Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Flight Operations Expert

United Nations Development Programme; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

The United Nations Development Programme seeks a senior expert to analyze safe operation of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and integrate it into Saudi aviation systems under GACA.

You will develop ConOps, regulations, and risk management procedures, coordinate training, oversee tests, and produce timely, high-quality reports.

Essential qualifications include a Bachelor’s in aerospace engineering and at least 12 years of relevant experience; English is required, Arabic desirable.

Qualifications

• Aerospace engineering degree or equivalent required.
• 12+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Proficiency in English required; Arabic desirable.
• Experience with aviation safety and regulatory frameworks is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct analyses and studies on safe operations of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and integration into the aviation ecosystem.
• Build technical capabilities in AAM within GACA.
• Develop regulations and procedures, prepare technical recommendations, and obtain approvals.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive Concept of Operations (ConOps) for AAM, covering the environment, fleet technology, and processes.
• Analyze and document AAM operational requirements including autonomous operations, urban overflight, and emergencies.
• Review and approve AAM operational risk-management procedures (e.g., SORA).
• Monitor AAM operator performance and provide safety-enhancing recommendations.
• Coordinate with training providers to ensure AAM pilot/operator qualifications meet GACA regulations.
• Support and enable tests and flight trials for AAM systems.
• Perform additional tasks assigned by management related to the job scope.
• Prepare reports on time and with required quality.
• Commit to cybersecurity-related tasks and responsibilities.

Skills

Professionalism

Judgement/Decision-making

Communication

Teamwork

Technological Awareness

Continuous Learning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, or equivalent

Job description

The Organizational Setting

Conduct analyses and develop operational frameworks for flight operations in the AAM domain, including evaluating operating procedures, safety standards, risk-management systems, and operator approvals. The role aims to ensure safe and efficient integration of autonomous or semi-autonomous AAM operations into the national aviation ecosystem.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Function 1 (incl. Expected results)

Under the direction:

• Conduct technical analyses and studies related to the safe operations of Advanced Air Mobility and integration of AAM technologies into the aviation ecosystem.

Function 2 (incl. Expected results)

• Build technical capabilities in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) within GACA.

Function 3 (incl. Expected results)

• Develop regulations and procedures, prepare technical recommendations, and obtain the required approvals.

Function 4 (incl. Expected results)

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive Concept of Operations (ConOps) for AAM, covering the operational environment, fleet technology, and processes.

Function 5 (incl. Expected results)

• Analyze and document AAM operational requirements such as autonomous operations, urban overflight, and emergency scenarios.

Function 6 (incl. Expected results)

• Review and approve AAM operational risk-management procedures (e.g., SORA).

Function 7 (incl. Expected results)

• Monitor AAM operator performance and provide recommendations to enhance safety levels.

Function 8 (incl. Expected results)

• Coordinate with training providers to ensure AAM pilot and operator qualification meets GACA Regulations.

Function 9 (incl. Expected results)

• Support and enable tests and flight trials for AAM systems.

Function 10 (incl. Expected results)

• Perform any additional tasks assigned by direct management related to the nature and scope of the job.

Function 11 (incl. Expected results)

• Prepare reports on time and with the required quality.

Function 12 (incl. Expected results)

• Commit to cybersecurity-related tasks and responsibilities.

Impact of The Outcome of the Position

The work of this position directly contributes to the safe and effective integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) into the national aviation system, supporting GACA’s strategic objectives and alignment with international aviation standards.

Work Relations and Contacts

The incumbent works under the direction of the General Management of Advanced Air Mobility – AAM, within the Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability sector. The role requires close coordination with internal GACA departments, regulatory bodies, OEMs, operators, and international aviation organizations.

Competences

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style, and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Technological Awareness:Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Commitment to Continuous Learning:Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, or equivalent.

Professional experience

Essential:

• Minimum 12 years of experience in the field.

Desirable:

• Experience with ICAO standards and recommended practices related to AAM or emerging aviation technologies.

Languages

Essential:

• Proficiency in English.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Arabic is desirable

Remuneration

P5 STEP 1

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.