African Parks recruits 01 Aviation Manager

Position Title: Aviation Manager

Location: Operations Base, Pendjari National Park – Benin

Reporting to: Field Operations Manager

Start date: ASAP

Type of contract: Full Time

Closing date: 30 August 2019

ABOUT AFRICAN PARKS

African Parks is a non-profit organization that takes on total responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks is seeking for Pendjari National Park (PNP) in Benin a full-time Aviation Manager to be based at the Operations Base, PNP. This position is an exciting opportunity to work with a unique conservation organization, dedicated to protecting Africa’s wildlife and remaining wild places.

 African Parks, Benin is looking for a highly organized, self-motivated and personable individual to manage all aspects of aviation in Pendjari National Park. This is a special opportunity to work with an organization that is carrying out some of the most impactful conservation work across Africa. We are looking for a passionate individual to support our small but dynamic and innovative conservation team and the work we are carrying out to help secure the future of wildlife and the people living around protected areas.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage all aspects of aviation activities in Pendjari National Park, including but not limited to logistical and administrative coordination and other things needed to support the conservation team. Duties and responsibilities will include the following:

  Ensure that all aviation licenses, documents and authorizations required to legally operate each aircraft with the designated pilot are in order at all times;

 Maintain an excellent relationship with ANAC and other authorities in order to ensure quick processing times and outstanding service;

 Manage stock of regularly used consumables and spares so that no more than two supply consignments are required annually;  Maintain a relationship with ATB and ensure that all incoming flights are reported, known and adequately prepared for at least 24hrs in advance;

 Adhere to the APP Aviation SOP’s at all times;

 Accurately project fuel, spares, consumable and other needs and the cost thereof to contribute to the budgeting process each September

 Carry out all maintenance on time and on budget;

 Ensure that any external maintenance needs are projected and booked well in advance;

 Report any issues with either aircraft to the FOM with a plan of action and ground if deemed necessary

 Ensure that all aircraft and operator safety requirements are met as per international standards;

 Ensure that all scheduled surveillance flights are conducted on time and data recorded;

 Ensure that all scheduled ferry flights are conducted on time and prepared for accordingly;

 Ensure that the impact of unscheduled support flights and scheduled ferry flights on surveillance flights is limited to the highest degree possible whilst maintaining general aviation standards and adhering to legislation;

 Weekly joint-flight planning with LE/Conservation/Logistics and ensure that it is closely adhered to;  Report back on each week’s flight planning every Friday morning;

 Submit a brief weekly report on key points in aviation every Friday;

 Produce a monthly report by the second day of every new month;

 Provide any needed support to Park Manager and Field Operations Manager.

 QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for someone who is passionate about conservation and wants to be part of a growing, dynamic team who are responsible for aviation management of African Parks. Ideally, this person sees this position as an extraordinary opportunity to help save wildlife and wild places across the continent through being involved in exciting but demanding aviation services. Ideally, the candidate has the following or comparable qualifications:

 At least 500hrs logged on any type;

 Demonstrative experience managing basic maintenance of Foxbat and Cessna 182s;

 Demonstrative experience in managing the logistics of a fleet of aircraft in a remote location;

 Strong communicative competencies to interact with officials;

 Relevant licenses/permits to carry out maintenance and inspections on both a Cessna 182s and a Rotax engine;

 Bilingual (French/English) with excellent written and spoken competencies in the former;

 Strong reporting skills

 Ability to work well within a team and accept constructive criticism

 Goal-oriented, self-motivated, creative, highly flexible and adaptable to change

 COMPENSATION

 Commensurate with experience

HOW TO APPLY

 Please submit in single pdf format a CV and cover letter explaining why you are a suitable candidate, along with three references to rhpendjari@africanparks.org, with subject heading: “Aviation Manager Position_LAST NAME”.