Aviation Program Director - Mission Aviation Services East Afric at Samaritans Purse

Samaritan’s Purse (SP) is making a difference in the lives of people in East and Central Africa.  SP is currently helping nearly 400,000 refugees monthly in South Sudan.  Roads in this region are often poor or non-existent.  Civil unrest, bandits and war make movement on the ground difficult or dangerous.  Most often, the best and safest way to get there is to use aircraft. The Program Director of Mission Aviation Services, East Africa, is responsible for ensuring SP’s DC-3TP and two Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft safely and reliably support its Christian relief and development work in that area.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• We are looking for a leader with 3 or more years of management and administration experience in expeditionary aviation to lead our East Africa aviation program.
• Ideally, the candidate will have 2 years of living and/or working overseas with bush flying experience.
• Desired but not required:  FAA Commercial Pilot SEL and MEL, Instrument licenses with a 1st Class Medical.  3000 flight hours, 1,000 of which as PIC.  However, if the candidate has substantial aviation leadership and management experience, the pilot requirements could be waived and this could be a non-flying position.         
• Must maintain a personal relationship with and be a consistent witness for Jesus Christ.
• Fifth year college or university program certificate; or two to four years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Twelve credit hours of college-level Biblical studies desired but not required. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Directly responsible for the overall flight operations, maintenance, and administration of SP MAS East Africa.
• Develop, implement, and administer policies, procedures and processes as necessary to ensure a safe, reliable, and economical air transport services are provided to our customers.
• Supervise a team of approximately 10 expatriate and 15 national staff; ensure all staff receive timely personnel reviews.
• Ensure proper, accurate reporting from all departments to appropriate agencies and SP leadership as required.
• Ensure a safe, regulatory compliant organizational culture while maintaining mission focus.
• Coordinate with local, national, and international government agencies and organizations such as FAA, KCAA, KAA to make sure proper manuals and policies are in place and adhered to.
• Align operations to support SP and other customer’s needs; be proactive to communicate and respond with them in a timely manner.
• Produce an annual budget; oversee financial processes, and control costs.
• Responsible for aircraft meeting an 80% operational readiness rate by creating and executing staffing plan, maintenance plan, and logistics plan.
• Attend devotions and participate in prayer support for the ministry, its donors and volunteers.
• Maintain a strong Christian witness to colleagues, vendors, charitable beneficiaries, and general public.
• Assess, manage, and report critical physical, emotional, or spiritual concerns of supervised staff.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises 10 expatriate and 15 national employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Location:  Entebbe, Uganda or Eldoret, Kenya

Full Benefit Package, including:

• Medical, prescription, dental & vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Long term and short term disability insurance
• Term Life insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave

Samaritan’s Purse Distinct Objectives:

PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL - EXALT Christ and share the Gospel while working in His Name around the world

SERVE WITH EXCELLENCE - EXCEED the world’s standard while serving the purposes of God’s kingdom

RESPOND WITH COMPASSIONATE ACTION - EXPEDITE our response to needs as the Lord reveals opportunities to minister

DEMONSTRATE BIBLICAL INTEGRITY - EXHIBIT character and integrity personally, at home and work

WALK IN BOLD FAITH - EXPECT God to do the impossible