Aviation Officer

Host entity: WFP Madagascar

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Transport, movement, travel

Application deadline: 25/09/2026

Mission and objectives

Powered by the passion, dedication and professionalism of 20,000 staff worldwide, the World Food Programme (WFP) has a presence in over 120 countries and territories to carry out its mission. We bring life-saving food to people displaced by conflict and made destitute by disasters, and help individuals and communities find life-changing solutions to the multiple challenges they face in building better futures. We work to enhance nutrition in women and children, support smallholder farmers in improving productivity and reducing losses, help countries and communities prepare for and cope with climate-related shocks, and boost human capital through school feeding programmes. In conflict situations, we bring relief to exhausted populations and use food assistance to build pathways to peace and stability – work for which WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.

We save lives: For millions of people worldwide, WFP’s emergency relief during crises is the difference between life and death. On any given day, WFP can have 4,300 trucks, 55 aircraft and 135 ships on the move, delivering emergency assistance, relief and rehabilitation, development aid and special operations to people affected by conflict, droughts, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, crop failures and other disasters. Two-thirds of our work is in conflict-affected countries, where people are three times more likely to be undernourished than those living in countries without conflict. When an emergency subsides, WFP helps rebuild lives and livelihoods by strengthening the resilience of people and communities.

We change lives: Our work to build resilience, adapt to weather extremes, promote good nutrition and improve food systems lays the foundations of a more prosperous future for millions. WFP is the largest humanitarian organization implementing school-meal programmes worldwide, with over 50 years’ experience in this area. In 2025, WFP delivered 2.3 million metric tons of food and disbursed US$2.2 billion in cash-based transfers and commodity vouchers – strengthening food and nutrition security and sustaining local economies around the world.

Assignment context

The position is part of UNHAS in Madagascar Country Office (CO) Aviaiton Officer – Operation. The person will report to the Deputy CATO or to the CATO directly. Carry out and/or supervise various coordination activities and administrative and technical tasks to support the provision of safe and efficient air services to the humanitarian aid community.

Task description

Under the supervision of the Head of UNHAS, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks :
- Contribute to the planning and coordination or activities relating to the safe execution of aviation operations in accordance with WFP and UN AVSTADS (Aviation Standards).
- Support aviation projects or operational activities applying standard processes, including the appropriate operational risk management processes, to contribute to effective humanitarian air transportation.
- Liaise with airport authorities, other local authorities and external parties to obtain the approvals, documentation and authorizations required for air operations.
- Collect and analyze a wide range of data from diverse sources through research and networking with colleagues to formulate and recommend actions to senior staff to improve performance of aviation activities and operations.
- Participate in the on-going review of internal processes and procedures and identify ways to increase the day-to-day efficiencies.
- Collate data and contribute to preparation of accurate and timely reporting, supporting a WFP-wide view of aviation activities that enables informed decision making and detailed reporting to donor representatives.
- Support the capacity building of WFP staff and partners to safe aviation operations e.g. through scheduling and delivering training materials.
- Identify and build productive relationships with WFP colleagues and staff within the unit or area of assignment to align activities and enable a coordinated and coordinated approach to humanitarian air transportation.
- Follow emergency aviation preparedness practices to ensure WFP can quickly provide passenger services, relief supplies and emergency medical and security evacuations at the onset of a crisis.
- Act in an assigned emergency response capacity as required to meet the required provision of service to the humanitarian community as needed.
- Other as required.

Skills and experience

- Experience using aviation safety information systems to compile data and perform analyses on potential aviation risks.
- Experience arranging flight clearances and customizing immigration documentation.
- Experience in coordinating with national aviation authorities on ramp activities.
- Experience in monitoring operational reports and advising on service utilization trends.
- Knowledge or experience in Drone operation is an added value.

Competencies and values

- Supply Chain Management and Optimization: Demonstrates ability to design basic supply chain networks, including appropriately assessing and escalating challenges to ensure that WFP is able to provide consistent and uninterrupted service to its beneficiaries and partners.
- Planning, Project & Resource: Management Collects and analyses relevant technical data from diverse sources to forecast operational needs under various scenarios and makes evidence-based proposals.
- Information Management & Reporting: Liaises with internal and external stakeholders to consolidate preliminary data analysis, draft reports and disseminate information that represents concerns and trends.
- Service Provision, Aviation Contracting and Operational Execution: Demonstrates ability to negotiate contracts with WFP partners within own transportation modality/region that incentivize optimal performance by appealing to the interest of all parties.
- Aviation Performance Measurement & Quality Control: Demonstrates ability to enforce adherence to WFP's operating and quality standards within own teams to ensure that aviation operations are carried out in a high quality, safe, timely, and responsible manner.
- Specialized Technical Knowledge in Aviation, Safety and Security: Demonstrates ability to contribute to advancements in air-based supply chain management through effective utilization of WFP’s extensive network of chartered and commercial airfreight and passenger transport service providers ensuring safety and security of effective delivery of services.

Living conditions

The UN Volunteer will work in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. Living contitions in Antananarivo offer mix of advantages and challenges. The city is known for its affordable cost of living, friendly locals, and unique cultural experiences. Modern accommodation is available in various areas of the city; however, infrastructure can be lacking, with unreliable internet and limited public transportation. Healthcare access is also limited, but available at various levels. Safety can be concern, particularly in crowded areas, some parts of the city, and dark, but the city is considered fairly safe when precautions are taken.

Conditions of Service:
The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://app.unv.org/explore, outlining the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments.
Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.