Job Description

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose

The Air Operations Manager provides safe, cost-effective and efficient air service to the delegation and supports its humanitarian activities with chartered aircraft

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

• Manages the operations of aircraft chartered, leased or owned by the ICRC in a cost-effective, safe and efficient manner, in accordance with the ICRC's standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Coordinates the activities of aircraft, crews, ICRC staff, passengers and cargo to optimize use of resources in their assigned area.
• Ensures that flights are carried out safely – even in dangerous environments – by obtaining and logging all necessary permissions and security guarantees.
• Ensures that there is proper payload calculation, fuel planning, flight watch and in-flight support.
• Monitors contracted aircraft operators to ensure they meet the requirements of the charter agreement.
• Establishes SOPs and a search-and-rescue contingency plan in close collaboration with the aircraft operator for the area; controls and supervises flight operations as required by the International Civil Aviation Organization's guidelines for flight operations officers/flight dispatchers contained in Annex 6, Chapters 4 and 10 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the responsibility for operational control delegated to the ICRC under the contracted operator agreement.
• Supervises contracted crew members, the AirOps Officers and other flight officers; trains ICRC staff on certain procedures, including security.
• Ensures that risks are mitigated by performing the controls assigned to his/her role as described in the Logistics Risk and Control Matrix.

Relationships

• Internally, interacts with delegation management/administration, pilots and technical reference persons.
• Externally, maintains working relations with civil aviation workers, airport authorities, air traffic control and agents working in clearing and customs and immigration.

Scope & impact

• Geographical remit depends on the area covered by aircraft.
• Is responsible for the aircraft cost centre, including rentals, fuel, handling, aeronautical charges, insurance and accommodation for the crew.

Certifications / Education required

• Licence or certification as a flight dispatcher, commercial pilot or air traffic controller.
• Proficient in English (ICAO Level 4).
• Good command of French language (minimum C1).
• Up-to-date certification in IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).
• Familiar with aviation safety management and quality control systems.
• Familiar with word processing and spread sheet software.
• Working knowledge of Jeppesen FliteStar an asset.

Professional experience required

• Minimum 10 years' professional experience as a flight dispatcher, air traffic controller or commercial pilot.

Our operational & field constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field
• Candidates must possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles)
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 24 months

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• A two-week orientation course and other opportunities for further in-house training
• Attractive social benefits
• Length of assignment: 12 months
• Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere

Additional information

• Type of position: Mobile
• Type of contract: Maximum term contract
• Working rate: 100%
• Location: Global deployment
• Length of assignment: 12 months
• Application deadline: 10/03/2026

Our values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.