Aviation Security Assistant (AVSEC)

The Aviation Security Assistant (AVSEC) supports and supervises coordination, administrative and technical activities related to aviation security to ensure safe, secure, and efficient air services for the humanitarian community. The role involves operational support, risk management, compliance, training, and emergency response within UNHAS operations in Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational coordination and technical support for aviation security (AVSEC) in air operations according to WFP standards and humanitarian security requirements.
• Develop AVSEC evaluation programs for aerodromes, conduct inspections, and produce reports and recommendations.
• Liaise with field staff and aerodrome focal points to ensure coordinated management of operational base and destination security.
• Identify AVSEC equipment needs and ensure optimal use.
• Conduct contextual analyses in conflict-affected areas to support necessary assessments for air operations.
• Coordinate with local authorities, security providers, state agencies, and mission security services to obtain necessary authorizations and documents for air operations to aerodromes and helicopter landing sites.
• Continuously monitor security situation in the area of operations and advise on risks affecting air operations.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners to support AVSEC activities.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and maintenance of procedures necessary for the safety and security of air operations.
• Collect, analyze, and consolidate security information from UN, WFP, NGOs, local authorities, and other relevant sources to assess impact on air operations.
• Participate in threat and risk analyses for UNHAS flights according to WFP Air Transport Manual Annex Q.
• Periodically conduct and update AVSEC assessments of operational bases and destinations per Annex G of the Air Transport Manual.
• Monitor security situation of UNHAS destinations and disseminate relevant information to concerned parties.
• Conduct security briefings for crews and operations teams before daily flights.
• Ensure security arrangements are in place for crews before flight missions.
• Participate in meetings and forums related to aviation security, safety, operations, and airfield management.
• Liaise with civil aviation authority, airport managers, and other competent authorities on issues affecting air operations.
• Provide administrative support to air operations including report preparation, authorization processing, and record keeping.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with security and administrative partners to enhance protection of aircraft, aerodromes, and aviation facilities.
• Perform landside and airside driving activities to support ground handling operations.
• Participate in airport or aeronautical emergency management according to Aviation Emergency Response Plans (A-ERP).
• Contribute to search and rescue operations when required.
• Assume responsibilities assigned within the emergency response framework.
• Compile and analyze statistics related to risks, incidents, CASEVAC and MEDEVAC to support corrective measures.
• Make evidence-based recommendations and contribute to continuous improvement of operational procedures.
• Demonstrate intuition and judgment to manage unforeseen daily problems.
• Manage issuance, renewal, and return of airport access cards, circulation badges, and other identification for UNHAS personnel and crews per Congolese aviation regulations and ICAO standards.
• Manage weapons transport requests for close protection teams according to national regulations and UNHAS AVSEC procedures.
• Monitor travel requirements applicable to UNHAS passengers to ensure compliance.
• Maintain records related to facilitation and security requirements (e.g., persons denied entry, expelled, detained, or under judicial process traveling on UNHAS flights).
• Ensure continuous updating of facilitation procedures in UNHAS SOPs and operational manuals.
• Deliver AVSEC briefings to crews, newly assigned personnel, and returning staff after prolonged absence.
• Organize and conduct AVSEC training for staff, focal points, and partners.
• Contribute to development and maintenance of an AVSEC culture within the operation.
• Support preparation and conduct of A-ERP exercises related to aviation security.
• Update AVSEC training and awareness materials to reflect evolving operational risks.
• Monitor AVSEC online training for UNHAS staff, contractors, and focal points.
• Identify, document, and follow up on preventive and corrective actions to comply with national regulations and WFP/UN policies and procedures.
• Monitor AVSEC incident reports and occurrence hazard reports (OHR).
• Collect feedback from staff, focal points, and passengers on aviation security issues.
• Contribute to AVSEC budget preparation and procurement needs definition.
• Support implementation of the AVSEC Quality Assurance Program.
• Act as AVSEC Officer in their absence.
• Perform any other aviation security tasks assigned by the AVSEC Officer, DCATO, or CATO.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in the aviation industry.
• Minimum of a diploma in a relevant field of study; a university degree is an asset.
• Proven training and experience as an instructor, inspector, or supervisor in aviation security (AVSEC), or holding a national, ICAO or IATA equivalent qualification with relevant professional experience.
• Relevant professional experience in aviation, security, or operational risk management.
• Good knowledge of the historical context of security, aviation, and humanitarian action in the Democratic Republic of Congo is an asset.
• Experience providing support to emergency interventions, including rapid deployment on short notice.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and productivity tools.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate via VHF radios.
• Good command of English.
• Ability to work independently.
• Experience working in a team.
• Ability to present information clearly, coherently, and structured.
• Availability to work long hours when operational needs require.
• Basic computer skills including use of automated office equipment.

Skills

• Aviation Security
• AVSEC Training
• Security Inspection
• Operational Risk Analysis
• Emergency Response
• VHF Radio Communication
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Report Writing
• Aviation Industry Experience
• Automated Office Equipment
• Training Delivery
• Security Compliance
• Operational Support
• Supervision in Aviation Security

Languages

English, French