Group Head Operations
- Francoise Nguyen
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL)
Applications close Friday, 20 March 2026
● Exciting opportunity to join Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL)!
● Contract full-time position Vanuatu Citizens and Residents
● Based in Port Vila
The Organisation
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. AVL invites applications from suitably qualified, skilled and experienced Aviation professionals to fill the Senior Executive position of Group Head Operations.
The Position
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.
Essential Selection Criteria
► 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 Selection Criteria
► 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
Apply Online
Applications for this role must be submitted online using the link below.
Do NOT email your application.
Applications close Friday, 20 March 2026
Link-1086
