Head of Flight Operations
- Mission Aviation Fellowship
- Uganda
- $120,000 – $180,000
Overview
Take to the skies with purpose as the Head of Flight Operations for MAF in Uganda, where your leadership directly enables life-changing aviation across Uganda and South Sudan.
This high-impact role invites you to orchestrate a complex, multi-national operation, bridging the gap between rigorous regulatory compliance and heartfelt humanitarian mission. You’ll lead a dedicated team of professionals, collaborating with Chief Pilots and Maintenance heads - to ensure every takeoff is safe, every landing is precise, and every flight serves a greater calling. If you are a strategic leader with a passion for excellence and a desire to see remote communities transformed through expert aviation stewardship, this is your opportunity to lead at the forefront of mission-driven flight.
For the full job profile: click hereLiving in the Uganda programme snapshot.
Responsibilities
Regulatory and Strategic Oversight: Act as the primary liaison with the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), ensuring operations across Uganda and South Sudan comply with international ICAO standards and MAF’s mission-focused procedures.
Operational Leadership: Oversee the day-to-day management of flight operations, including flight planning, dispatch, technical documentation and contingency planning.
Team Leadership and Development: Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team, managing staffing, competency assessments and professional development to foster a skilled, motivated and high-performing workforce.
Safety and Quality Culture: Champion the Safety Management System (SMS) in collaboration with the Safety Manager, supporting risk mitigation, crew-fatigue management and a strong culture of safety.
Interdepartmental Coordination: Coordinate closely with Maintenance, Flight Crew and Country Directors to align aircraft availability with humanitarian needs and strategic programme objectives.
Resource and Infrastructure Management: Manage the operational budget and oversee the maintenance and development of remote airstrips, ensuring essential data, facilities and equipment are prepared to support life-saving missions.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
Education and Qualifications Essential:- ICAO Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) — does not need to be current
- Minimum 3 years in flight operations management or equivalent leadership role
Job Related Experience
Essential:
- UCAA regulations, ICAO standards, SMS principles, humanitarian aviation context
Skills
- Aviation Operations Management
- ICAO Standards Compliance
- Regulatory Compliance
- Flight Planning and Dispatch
- Team Leadership
- Crisis Management
- Stakeholder Liaison




