AMREF Flying Doctors (AFD), based in Nairobi, Kenya, stands as a leading provider of aeromedical services in Africa. With an esteemed reputation rooted in its long-standing commitment to medical emergencies and air ambulance services, AFD plays a pivotal role in delivering lifesaving care and medical transfers across the continent and beyond. The organization is a proud subsidiary of Amref Health Africa, the largest African-based health development organization.
With a fully dedicated fleet of air ambulances, AMREF Flying Doctors is renowned for its swift and professional medical evacuation services that stretch beyond Africa, reaching patients in Europe, Asia, and North America. With a mission centered on enhancing healthcare access and delivery, AFD’s impact spans vast geographical regions and diverse communities.
In line with its commitment to excellence, safety, and compliance, AMREF Flying Doctors is currently inviting applications for an Operations Intern to join its vibrant and high-performing team based at Wilson Airport, Nairobi. This opportunity is ideal for individuals looking to gain valuable experience in flight operations and aviation logistics in a fast-paced, mission-driven organization.
Position: Operations Intern
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Type: Internship
Application Deadline: Sunday, 20th July 2025
Organization: AMREF Flying Doctors (AFD)
Reporting to: Operations Manager
Main Purpose of the Role
The Operations Intern will play an essential supporting role within the flight operations team. The intern will contribute to the coordination of flights, ensuring operational safety and compliance with aviation regulations and company procedures. This involves participation in flight planning, active communication with aircraft personnel, logistical support for flight dispatch, and maintaining detailed operational records. The internship will offer hands-on experience in a dynamic, 24-hour operational environment, providing valuable exposure to the inner workings of medical aviation services.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Operations Intern will be expected to support the operations team across a variety of essential functions:
- Support in Coordinating Daily Flight Operations
- Assist the flight operations team in executing daily flight activities to meet operational targets and client expectations.
- Ensure seamless communication across all departments involved in flight preparation and monitoring.
- Flight Planning and Dispatch Support
- Collaborate with the team in preparing and submitting flight plans, ensuring alignment with company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Monitor timelines to guarantee timely dispatch and regulatory compliance in all planned flights.
- Manifests and Clearance Processing
- Facilitate the preparation and submission of manifests to immigration offices as part of the pre-flight clearance process.
- Follow up with the necessary agencies to ensure there are no delays in obtaining clearances for planned flights.
- Flight and Operational Records Management
- Maintain up-to-date and comprehensive logs, including:
- Flight and event logs
- Aircrew flying records
- Records of both inbound and outbound flights
- Ensure records are securely stored and accessible for reference and auditing.
- Maintain up-to-date and comprehensive logs, including:
- Radio Communication
- Establish and manage radio communication between ground operations and aircraft commanders, particularly during active flights.
- Monitor communications during flights and report any anomalies or issues to the Operations Manager.
- Data Entry and Documentation
- Enter all relevant flight data into the company’s database system.
- Organize and file post-flight documentation, including operational checklists, clearance reports, and route logs.
- Administrative Support
- Provide administrative assistance to the Operations Department in daily functions.
- Replenish stationery supplies and ensure availability of other necessary materials to meet departmental needs.
- Organize files, coordinate internal meetings, and offer logistical support for department-led activities.
- Additional Tasks
- Carry out any additional assignments delegated by the Operations Manager or the duty officer.
- Maintain a proactive attitude and be willing to support other teams in related functions where necessary.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered for the Operations Intern role:
- Diploma in Flight Operations/Dispatch from a recognized institution.
- Demonstrated knowledge and basic operational experience in radio communication.
- Proficiency in computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and use of the internet.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies
The ideal candidate for the Operations Intern position should demonstrate the following qualities:
- Teamwork Orientation: Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to support collaboration and client interaction.
- Willingness to Learn: A proactive approach to learning and improving technical and procedural knowledge.
- Time Management: Ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
- Dependability and Flexibility: Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as may be required by the nature of flight operations.
- Confidence and Initiative: Self-motivated with the confidence to take initiative while maintaining accountability.
- Attention to Detail: Keen focus on accuracy and thoroughness, particularly in documentation and record-keeping.
Work Environment
The internship at AMREF Flying Doctors offers exposure to a highly demanding but rewarding 24-hour operational setting. Due to the unpredictable nature of medical emergencies and aviation logistics, flexibility and responsiveness are critical to success in this role. Interns will work alongside a professional and experienced team at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, with occasional demands for early morning, late night, or weekend shifts depending on operational requirements.
Equal Opportunity Statement and Ethical Recruitment Policy
AMREF Flying Doctors is an equal opportunity employer. The organization values diversity and inclusiveness and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, age, disability, or other status protected by law. It upholds a non-smoking environment policy and emphasizes professionalism in all internal and external interactions.
AMREF Flying Doctors is also committed to the safeguarding and protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All employees and interns are expected to share this commitment and adhere to the organization’s safeguarding policies.
In addition, AMREF Flying Doctors maintains a transparent recruitment process and cautions all applicants against fraudulent recruitment schemes. At no point during the recruitment process will applicants be asked to pay a fee. Official communication from the organization will always come from email addresses ending in @flydoc.org. All legitimate job advertisements are published on AMREF Flying Doctors’ official website and its official social media pages.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about contributing to the advancement of medical aviation services and wish to grow your career in a fast-paced operational environment, consider applying for this internship at AMREF Flying Doctors.
The application deadline is Sunday, 20th July 2025. Interested applicants can view more details and submit their applications through the following websites:
- AMREF Flying Doctors Career Page: https://flydoc.org/career-opportunities/
- Amref Health Africa Vacancies Page: https://amref.org/vacancies/
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This is an exceptional opportunity to be part of an impactful organization and to learn from some of the most experienced professionals in aeromedical services in Africa. Take the first step toward an exciting and meaningful career in aviation and emergency healthcare today.
