commenced January 2012, was conceived as a targeted and focused project providing a support and advisory role, with a particular focus on institutional strengthening and capacity development during the inter-election period. In line with the process of transition or Afghanisation, as articulated in the Kabul Conference in July 2010, the number of international staff was significantly reduced from previous years. As the result of a project Mid-term Review and a UN Needs Assessment Mission, the ELECT II project has been extended beyond its original end date of December 2013 until December 2015, and the project objectives have been revised to now include direct electoral assistance for the conduct of the 2014 Presidential and Provincial Council Elections and the 2015 Parliamentary elections.The overall objective of ELECT II is to support the national electoral institutions to plan and conduct credible elections, most immediately the 2014 Presidential and Provincial Council elections and the 2015 Parliamentary elections, and to better ensure the integrity of the process. Continuing long-term assistance through support to capacity building of national electoral authorities beyond 2010 is in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2096 (2013).This assistance is closely coordinated with UNAMA, UN Department for Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and UN Electoral Assistance Division (EAD).

This is being accomplished through seven focused outputs:

Output 1:             Output 1 - Sustainability of the IEC is enhanced via both its institutional and staff capacity development. Output 2:             A sustainable, long-term approach to voter registration in Afghanistan, which also promotes maximum participation of eligible citizens in the 2014 and 2015 elections, is developed and implemented.Output 3:            The IEC’s engagement and informational outreach with key stakeholders, including the electorate, is enhanced.Output 4:           The IEC’s operational management functions, and the project support services, are strengthened. Output 5:           The conduct of key electoral operations for the 2014 and 2015 elections by the IEC is improved. Output 6:           The electoral dispute resolution mechanism is enhanced. Output 7:           The media regulatory mechanism for the electoral process is enhanced.The Air Operations Specialist will be a part of a team of the Pillar IV of the project managing the air operations of ELECT-II. S/he will be the focal point in managing the agreement signed between UNDP and UNAMA on air operations as well as coordinating with Independent Election Commission (IEC). Her/his primary task will be to manage and advise on the establishment and operation of the Air support to the ELECT II project. S/he will be embedded with the UNAMA Air Operations at UNOCA to continuously provide operational coordination. Under the direct supervision of the Operations Adviser of Pillar IV, the Air Operations Specialist (ELECT) is responsible to advise on all matters related to the management of leased/chartered aircrafts, technical and logistical facilities and services for the efficient, safe, and cost-effective conduct of UNDP ELECT air operations.

In respect to this responsibility he (she) shall:

Provision of advice on set up of ELECT Aviation Section and provide specialist advice to Afghan Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and ELECT operational and logistics personnel, and others, on aviation and movement control related matters; Provision of safe, efficient, and economical air movement support to meet the operational and administrative requirements of IEC/ELECT; Plan, implement and monitor the movement of all IEC and ELECT personnel and cargo by air within the mission area;Evaluate and assess air assets to ensure they meet IEC and ELECT needs;Review and clear technical and operational aircraft specifications with United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ);Liaise with key IEC and ELECT stakeholders;Review technical and operational aircraft specifications with UNAMA Air Operations; Develop Invitation to Bid (ITB) (if not completed) and assist with evaluation of bids for mission-level procurement actions related to air operations; Monitor Contracts and Memorandums of Understanding/Agreement (MOU/MOA); Assess cost estimates and prepare ELECT aviation budget; Liaise with IEC and ELECT Project Sections on all matters related to air assets contracts, act as the principal liaison person between the mission and UNHQ and with other missions on Aviation matters; In conjunction with UNAMA Air Operations, coordinate day-to-day support of ELECT air operations; Supervise ELECT air operations, including advising on risk management, budget, staffing and development, and aviation training; Develop and implement ELECT Aviation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in compliance with current UN Air Operations Manual, Host Nation Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs), the Chicago Convention and its annexes and national civil aviation regulations; Comply with UN Aviation Safety Program and UN Aviation Standards and correct deficiencies in coordination with the UNAMA Aviation Safety Officer; Monitor contract compliance of operators and evaluate their performances on a periodical basis; Verify, supervise and approve the certification of services rendered by contracted operators;Develop aviation administrative, logistics and technical standard operations procedures; Oversee planning of ELECT air assets to achieve pre-determined outcomes using cost effective and efficient methods to deliver services; Develop guidelines and instructions, review them periodically with the line managers and, through regular field trips inspections and meetings, evaluate the extent to which delegated responsibilities are being effectively carried out;Verify and advise on the serviceability of aircraft and aviation equipment in use; Oversee the preparation of technical reports, statistics, and other documents required on ad hoc basis and related to ELECT air operations; Oversee review and control of all expenditures from the approved aviation budget to ensure that the requirements of the mission are met within allocated funds; Assess ELECT aviation human resource needs and provide advice to personnel staff; Supervision of IEC and ELECT logistic and aviation support staff throughout the mission area; Coach, mentor and evaluate ELECT staff; Participate in recruitment, selection and training of new ELECT aviation staff and in the development of training programs; Review ELECT requirements and initiate action to acquire air assets to meet the needs;Prepare a comprehensive Mission Movement Analysis Report and coordinate with Movement Control Unit and UNHQ; The key results have an impact on the overall ELECT II efficiency in air operations management and implementation and success in establishment and implementation of air operation strategies. The strategic approach to air operations, establishment and implementation of the monitoring and control system, timely and appropriate delivery of services, ensure client satisfaction and overall timely delivery of UNDP programmes and projects.Building Strategic Partnerships Displays initiative, sets challenging outputs for him/herself and willingly accepts new work assignments;Takes responsibility for achieving agreed outputs within set deadlines and strives until successful outputs are achieved.Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing:Makes the case for innovative ideas documenting successes and building them into the design of new approaches;Identifies new approaches and strategies that promote the use of tools and mechanisms;Develops and/or participates in the development of tools and mechanisms, including identifying new approaches to promote individual and organizational learning and knowledge sharing using formal and informal methodologies.Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise:Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines;Serves as internal consultant in the area of expertise and shares knowledge with staff;Continues to seeks new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit;Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally;Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.Promoting Organizational Change and Development:Provides counseling and coaching to colleagues who are dealing with change Assists in the development of policies, communications, and change strategies; Performs appropriate work analysis and assists in redesign to establish clear standards for implementation.Design and Implementation of Management Systems:Makes recommendations regarding design or operation of systems or programmes within organizational units;Identifies and recommends remedial measures to address problems in systems design or implementation.Anticipates client needs;Works towards creating an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the clients and service provider;Demonstrates understanding of client’s perspective;Keeps the client informed of problems or delays in the provision of services;Uses discretion and flexibility in interpreting rules in order to meet client needs and achieve organizational goals more effectively;Solicits feedback on service provision and quality.Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management:Provides inputs to the development of organizational standards for accountability and results-based management.Promoting ethics and integrity, creating organizational precedents;Building support and political acumen; Building staff competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation; Building and promoting effective teams;Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication;Creating an emotionally intelligent organization;Leveraging conflict in the interests of UNDP & setting standards; Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking.Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree or equivalent in Air transportation, Aviation Engineering/Management, or Air Traffic Control, or graduation from equivalent military establishment or military flight/air traffic control training.Minimum 7 years with master’s degree and 9 years progressively responsible experience in administration and management of transportation. This experience may have been acquired through the military, commercial enterprise or elsewhere;
Ability to quickly adapt to change, and to remain calm under pressure; Time management and organizational skills, with the ability to undertake multiple tasks; Working experience in hardship countries is an asset. Fluency in English; Knowledge of Dari/Pashto could be an asset.Interested and qualified international candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP Jobs site at UNDP Afghanistan Vacancy Announcement and please ensure that to fill up and upload Personal History Form-P.11 which is available at UNDP Personal History Form (P.11 Form);
Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted; For more detailed information about UNDP Afghanistan please visit our website at www.undp.org.af.   ;  
Successful candidates must be prepared to start work within 6 weeks of the offer of appointment; Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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