Aviation Officer P3

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

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ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

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WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

JOB TITLE: Aviation Officer RPAS - UAS Project Manager

TYPE OF CONTRACT: STP P-3

UNIT/DIVISION: Aviation Service (SCDA) / Supply Chain & Delivery

DUTY STATION: Rome, Italy

DURATION: 07.08.2026 - 31.12.2026

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

1.1 In the performance of his/ her functions, the Aviation Officer reports to the Head of the Field Support & Projects Unit, SCDA, and serves as the focal point for the Aviation Service, and the Supply Chain Division in UAS/RPAS activities related to test flights and related operations.

1.2 The incumbent will cover the position of Aviation Officer according to the current structure and with the accountabilities and responsibilities.

ACCOUNTABILITES/RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 With respect to UAS/RPAS operations, his/her responsibilities include the following:

2.1.1 Examines the current use of UAS/RPAS and Airships related technologies and identify key issues to implement and operationalize their use in the humanitarian context.

2.1.2 Collaborates with the Aviation Safety Unit (POA) to ensure risk assessments and complete analysis for the safe, effective and efficient integration of UAS/RPAS into the air traffic management system.

2.1.3 Liaises with ICAO, IATA and National Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs), for the safe and legal use of UAS/RPAS technology.

2.1.4 Facilitates knowledge exchange from technical and industry partners to benefit of CAAs, comment on draft UAS/RPAS regulations when requested in States where WFP operates.

2.1.5 Serves as WFP representative for UAS/RPAS in UNAVSTADS and at ICAO Task Force of UAS for Humanitarian Aid and Development meetings.

2.1.6 Drafts WFP policies, concept notes and other guidance material for the use of UAS/RPAS in line with industry trends, ICAO frameworks, best practices and other recognized concepts.

2.1.7 Ensures appropriate regulations and best practices are consistently applied to UAS/RPAS planning and operations.

2.1.8 Coordinates with WFP Country Offices and Regional Bureaus, collates their needs, proposes appropriate solutions including Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and operational aspects of safety cases and provides technical guidance in respect of UAS/RPAS operations.

2.1.9 Fosters an active collaboration with WFP Technology Department (TEC) and other interlocutors on UAS/RPAS activities in general.

2.1.10 Interfaces with CAAs to develop templates for UAS/RPAS authorization approvals including flight plans, communication/de-confliction plans and CONOPs with the goal of creating ICAO compliant, reproduceable, safe authorizations.

2.1.11 Identifies and maps UAS/RPAS manufacturers and service providers for their use in emergencies and humanitarian contexts, register and maintain list of UAS/RPAS vendors.

2.2 With respect to RPAS/UAS contracting, his/ her service management responsibilities include:

2.2.1 Coordinates with the Air Transport Unit (ATU) and initiates Request for Offers (RFOs) in line with WFP Corporate procurement rules, reviews the offers in terms of technical, financial proposals and prepares analysis for evaluation to the appropriate procurement authority.

2.2.2 Ensures that all contractual provisions and obligations are satisfied and produces contract performance reports.

2.3 Perform any other duties as requested by the Chief/Deputy Chief Aviation Service.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT

a. Have established good relationships and proactive coordination with Donors/UNHAS stakeholders’ Focal Persons and timely preparation of end reports.

b. Have established good relationships and proactive coordination with Aviation Team to the Annual Performance Plan, SCDA quarterly/annual reports, CO meetings, and supporting Supply Chain.

c. Have performed the following tasks at satisfactory level according to his/her supervisor through the PACE.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education:

Advanced University degree in Aeronautics, Aviation Engineering, Airport Management or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training/courses

Experience:

a. Has had a minimum of 10 years of experience in the aviation industry with knowledge of branding & product marketing and experience in evaluation of business proposals.

b. Has had a minimum of 4 years of product development and Business Roadmap management in RPAS activities.

Knowlege & Skills

·        Proficiency in using Microsoft Office programmes and other related tools.

·        Knowledge in humanitarian aviation activities and/or WFP field operations is desirable.

Language: Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language).

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact:  [email protected]

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.

• We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at [email protected]. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.

• At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.