Job Description

This position is situated in Aeronautical Meteorology/Environment section within the ICAO Eastern and Southern Africa (ESAF) Regional Office. ICAO's activities in the Environment (ENV) field aim to limit or reduce the impact of international aviation on noise, local air quality, and the global climate. In the regions, ENV is responsible for providing capacity building and assistance for the implementation of mitigation measures to achieve the global environmental goals such as the Carbon Neutral Growth (CNG2020) and the Long Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Measures include aircraft technology, operational improvements, the development and deployment of Sustainable Alternative Fuels (SAF), and the use of Market-Based Measures (MBMs) such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). In addition, ENV closes flows on the innovations and climate adaptation initiatives in the region.

The primary focus of the internship is to support the implementation of ICAO’s environmental protection and climate change objectives in the ESAF Region, with particular emphasis on aviation decarbonisation and cleaner energy transition. The Intern will contribute to regional initiatives aimed at reducing international aviation emissions, strengthening State capacity and promoting innovation in sustainable aviation solutions. The internship will provide hands‑on exposure to Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) development and deployment, State Action Plans (SAPs) on CO₂ emissions reduction from international aviation and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). In addition, the Intern will support work related to other aviation cleaner energies and environmental innovation relevant to the African aviation context.

Under the supervision of the Regional Officer: Aeronautical Meteorology/Environment, the Intern will support the implementation of ICAO environmental, climate and cleaner energy programmes in the ICAO Eastern and Southern African (ESAF) Region. The internship is focused on advancing regional efforts toward sustainable, low‑carbon aviation through technical assistance, tailored support and stakeholder engagement:

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting regional Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) activities under the ACT-SAF Programme, including policy development, feasibility assessments, business implementation studies and awareness‑raising initiatives.
• Assisting with activities related to the development and/or updating of State Action Plans (SAPs) on CO₂ emissions reduction from international aviation.
• Supporting the implementation of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), including activities related to its Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system and associated capacity‑building initiatives.
• Contributing to work on emerging cleaner aviation energy solutions, such as hydrogen, electric and hybrid aircraft concepts, as well as airport decarbonisation and operational efficiency improvements.
• Supporting regional environmental research and the dissemination of best practices, innovation pathways and partnerships relevant to sustainable aviation in Africa.
• Assisting in the organization of workshops and meetings, the preparation of technical documents, and coordination with States, industry stakeholders, and regional partners.
• Supporting the preparation of ICAO inputs and documentation for activities and events of other regional organizations, as requested, with a view to enhancing recognition of ICAO’s leadership and achievements in addressing aviation’s environmental impacts.
• Supporting the development of outreach and communication materials related to ICAO’s work on aviation and the environment.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

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.

Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box." Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

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.

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.

Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education:

At the time of application, candidates are required to have completed or be enrolled in a degree programme (first-level university degree or higher) in a field of study related to aviation, environmental science, climate or atmospheric sciences, renewable or cleaner energy or other closely related technical disciplines.

Work Experience:

No prior work experience is required to apply for the Internship Programme. However, applicants’ academic training, education, advanced coursework, or relevant skills should be of benefit to the ICAO ESAF Region during the internship.

Essential requirements: Fluent reading, writing and speaking abilities in English.

Desirable requirements: A working knowledge of a second language of the Organization (French).

Interns will receive a stipend. All costs related to travel, insurance, accommodation, and living expenses must be borne by the intern.

The duration of the internship is for six 6 months. The intern is expected to work five days a week, on a full-time basis.

Interns shall not be eligible to be engaged in any other form of employment within ICAO during the period of internship

Interns have the obligation to carry out duties assigned to them with loyalty, discretion and conscience and will act in accordance with the relevant official instructions issued by the Organization.