Flight & Ground Operations Manager - Chad

Overview

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is an organisation using light aircraft to deliver help, hope and healing in Jesus’ name in developing countries. For more than 75 years, MAF has been transporting patients, relief workers, produce and medical supplies to the world’s remotest regions and places of deepest human need – places where flying is not a luxury but a lifeline.  

One of these places is Chad, the largest landlocked country in Africa. The Sahara Desert in the north, vast distances between towns and villages, and challenging road conditions make Chad a difficult place to live and work. The UN Human Development Index currently ranks Chad 189th out of 193 countries. The adult literacy rate is just 23%, falling to 11% among women. Life expectancy is just over 50 years, and one in ten babies dies before reaching their first birthday. MAF has been serving in Chad for more than 50 years, through times of famine, drought and civil unrest. Working with a range of partner organisations, MAF provides vital air transport for missionaries, relief organisations and the local Church. The humanitarian and spiritual needs are immense, and MAF seeks to respond by operating two aircraft: a Cessna Grand Caravan and a Cessna 182.

Demand for MAF’s aviation services in Chad is increasing, with the team responding to more requests for flights. As the programme grows, so does the need for strong, experienced operational leadership and support.

We are seeking an experienced Flight and Ground Operations Manager to lead the team, strengthen operational systems and ensure that flying remains safe, effective and sustainable. This is a critical position for the Chad programme. Without the right operational leadership in place, the programme’s ability to grow and respond to increasing demand will be significantly limited.

The successful candidate will guide and empower a dedicated team, oversee flight and ground operations, and help ensure that MAF can continue to deliver safe, life-changing aviation services in support of its mission.

We particularly welcome applications from former MAF pilots and experienced aviation professionals, including current or retired commercial pilots, who have the skills and experience to undertake this important role. Previous experience of MAF’s operational environment and mission would be highly valuable.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe and efficient flight operations: Oversee flight and ground activities, including scheduling, loading, fuelling and customer service, to ensure that every mission is safe, well-coordinated and effective.
• Champion aviation excellence and compliance: Uphold high standards of flight safety, regulatory compliance and operational performance across the programme.
• Lead and develop the team: Provide clear leadership, encouragement and professional development for flight and ground operations staff, building a motivated and capable team.
• Promote operational and financial efficiency: Make effective use of resources, contribute to budgeting and strategic planning, and support the long-term sustainability of the programme.
• Build strong relationships and partnerships: Develop positive working relationships with customers, aviation authorities, government agencies, partner organisations and local communities.
• Live out MAF’s mission and values: Participate actively in the spiritual life of MAF, integrating faith, professionalism and service into all aspects of the role.

Flight & Ground Operations manager job profile

Click the link for details of Living at MAF Chad

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Essential: 

• Secondary School completion certificate;
• Minimum English proficiency level 4;
• French language proficiency B1 level
• A senior manager or other aircrew member with a good working knowledge of the aeronautical environment and the factors affecting air operations in general; or three years experience as a Captain commercial air transport operations

Desirable: 

• Professional Flight Operations qualification