About the opportunity
The World Food Programme (WFP), the world’s largest humanitarian organization, is seeking three Aviation Assistants to support the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) in Syria. Operating under WFP’s Interim Country Strategic Plan, UNHAS provides essential, reliable air transport to the humanitarian community responding to large-scale food insecurity and displacement across Syria. Reporting to the UNHAS Aviation Officer in charge of operations, the Aviation Assistant coordinates ground and air operations, liaises with local airport authorities for clearances, manages passenger and cargo manifests, monitors flight tracking and weather conditions, and ensures full compliance with WFP aviation safety standards and risk management protocols.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive UN compensation package corresponding to the G5 / SC5 salary scale
- Personal and professional development opportunities, including training, accreditation, coaching, and mentorship programs
- Internal mobility opportunities across WFP regional and global offices
- Dynamic, multicultural, and inclusive working environment within a Nobel Peace Prize-winning agency
Who can apply?
- Completion of secondary school education; post-secondary certificates in air traffic control, flight dispatch, aeronautical engineering, or a related field are essential for Air Operations roles and desirable for Air Movement roles
- At least 5 years of professional experience in the aviation industry
- Direct experience in restricted flying zones, aviation risk management, and flight planning assistance
- Demonstrated experience in booking and ticketing, handling passenger and cargo manifests, aircraft loading, and ground handling
- Proven experience interpreting routine weather reports and applying basic flight-following and radio telephony procedures
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and related office tools
- Fluency in both oral and written English and Arabic
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
When to apply
- Job posted: October 4, 2026
- Application deadline: October 18, 2026, at 23:59 GMT+03:00 Eastern European Time (Damascus)
How to apply
- Submit your application exclusively through the official WFP Workday recruitment portal
- Complete and update your Workday candidate profile, ensuring full details for employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade if applicable
- Attach your CV and Cover Letter to the application submission
- If you encounter technical issues during application, contact global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org for technical support
Additional information
- Position count: 3 openings available
- Duty stations: Damascus and Deir Ezzor, Syria
- Contract type and duration: G5 – SC5 level, 12-month assignment
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments and interviews
- Selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks in line with UN standards
- WFP does not charge any application, processing, training, or interview fees at any stage of recruitment
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Aviation professionals with at least 5 years of technical experience in flight dispatch, air traffic control, or aerodrome operations seeking to apply their expertise in humanitarian logistics.
- Candidates holding formal post-secondary credentials in flight dispatch, aeronautical engineering, or air traffic management with proficiency in weather interpretation and radio telephony.
- Bilingual specialists fluent in Arabic and English who excel at client-facing coordination and liaising effectively with airport and government authorities.
What should you think carefully about?
- The assignment is on-site in Damascus and Deir Ezzor, Syria, requiring full physical presence in a complex operational environment.
- The contract is fixed-term for 12 months, meaning extension is subject to operational needs, performance, and programme funding.
- Handling flight clearances, restricted flying zones, and urgent emergency cargo requests can involve demanding schedules and high operational pressure.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position offers a strong platform for mid-level aviation and air movements specialists aiming to enter or advance within the United Nations common system. It provides high-impact field experience with the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), allowing candidates to build specialized competencies in emergency response aviation, flight safety compliance, and inter-agency logistics coordination.
Our take
Qualified aviation practitioners fluent in English and Arabic who are prepared for on-site operations in Syria should prioritize submitting an application before the October 18, 2026 deadline. Candidates seeking remote work or commercial airline corporate environments will likely find this humanitarian field post unsuitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
