Director of Flight Operations (DFO) at RwandAir Limited ( Deadline 31 May 2023)

Director of Flight Operations (DFO) at RwandAir Limited ( Deadline 31 May 2023)

RwandAir Ltd is the flag carrier airline of Rwanda. It operates domestic and international services to East Africa, Central Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East from its main base at Kigali International Airport.  Our mission is to provide unsurpassed, safe, and reliable services in air transportation, including strategically linking Rwanda with the outside world while ensuring a fair return on investment. As part of the expansion strategy, we are looking for interested, qualified, and competent candidates to fill the following position:

• Job Title:        Director of Flight Operations (DFO)
• Reports to:     Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO
• Department:  Flight Operations

Job Purpose

The Director of Flight Operations is responsible for the safe flight operation of RwandAir. The Director of Flight Operations is appointed by the Accountable Manager/CEO and must be approved by the RCAA; Safety is the ultimate responsibility of the Director of Flight Operations; he/she has to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations.

Therefore, his/her prime concern is to ensure highly trained, safe, and security-minded flight crew and operational staff members. The Director of Flight Operations is also responsible for ensuring that all legal requirements are met within the Flight Operations Department and will closely cooperate with the RCAA. In the event of an activated Emergency Response, DFO will be responsible for the coordination of OCC, Aircraft recovery, and assisting the investigation team with aircraft technical knowledge.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

The Director of Flight Operations is responsible for:

• Ultimately responsible for all activities and decisions in flight operations.
• Maintaining decency and all operational qualifications as commander on rated aircraft type
• The management and supervision of all flight operations activities.
• The management of safety and security in RwandAir Flight operations.
• Approve the conduct of flights or series of flights concerning safety or operational aspects.
• Flight operations conducted in accordance with the specifications (conditions and restrictions) of the Air Operator Certificate (AOC), in compliance with the RCARS and international regulatory agencies and standards of the Operator.
• Determine all flight operational policies, standards and practices. This includes the revision and monitoring of policies, procedures, processes, and standards related to the Flight & Network Operations and their structure, ensuring safety and security, quality, efficiency, and compliance with local and international regulatory requirements
• Responsible for Operations Manual Part A, B, C, D, E, documentation, publication, revision, and authorization of other Operational documentation necessary to enhance the safety and security of Flight Operations.
• Review, implement, and follow up on new rules and regulations affecting (the AOC
• Prohibit flights or suspend flight operations in the interest of safety.
• Coordination of safety and security between Flight Operations and the following:
• Flight Safety
• Cabin crew
• Engineering and Maintenance
• Flight Dispatch/Operational Control
• Data Systems and Records
• Human Resources
• Ground Handling, Cargo and Dangerous Goods
• Manufacturers (AFM/FCOM, operational, safety, and security communications)
• Regulatory Agencies
• Ensure reported hazards and occurrences during operations are investigated and corrective actions put in place.
• Plan, implement, revise, and monitor policies, procedures, recommendations, and standards related to the Flight Operations department and its structure, ensuring safety, security, quality, efficiency, and compliance with local and international regulatory requirements.
• Recommend the employment, dismissal, or suspension of personnel in the flight operations department.
• Appoint Check and Training personnel on the recommendation of the Chief Pilot and Senior Manager of Cabin Services.
• Appoint personnel that meet the job requirements to conduct safe and efficient flight operations
• Manage and supervise functions and activities related to the fleet operation through interdepartmental coordination, including authorization of staff and flight crew selection, upgrading, promotions, demotions, and any other related actions and measures.
• Providing qualified and adequately trained Flight Deck and Cabin crew to manage and operate RwandAir Flights schedule.
• Publish other necessary directives for the Flight Crew.
• Responsible for the training standards and policies in Flight Operations.
• Establish and maintain an aircraft accident procedures policy. Arrange hearings in cases of accidents, incidents or other irregularities or violations of legal provisions or internal directives.
• Coordinate with all other departments to attain the agreed level of punctuality, regularity, and customer care.
• Responsible to specify, and review routes, utilized airways, and aerodrome selections, establish minimum flight altitudes and competency requirements for flight operations and flight crew
• Categorize Airfields and determine the restrictions for their use and to lay down the appropriate aerodrome operating minima and standards.
• Conduct inspection flights, to check the professional standards, as well as the suitability of specific Airfields for the operation by RwandAir Aircraft.
• Ensure that operations are only conducted along such routes and within such areas for which:
  • Ground facilities and services, including Meteorology services are provided and adequate.
  • The performance of the Aircraft to be used is adequate to comply with minimum flight altitude requirements.
  •  Current maps and charts are available.
  •  The appropriate limitations are met.
• Remain updated on developments of equipment and operational procedures.
•  Ensure all contractors employed meets the required standards.
• Member of the safety review board (SRB).
• Maintain interactions with flight operations management for optimum distribution of activities and responsibilities.
• Supervise the activities of the various sectional Heads of Flight Operations and chair regular or non-regular meetings when required to ensure optimum utilization of departmental resources, including manpower, to achieve set goals.
• Monitor interdepartmental performance and flow of accurate information to all concerned.
• Ensure the implementation of an effective quality system and determine Standard Operation Practices to comply with all relevant national and international regulations, especially those related to the AOC.
• Maintain desired company On-Time Performance (OTP)
•  Ensure efficiency and minimize costs.
• Responsible for the management of all Flight and Network Operations Budget.
• Ensure that the section processes and procedures are developed, documented, distributed, and monitored for improvement.

Desired Profile: Required education, Experience, and Abilities

• University graduate in applied sciences or holder of an ATPL/ dispatch License,
• At least five years at the senior management level, two of which should have been in relevant Airline management positions,
• Must have comprehensive knowledge of regulations
•  DPE/TRE for the aircraft he/she is currently on is desirable

• PIC experience not less than 5000 hours in Jet transport operations.
• Wide Knowledge of business processes and ability to integrate diverse disciplines for the production of optimum margins;
• Ability to integrate with all cadres within and outside the organization while motivating, encouraging, and networking for improved ops and service levels at all times;
• Quick and flexible to accommodate the need for decisions/involvement in operational situations at all times;
• Ability to evaluate the team’s decisions and draw lessons from them.

How to apply:

• An application letter addressed to the Director, Human Resources;
• Recent Curriculum Vitae;
• Relevant academic Diplomas and certificates;
• Three referees

The deadline for submitting your applications is on May 31, 2023. Please send your application to [email protected]

NB:  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.