Deputy Security Manager – Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) & Airspace

Key Accountabilities

The post‑holder is accountable for:

• Guaranteeing full airspace security over all Project installations and areas of operation.
• Ensuring safe, compliant, and effective use of UAS and C‑UAS systems.
• Providing reliable and timely reporting on aerial activity, threats, and system status.
• Ensuring VPSHR compliance for all airspace operations involving civilians or populated areas.
• Supervising all personnel and contractors involved in drone and counter‑drone operations.
• Following up on maintenance issues to ensure systems remain fully operational with minimal downtime.
• Ensuring Safety remains the top priority in all activities, supported by a fully developed and maintained HSE plan throughout the project lifecycle.

Job Dimensions

• Full management of Project airspace security, including all UAS (drone) and C‑UAS (counter‑drone) operations.
• Planning, conducting, and supervising security flight missions (surveillance, reconnaissance, area assessments).
• Coordination with:
  • Area 4
  • Civil Aviation Authorities
  • UAS and C‑UAS service providers
• Maintaining continuous Airspace Situational Awareness (ASA) across all critical operations.
• Ensuring compliance with Security SOPs, VPSHR, and all applicable local and international regulations.
• Delivering daily analysis, reports, and alerts on aerial, onshore, and offshore activity near Project areas.
• Supervising drone and counter‑drone teams, ensuring qualification, discipline, and adherence to operational standards.
• Overseeing the correct installation, operation, and optimisation of multimillion‑dollar airspace security systems.

Key Responsibilities & Activities

Safety, Compliance & HSE

• Implement and maintain a UAS / C‑UAS HSE system aligned with site HSE requirements and Total’s 12 Golden Rules.
• Ensure 100% compliance with air safety standards for all operations.

UAS / C‑UAS Operations

• Plan and conduct UAS missions for:
  • Surveillance
  • Risk assessments
  • Monitoring sensitive areas
• Coordinate C‑UAS systems in cooperation with Area 4, including:
  • Radars
  • RF detectors
  • Jamming systems
  • Authorized interception procedures
• Manage No‑Fly Zones, secure aerial corridors, and flight authorisation processes.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Monitor and report all aerial activity, including unauthorized drone incursions or system alerts.
• Document and formally report all airspace security incidents and violations.
• Maintain continuous liaison with civil and military aviation authorities regarding airspace usage.

Equipment & Readiness

• Ensure maintenance and operational readiness of:
  • UAS platforms
  • Batteries
  • Ground control stations
  • Radars and RF systems
  • Associated equipment

Training & Continuous Improvement

• Train internal teams on drone risks and airspace security procedures.
• Propose innovative, practical, and easy‑to‑implement solutions to operational challenges.
• Maintain 24/7 availability to respond to emergencies.

Procurement & Documentation

• Draft technical documentation for:
  • Tenders
  • Bills of Quantities (BoQs)
  • Cost estimates
  • Scopes of Work

Context & Working Environment

• Position based on site in Afungi within a tropical working environment, potentially involving long working hours.
• High‑risk malaria region - contractor is responsible for all preventive measures.
• Afungi operates as a construction camp with shared facilities; essential living requirements are provided.
• Elevated security environment (Cabo Delgado - Zone Orange 2) with restricted movement limited to camp and work areas.
• Rotation: 4 weeks ON / 4 weeks OFF.
• Mandatory availability outside normal working hours in case of emergency.

Qualifications & Experience Required

• Proven experience in air operations management, UAS, or C‑UAS operations (military, police, aviation, or industrial security).
• Strong technical understanding of drone and counter‑drone technologies:
  • RF systems
  • Radar
  • EO/IR
  • Jamming technologies
• Solid knowledge of UAS regulations (ICAO guidance and local aviation authority frameworks).
• Demonstrated experience in airspace security risk assessment.
• Proven coordination experience with military or security forces.
• Fluent in English (mandatory).
  • Portuguese and/or Swahili considered an asset depending on deployment location.
• Strong computer literacy (situational awareness tools, reporting systems, mapping software).
• Clean criminal record.
• Valid driver’s license and passport.