First Officer (Co-Pilot)

Job Description

About the Company RwandAir Ltd is the flag carrier airline of Rwanda and a Skytrax award-winning airline, recognised as Best African Regional Airline. 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. Its mission is to provide unsurpassed, safe and reliable air transportation services, strategically linking Rwanda with the outside world while ensuring a fair return on investment. As part of its expansion strategy, RwandAir is looking for qualified and competent candidates for this position. Role Overview Department: Flight Operations. Reports to: Fleet Manager. Fleet: Boeing 737 (B737), Airbus A330 and DH8 Q400. Location: Kigali International Airport. The purpose of the role is to be nominated by RwandAir management to serve as Co-Pilot (First Officer) for each flight or series of flights on the B737, A330 or Q400 fleet. Key Responsibilities As per OMA Section 1.5.25 (Co-Pilot), a Co-Pilot must take all reasonable steps to: Maintain familiarity with relevant Rwandan and international air legislation and agreed aviation practices and procedures. Maintain familiarity with the provisions of the Company Operations Manuals necessary to fulfil the function. Keep aware of the Pilot-in-Command's intentions and monitor the conduct of the flight at all times. When acting as Pilot Monitoring, immediately advise the PIC of any apparent deviation from the desired flight path, any non-compliance with Standard Operating Procedures, or any developing hazardous situation. Safety responsibilities and accountabilities: Perform duties in accordance with the laid-down procedures. Report hazards and occurrences. Specific responsibilities: Directly responsible to the PIC for assisting in the safe and efficient conduct of the flight, carrying out all duties assigned by the PIC in accordance with Flight Deck Management and approved procedures. When acting as pilot-in-command in an emergency requiring immediate decision and action, take any action considered necessary in the circumstances, and may deviate from rules, operational procedures and methods in the interest of flight safety. Acts as second in command to the PIC. Reports safety hazards and occurrences. Licences & Qualifications In accordance with OMA Section 5.1 (Flight Crew Qualifications) — essential: ICAO / EASA / FAA licence. First-Class Medical Certificate. Radio Telephony Licence, or an endorsement on the flight crew member's licence. Required type rating on licence (B737 / A330 / Q400, as applicable). ICAO English proficiency Level 4 minimum. Experience Total flying time of 1,500 hours. 500 hours on type. No history of accidents or incidents due to the pilot's gross negligence. What We Offer A growing network of over 22 destinations across East, West, Central and Southern Africa, with long-haul routes to London, Brussels, Paris, Dubai and Doha. A modern fleet of Boeing and Airbus narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. Global connectivity through codeshare and interline partnerships with Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines. A genuine growth trajectory, including a planned move to the new Bugesera International Airport. A competitive salary, allowances and benefits package designed to reward experience and commitment. A base in Kigali, one of Africa's safest and fastest-growing capital cities, offering a high standard of living. Additional Information How to apply. Submit an application letter that confirms your willingness to relocate permanently to Kigali, states your preference between a commuter and a non-commuter contract (non-commuter candidates will be given preference), and adds any other information you consider relevant. Also required: a recent curriculum vitae; copies of notarised degree/diploma certificates; relevant certificates; copies of academic papers; a photocopy of your passport or national ID; and three referees. The deadline for submitting application documents (PDF format only) is 8 October 2026. Applications are made through the RwandAir e-recruitment portal. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Requirements

• Maintain familiarity with relevant Rwandan and international air legislation and agreed aviation practices and procedures.
• Maintain familiarity with the provisions of the Company Operations Manuals necessary to fulfil the function.
• Keep aware of the Pilot-in-Command's intentions and monitor the conduct of the flight at all times.
• When acting as Pilot Monitoring, immediately advise the PIC of any apparent deviation from the desired flight path, any non-compliance with Standard Operating Procedures, or any developing hazardous situation.
• Perform duties in accordance with the laid-down procedures.
• Report hazards and occurrences.
• Directly responsible to the PIC for assisting in the safe and efficient conduct of the flight, carrying out all duties assigned by the PIC in accordance with Flight Deck Management and approved procedures.
• When acting as pilot-in-command in an emergency requiring immediate decision and action, take any action considered necessary in the circumstances, and may deviate from rules, operational procedures and methods in the interest of flight safety.
• Acts as second in command to the PIC.
• Reports safety hazards and occurrences.
• ICAO / EASA / FAA licence.
• First-Class Medical Certificate.
• Radio Telephony Licence, or an endorsement on the flight crew member's licence.
• Required type rating on licence (B737 / A330 / Q400, as applicable).
• ICAO English proficiency Level 4 minimum.
• Total flying time of 1,500 hours.
• 500 hours on type.
• No history of accidents or incidents due to the pilot's gross negligence.
• A growing network of over 22 destinations across East, West, Central and Southern Africa, with long-haul routes to London, Brussels, Paris, Dubai and Doha.
• A modern fleet of Boeing and Airbus narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.
• Global connectivity through codeshare and interline partnerships with Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines.
• A genuine growth trajectory, including a planned move to the new Bugesera International Airport.
• A base in Kigali, one of Africa's safest and fastest-growing capital cities, offering a high standard of living.

Benefits

• A competitive salary, allowances and benefits package designed to reward experience and commitment.