Consultant for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation. Founded in 1944, ICAO's mission is to ensure that international civil aviation is safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable. The organization has a global reach, with 193 member states and a workforce dedicated to addressing various aviation-related issues, including environmental concerns. ICAO plays a crucial role in setting international standards and regulations for aviation safety, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, efficiency, and environmental protection, and it actively collaborates with member states and stakeholders to implement these standards effectively.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) will play a pivotal role in supporting ICAO's initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation. The consultant will be responsible for conducting comprehensive feasibility or business implementation studies on the development and deployment of SAF in designated supported states, particularly focusing on India and various African nations. This position requires close collaboration with national authorities, stakeholders, and the ICAO Assistance Project Team to ensure that studies are tailored to the specific needs and contexts of the supported states. The consultant will also be expected to provide capacity-building assistance, develop work plans, and present findings to relevant stakeholders, thereby contributing to the overarching goal of mitigating CO2 emissions in the aviation sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will report directly to the Chief of the Environmental Standards Section and is expected to undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: liaising with project coordinators and local consultants to establish study objectives and timelines; conducting pre-assessments to evaluate the feasibility of full studies; developing detailed work plans that include deliverables, milestones, and risk management strategies; identifying and engaging with relevant stakeholders; participating in project meetings and workshops; assessing synergies with neighboring states; conducting comprehensive feasibility studies on SAF development; analyzing national conditions and existing structures; and submitting draft and final reports for publication. The consultant will also be responsible for presenting findings to stakeholders and performing any other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as environment and energy, biofuels, environmental science, chemistry, engineering, public policy, or aviation. Essential qualifications include a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in sustainable aviation fuels, biofuels, renewable energy, or related fields. Candidates should have a strong understanding of policies and regulations regarding SAF production and use in international aviation, as well as experience in public policy development related to climate change and alternative energy. Knowledge of the economics of SAF, incentive mechanisms, and innovative financing is also essential. Desirable qualifications include international advisory experience and familiarity with ICAO functions and organizational structure.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as environment and energy, biofuels, environmental science, chemistry, engineering, public policy, or aviation. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of sustainable aviation fuels and their implications for international aviation.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in fields related to sustainable aviation fuels, biofuels, renewable energy, or environmental assessments. This experience should include providing expert advice on public policy development and implementation, particularly in the context of climate change and alternative energy for aviation. Familiarity with the economics of SAF and innovative financing mechanisms is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English, including reading, writing, and speaking, is essential for this position. Depending on the supported state, proficiency in French may also be required. Additionally, a working knowledge of other languages spoken in ICAO member states, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The duration of the consultancy assignment is up to eleven months, with the expectation that the study will be completed within this timeframe. The consultancy will primarily be conducted remotely, but it will require travel to the supported states, which include Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria, and Madagascar. Depending on the qualifications of the applicants, ICAO may choose to hire one consultant full-time or two part-time consultants for each study, resulting in a total of 4 to 8 positions to fill. Intermediate deliverables will be specified in the contract, and the consultant will be expected to submit weekly reports outlining progress.