The World Food Programme (WFP), the world’s largest humanitarian organization, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Aviation Associate (Emergency Response) to join our team in Nairobi, Kenya. This full-time opportunity is a critical role in ensuring that humanitarian air operations are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with the highest international standards. If you are ready to contribute to life-saving missions, help coordinate emergency responses, and work in an inclusive, multicultural environment, read on to learn more about this exciting career opportunity with WFP.
About the World Food Programme
WFP is renowned for its unwavering commitment to saving lives in emergencies. As the largest humanitarian organization globally, WFP uses food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people affected by conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Recognized as a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, WFP has a longstanding tradition of excellence in humanitarian aid. Our teams operate across various country, regional, and global offices, ensuring that effective assistance reaches millions of people in need.
At WFP, our people are our greatest asset. We believe in creating diverse, committed, skilled, and high-performing teams that are chosen on merit and operate in a healthy and inclusive work environment. Our core values—Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion—guide our work and define our culture. Working with WFP means joining a passionate community dedicated to making a difference every day.
For more information about our organization, visit our website: www.wfp.org and follow us on social media platforms such as YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.
Why Join WFP?
A World-Class Organization
- Nobel Peace Prize Laureate: WFP’s commitment to peace and humanitarian aid has been globally recognized.
- Inclusive and Diverse Environment: We celebrate and embrace diversity. Every employee is valued, and equal employment opportunity is central to our recruitment process.
- Career Development: WFP invests in personal and professional development through a range of training, coaching, mentorship programs, and internal mobility opportunities.
- Impactful Work: As part of our team, you will be contributing directly to life-saving operations that provide emergency food assistance and support communities recovering from crises.
Work That Matters
At WFP, every role plays a critical part in our mission. As an Aviation Associate (Emergency Response), you will be at the forefront of emergency operations, ensuring that air missions are safely executed to deliver vital humanitarian assistance. This role is perfect for individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, are committed to operational excellence, and have a passion for contributing to global humanitarian efforts.
Job Overview: Aviation Associate (Emergency Response)
Position: Aviation Associate (Emergency Response) – G6
Location: Nairobi, Kenya, The Republic Of
Time Type: Full Time
Job Requisition ID: JR110258
Deadline for Applications: 5 March 2025, 23:59 (GMT+03:00 East Africa Time)
Posted: 3 Days Ago
Organizational Context
This position is based in Nairobi and is a key component of the WFP Aviation team. Reporting to the Chief Aviation Technical Officer (CATO) or the Head of Aviation Operation, the successful candidate will work in a dynamic operational environment, ensuring that all aspects of emergency air operations align with WFP’s safety, security, and operational standards. This role is pivotal in supporting WFP’s rapid response capabilities in humanitarian crises.
The Role: Aviation Associate (Emergency Response)
As an Aviation Associate (Emergency Response), you will play a central role in managing the operational aspects of emergency air missions. You will be responsible for coordinating air operations, ensuring compliance with WFP standards, and maintaining safety and security protocols throughout each mission. Your work will support the effective execution of humanitarian air operations, ensuring that vital supplies and personnel reach their destinations safely and on time.
Key Responsibilities
Your day-to-day tasks will include, but are not limited to:
- Operational Coordination & Technical Support:
- Provide comprehensive operational coordination and technical support for air operations.
- Ensure all activities comply with WFP’s safety, risk management, and operational standards.
- Support the humanitarian community by facilitating safe and effective air operations.
- Safety and Security Oversight:
- Assume accountability for the safety and security of all aviation operations.
- Implement and monitor security measures, systems, and programmes essential to maintaining operational integrity.
- Liaison with Authorities and External Stakeholders:
- Act as the primary liaison with airport officials, civil aviation authorities, and other external parties.
- Secure necessary clearances, documentation, and authorisations required for all air operations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure seamless operations.
- Pre-flight and Post-flight Coordination:
- Coordinate pre-flight actions, ensuring that all registered passengers and cargo are correctly onboarded.
- Collaborate closely with flight crews to guarantee that every flight meets stringent safety standards.
- Gather and review post-flight documentation to verify compliance with established operational conditions.
- Occasionally evaluate the performance of air operators and suggest improvements.
- Flight Planning and GIS Management:
- Ensure that maps, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, and other tools used for flight planning are current and accurate.
- Assist in plotting airfields and landing sites, ensuring all data supports optimal flight operations.
- Daily Documentation and Reporting:
- Distribute Daily Flight Sheets (DFS) and manifests to all relevant stakeholders.
- Maintain up-to-date records and databases, ensuring that all information is accurate and accessible for reporting purposes.
- Airfield and Landing Site Assessments:
- Conduct surveys of airfields and helicopter landing sites using standardized checklists.
- Assess available storage capacity and, when necessary, recommend the construction of additional rub halls.
- Review aircraft parking areas and proactively address any identified safety or security hazards.
- Emergency Preparedness:
- Follow established emergency preparedness practices to support rapid response at the onset of a crisis.
- Be prepared to execute any additional tasks as directed by your supervisor or as required by evolving operational contexts.
- Customer Service and Stakeholder Communication:
- Respond promptly and professionally to customer queries, ensuring high standards of client service.
- Escalate issues as needed following established protocols, ensuring timely and effective resolution of enquiries.
- Process Improvement and Recommendations:
- Conduct process reviews to identify and recommend improvements in flight operations.
- Support evidence-based decision-making by updating and developing existing databases and records.
- Support to Internal Counterparts:
- Collaborate with internal counterparts to ensure aviation activities are aligned with broader programme objectives.
- Contribute to a coherent and integrated approach to air operations across the organization.
- Documentation and Compliance Monitoring:
- Systematically follow up on reported hazards and occurrences, ensuring that they are recorded and managed efficiently.
- Support compliance monitoring by ensuring that all operational documentation is complete and accurate.
This role demands a proactive approach, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining high standards of safety and operational excellence.
Qualifications and Experience
Education and Certifications
- Minimum Education: Completion of secondary school education.
- Relevant Post-secondary Certificate: A certificate in air traffic control, flight dispatch, aeronautical engineering, or a related field is essential for Air Operations roles. This qualification is highly desirable for candidates applying for Air Movement roles.
Work Experience
- Experience: A minimum of six years of progressively responsible work experience in the relevant business stream is required. Experience should include general administrative work and specific exposure to aviation operations.
Technical Knowledge and Skills
- Flight Dispatch: Demonstrated experience in dispatching flights from uncontrolled airfields.
- Operational Flight Plans: Proven ability to interpret and manage operational flight plans effectively.
- Fuel Planning and Management: Experience in fuel planning, managing fuel operations, and supervising refuelling processes.
- Airside Operations: Strong background in airside operations, including marshalling procedures and the management of air operations logistics.
Language Proficiency
- Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in the United Nations language used at the duty station is required. Proficiency in the local language of the duty station, if different, is also necessary.
Additional Information and Organizational Culture
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
WFP is committed to creating an inclusive work environment that respects and values diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status, or disability. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity is at the heart of our recruitment process.
Leadership and Development
WFP’s Leadership Framework outlines the common standards of behavior that guide how we work together to accomplish our mission. We are dedicated to developing our employees through comprehensive training, coaching, mentorship, and continuous professional development. This role offers a unique opportunity to grow your career while making a tangible impact on the lives of those in need.
Reasonable Accommodation
We are committed to supporting individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require reasonable accommodation, please reach out to our Global Inclusion team at [email protected].
No Fee Disclaimer
Please note that the United Nations does not charge any fees for applications, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or any other part of the recruitment process. Should you receive any communication requesting payment, please disregard it immediately.
Reminders Before You Submit Your Application
- Profile Accuracy: Ensure that your profile is complete and accurately reflects your employment history, academic qualifications, and language skills.
- Essential Documents: Upload your professional CV (in English) and a well-crafted cover letter. Additional documents, such as your passport, recommendation letters, or academic certificates, may be requested at a later stage.
- Application Submission: Complete your application through the designated platform. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified, and all employment decisions will be based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications.
- Background Checks: All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. This process helps us maintain the highest standards of safety, integrity, and transparency within the organization.
- Confidentiality Notice: Please be aware that no appointment will be offered to members of certain oversight bodies within the United Nations system, including the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, and others, both during and within three years after their service.
The Impact of Your Role
Joining WFP as an Aviation Associate (Emergency Response) means becoming part of a team that is on the front lines of humanitarian action. Your expertise in managing emergency air operations will contribute directly to the efficiency and effectiveness of our response efforts. By ensuring that all flights are conducted safely, securely, and in compliance with established protocols, you will play an essential role in supporting the rapid delivery of aid to vulnerable communities.
Your responsibilities will not only include the operational coordination of flights but also involve engaging with a variety of stakeholders—from local authorities and airport officials to internal teams and external partners. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of emergency air operations are meticulously planned, executed, and reviewed for continuous improvement.
In times of crisis, when every minute counts, your ability to manage pre-flight preparations, coordinate with diverse teams, and address potential hazards proactively can mean the difference between life and death. At WFP, we understand that our success in saving lives is built on the dedication and expertise of individuals like you. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact while working in a dynamic and supportive environment that values continuous learning and operational excellence.
Moreover, as part of a global organization that operates in some of the world’s most challenging environments, you will gain invaluable experience in emergency response and humanitarian logistics. The skills and knowledge you develop here will not only advance your career but also contribute to broader efforts to build resilient communities and foster sustainable development.
How to Apply
If you are ready to embark on a rewarding career path with WFP and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by crises, we invite you to apply for the position of Aviation Associate (Emergency Response) – G6 in Nairobi.
Application Instructions:
- Step 1: Ensure your profile is updated and complete with all relevant employment records and academic qualifications.
- Step 2: Prepare your professional CV in English along with a compelling cover letter that highlights your experience and suitability for the role.
- Step 3: Submit your application via our official online recruitment portal before the deadline on 5 March 2025, 23:59 (GMT+03:00 East Africa Time).
For any queries or technical challenges during the application process, please contact our recruitment support team at [email protected].
Take the next step in your career and join an organization that truly values excellence, diversity, and innovation in humanitarian work.
Apply Now
Embark on a career that not only challenges you professionally but also offers the satisfaction of making a tangible, positive impact on communities in need. The World Food Programme is eager to welcome passionate, skilled, and dedicated professionals to our team. We look forward to receiving your application and exploring how you can contribute to our mission of saving lives and building a better future for all.
