Airports Vanuatu Limited
Location:
Port Vila
Due Date:
06-03-2026
Type:
Full Time
Organisation Description:
Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL) is a State-Owned Enterprise responsible for the operation, management and development of Vanuatu's international airport located in Port Vila, Santo, and Tanna.
Job Desctiption:
Position Purpose:
The Group Head Operations is responsible for safe, compliant, and efficient operational performance of the three (3) gateway airports – Port Vila International, Santo International Airport, and Tanna Airport on a 24/7 basis. The role provides both strategic direction and operational leadership to ensure full compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), Civil Aviation Rule (CAR) Part 139, and Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV) regulatory requirements.
This position also ensures the consistent delivery of high quality airport services to airlines, passengers, stakeholders, and the general public, while maintaining operational readiness, safety and service excellence across all airport operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operational Safety and Compliance- Ensure all airports operations are conducted safely and in full compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), Civil Aviation Rules (CAR) Part 139, and Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV) regulatory requirements, maintaining certification standards across all airports.
- Operational Efficiency and Service Delivery- Oversee the effective and efficient delivery of operational services across Port Vila, Santo and Tanna Airports to support airline schedules, passenger facilitation, and stakeholder requirements, ensuring minimal disruption and optimal performance.
- Strategic Leadership and Planning- Provide strategic direction for airport operations, including long- term planning, operational improvements, infrastructure utilization, and resource optimization aligned with organizational objectives.
- 24/7 Operational Readiness and Emergency Management-Ensure continuous operational readiness across all three (3) airports, including emergency preparedness, crisis response coordination, and business continuity planning to manage incidents, disruptions, and contingencies effectively according to the Airport Emergency Plan. (AEP)
- Stakeholder and Airline Relationship- Maintain a relationship with airlines, government agencies, regulators, service providers, and other stakeholders to enhance collaboration, operational performance and customer satisfaction.
- People Leadership and Workforce Management- Lead, develop and manage operational departments consisting of Aviation Rescue & Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Maintenance, Customer Services, Housekeeping, Grounds man, Car Park Attendants to achieve high performance, accountability, and professionalism, including workforce planning, training and compliance with safety and operational procedures.
- Asset and Infrastructure Management- Ensure airport operational assets, airside and landside facilities and critical infrastructure are maintained to require standards to support safe and reliable operations.
- Financial and Resources Management- Manage operational budgets, resources and procurement to achieve cost efficiency while maintaining service quality and compliance requirements.
- Continuous Improvement and Innovation- Drive operational improvements, performance monitoring, and innovation initiatives to enhance service delivery, safety outcomes and operational resilience
- Probity and Good Governance- Ensure all aerodrome operations are conducted with integrity, transparency and accountability, implement governance practices and compliance monitoring
Selection Criteria:
Essential:
- Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Airport Operations, Engineering (Civil or Infrastructure), Transport Management, Project Management, or a closely related discipline
- Certified Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program (AMPAP)
- Experience at a senior management level in airport operations, aviation, infrastructure, or comparable safety-critical operational environment, which may be considered equivalent to formal postgraduate qualification
- Demonstrate working knowledge of ICAO SARPs (Annex 14) and Civil Aviation Rules, including CAR Part 139, applicable to aerodrome operations
- Demonstrated competency in Safety Management System (SMS) and operational risk management within a regulated operation
- Ability to meet Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV) Fit and Proper Person (FPP) and competency requirements
- Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
- Demonstrate ability to develop and implement policies, procedures and operational program
- Ability to work independently or as a team to meet deadlines
- Ability to work under pressure in a dynamic operational environment
Desirable:
- Postgraduate qualification in Aviation Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Public Sector Management, or Project Management
- Formal management and leadership training
- Professional certification in Project Management or asset or infrastructure management
- Experience working within a government SOE or regulated public-sector environment, including engagement with regulators and external oversight bodies
- Experience leading organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives
Special Attributes:
Must be medically and physically fit
Must have a valid Police Clearance
The ability to respond to any late nights or early morning hours' emergency at the airport premises
Valid Driver's license
Salary:
How to Apply
Apply by:
Via website
Contact Person:
Contact Phone:
Email to send applications to:
Postal Address or location to apply in person:
Use the following link to apply online:
https://avl.bamboohr.com/careers/43
Website:
https://avl.bamboohr.com/careers/43
How to apply - more information:
For further information on the above job please contact the employer directly.
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