Job Description

The Organizational Setting

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is the United Nations (UN) designated organization in charge of ensuring continuous leadership on environmental issues relating to international civil aviation, including the reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. In this regard, ICAO provides capacity-building assistance to its Member States to help them deploy cleaner fuels for aviation, develop States Action Plans and implement measures to mitigate CO2 emissions from international aviation. Coherent with its No Country Left Behind initiative, ICAO launched in 2013 the first ICAO Assistance Project with European Union (EU) Funding, successfully supporting 14 States in Africa and the Caribbean during its first phase and five States from the Eastern and Southern African Region, and five from the Western and Central African Region on its second phase. Seven feasibility studies have been conducted in certain selected States to date. Information on these projects and the final results, can be found here Building on this successful implementation, ICAO initiated in 2024 a new series of Assistance Projects with funding from States and organizations, in support of the ICAO ACT-SAF global initiative launched in 2022, aiming to provide opportunities for States to develop their full potential in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) development and deployment.

Under the Director of the Capacity, Development and Implementation Bureau (D/CDI), the Field Operations Section (FOS) is responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and closing of Implementation Support projects. It develops agreements and assists in developing country specific as well as regional projects and programmes by identifying priority areas, developing objectives, activities and deliverables, setting time frames and specifying budgetary requirements.

Working under an ICAO Technical Project Coordinator, the incumbent will conduct a comprehensive study on the development and deployment of SAF in the designated Supported State and develop an implementation roadmap, in close cooperation with the State. This study aims to support the future development of SAF eligible under the ICAO CORSIA standard and provide guidance to the State on any current progress on the technical, regulatory and economic measures, in place or need to be planned, for the development and deployment of SAF to contribute to the mitigation of CO2 emissions from international civil aviation and achieve the objectives of the ICAO Global Framework for SAF, LCAF and other Aviation Cleaner Energies. The study will conclude with specific recommendations in line with the identified State’s needs.

The scope of the studies will be defined for each particular project and vary on size complexity and scope depending on specific circumstances of the State in the moment of launching the project and on the analysis of whether previous work was undertaken to avoid any duplications and be adapted to such context. In most cases will be consistent with the available ICAO Templates for Feasibility Studies or Business Implementation Reports.

Major duties and Responsibilities
Function 1 (incl. Expected results)

In accordance with the guidelines under the ICAO Assistance Projects and in line with existing ICAO SARPs, policies and guidance in the field of aviation and environment, the incumbent will carry out the following activities related to the development of the SAF study:

• Liaise with the Programme Coordinator, the Technical Project Coordinator and the State’s focal point to review the key objectives, scope, timeline and priorities of the study, which will be provided to the consultant at the start of the contract.
• Conduct a short pre- assessment (waypoint) and present results in the form of a slide deck to determine whether there is sufficient potential and information to undertake a full study.
• Develop a work plan adjusted according to the specific circumstances of the State in the moment of launching the project and on the analysis of whether previous work was undertaken, that includes a work breakdown structure (WBS), deliverables, milestones, schedule, risk management plan and an efficient monitoring strategy to conduct the study, considering previous SAF feasibility studies conducted in the State and any pre-existing literature relevant to State;
• Identify and liaise with relevant national and regional industry stakeholders with potential capacity to participate in a business case implementation.
• Participate in project meetings, workshops and support the delivery of capacity-building activities during the duration of the project.
• Assess potential synergies with neighboring States through observations of SAF or other renewable energy studies conducted in these States and identify potential for future collaboration for the development of SAF.
• Building on previous work, identify any developments in the national conditions, legislations, existing structures, relevant aviation, energy and other stakeholders, roles of government and industry, research, investment and best practices, and ongoing and implemented actions in the field of SAF.
• Conduct a comprehensive study (as per the specific scope defined in the project’s contract) on the development and deployment of SAF in the designated Supported State and develop an implementation roadmap, in close cooperation with the State which can include (but not limited to):
  • Identifying of the potential feedstocks, production potential, supply chain, and refining technologies, as well as their technical and regulatory constraints to assess the potentials to develop SAF supply capacity in the State. Priority should be given to examine the feasibility of SAF production other than food and feed-crop based in light of CORSIA sustainability criteria.
  • Examine the national conditions, legislations, existing structures, relevant aviation, energy and other stakeholders, roles of government and industry, research, investment and best practices, ongoing and implemented actions in the field of SAF development and deployment for aviation and support the creation of a national working group.
  • Analyze the potential transformation and refining technologies, as well as their technical and regulatory constraints for the production of SAF in the State and undertake a SAF market study including information on potential supply and demand – according to the objective of the ICAO Global Framework for SAF, LCAF and other Aviation Cleaner Energies – identifying potential strengths and barriers and enabling feasible national policies and incentives.
  • Identify funding and financing barriers, liaises with relevant national, regional and international financing institutions and undertakes an assessment of potential financing mechanisms.
  • When requested by the scope of the project, deep-dive into at least one shortlisted feedstock and technology pathway and undertake a techno-economic assessment. This should factor in right-siting and the operational lifespan of a facility, process/energy inputs, financial parameters, and presence of supporting policy.
  • When requested by the scope of the project, undertake a capital and operational cost assessment, cost/benefit, sensitivity analysis, SAF price determination, and the perspectives for market development in the State and region.
• The result of the study should be submitted to ICAO for coordination and review, and after consolidation in a final version, which would be ready to be published (with editorial review) and delivered in the forms of both soft and hard copies.
• Present the findings to the State and the relevant stakeholders when requested.
• Perform other related duties that may be assigned.

Function 2 (incl. Expected results)

The incumbent will submit weekly reports in English outlining the work undertaken and updating the progress of the business implementation study.

Function 3 (incl. Expected results)

The incumbent will perform other related duties, as may be required or assigned by the Technical Coordinator.

Impact of The Outcome of the Position

As a key result, the SAF study will fulfil the objectives of the ICAO ACT-SAF, support the future deployment of SAF eligible under CORSIA, and align with the Long-Term Global Aspiration Goal (LTAG) for international aviation. This project will also set into implementation, the actions identified in the ICAO Global Framework for SAF, LCAF and other Aviation Cleaner Energies, in particular Building Block 3 – Implementation Support, and Building Block 4 - Financing. It should help the implementation of national strategies and roadmaps that effectively contribute towards increased production and uptake of SAF and for its integration in their ICAO State Action Plans for CO2 emission reduction.

Work Relations and Contacts

The incumbent will report to the Technical Coordinator and will work in close coordination with the Focal Points of the State, local consultant, national authorities and key stakeholders in developing the business implementation study.

COMPETENCIES

1. Professionalism Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
2. Judgement/Decision-making Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
3. Planning and Organizing Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
4. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style, and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
5. Teamwork Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
6. Commitment to Continuous Learning Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.
7. Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the Office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Qualifications and Experience
Education

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environment and energy with specialization in biofuels, environmental science, chemistry, engineering, public policy, aviation or related field of expertise.

Professional experience

Essential

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in one or more of the following fields: sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), biofuels and renewable energy, oil industry, energy or renewable energy, sustainable development, environmental and social impacts assessment.
• Knowledge of policies, regulations and certification processes to produce and use SAF in international aviation.
• Progressively responsible experience in providing expert advice on public policy development and implementation in the field of climate change and alternative energy for aviation, as well as expert knowledge of issues related to SAF and renewable energy.
• Knowledge of economics of SAF, incentive mechanisms, industrial projects and innovative financing and funding.
• Ability to collect and analyse information and statistical data quantitatively, conduct complex research, use up-to-date software to compile database and other related work.

Desirable

• International experience providing advisory services to national governments.
• Experience on Sustainable Aviation Fuels related assessments, policy or industrial implementation.
• Knowledge of ICAO functions and its organizational structure.

Languages

Essential

• Fluent reading, writing and speaking abilities in English.

Desirable

• Knowledge of any of the other languages of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

ICAO does NOT charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the selection process, nor does it concern itself with bank account details of applicants. Requests of this nature allegedly made on behalf of ICAO are fraudulent and should be disregarded.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

It should be noted that this is a prospective position intended for experts interested in consultancy contracts. (short and long term) .

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

ICAO CDI consultants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants.

ICAO CDI offers an attractive benefit package to its consultants in accordance with the policies of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC).

No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.