Deputy Director, Environment and Cleaner Energy

Org. Setting and ReportingThe Air Transport Bureau (ATB) is divided into three branches: Aviation Security and Facilitation (ASF), Economic Development (ECD) and Environment and Cleaner Energy (ECE).The Environment and Cleaner Energy Branch (ECE) handles the development of ICAO policies, Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), studies, and guidance related to the environmental impact of civil aviation, being responsible for the maintenance of ICAO Annex 16 - Environmental Protection Volumes I to IV and of key strategic frameworks and policies such as the ICAO Global Framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Low Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF),and cleaner energies, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), and the Long-term Global Aspirational Goal (LTAG). The Deputy Director, Environment and Cleaner Energy (DD/ECE) leads the Secretariat’s work in the field of aviation environmental protection and energy transition, under the guidance of the Director, Air Transport Bureau (D/ATB), and in support of the ICAO Strategic Goal “Aviation is Environmentally Sustainable”. The incumbent is responsible for the strategic development, coordination, and implementation of ICAO’s policies and programmes in areas including aircraft noise and engine emissions, local air quality, climate change, cleaner aviation energy, emerging technologies, environmental financing, and CORSIA. S/he serves as the focal point for environmental matters within ICAO, providing support and advice to the senior management and ensuring coordination across the Organization and with other United Nations and international bodies, representing the Organization in these fora as required. S/he supports the work of the ICAO Council, the Climate and Environment Committee (CEC), the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP), and the Technical Advisory Body (TAB). The DD/ECE directs the design and delivery of ICAO’s Assistance, Capacity-building and Training (ACT) Programmes, including ACT-CORSIA, ACT-SAF and ACT-LTAG, and oversees related implementation efforts at Headquarters and through ICAO’s Regional Offices in cooperation with the Capacity Development and Implementation Bureau (CDI). ResponsibilitiesFunction 1 (incl. Expected results) Leads, supervises and manages the work and staff of the Environment and Cleaner Energy (ECE) branch, achieving results such as: • Provide effective direction and guidance to staff. • Ensure adherence to ICAO financial and personnel regulations, policies and procedures. • Exercise management responsibilities, including formulating, supervising and ensuring the implementation of the triennial ICAO Business Plan and the annual Operating Plan related the ICAO Strategic Goal: Aviation is Environmentally Sustainable. • Propose to D/ATB the annual and triennial resource requirements, as well as the resources supported by the voluntary contribution in the environment fund (ENV fund). • Manage performance and ensure that functions and work programme are performed efficiently. • Coordinate the sections to maximize the synergy. • Communicate decisions and report the follow-up results in accordance with established procedures. • Coordinate with other ICAO Bureaus and sections to ensure harmonization, consistency and completeness and to take advantage of internal synergies under the spirit of one ICAO. Function 2 (incl. Expected results) Develops and executes the strategy, work programmes and activities related to the Environment Strategic Goal, including Aviation Environmental Protection and Cleaner Energy, achieving results such as: • Oversee and facilitate the development and revision of aviation environment and cleaner energy related ICAO policies, standards and recommended practices (SARPS), guidance material and studies. • Oversee the preparation and execution of the triennial business plan, the annual operating plan, work programmes and activities. • Oversee the preparation and presentation of working papers to the relevant Panels, Committees, the Air Navigation Commission, the Council, and the Assembly. Prepare for the meetings of the Climate and Environment Committee (CEC), the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP), the Technical Advisory Body (TAB) • Serve as the Secretary to the Climate and Environment Committee. • Assist the Bureau Director, in his capacity as Secretary of the Air Transport Committee (ATC), in matters related to environment and cleaner energy, as required. • Supervise the preparation of meetings of the CEC, CAEP, TAB and ACT-SAF, as well as related technical expert groups and ensure the provision of Secretariat support. • Lead the development of the ICAO Environmental Report. • Direct the conduct of studies and research on emerging issues and make recommendations on appropriate ICAO actions. • Serve as a principal advisor to the Bureau Director and senior management on matters related to environment and cleaner energy. Function 3 (incl. Expected results) Galvanizes and takes the lead on providing expert and necessary advice on environment and cleaner energy policy issues to ICAO governing bodies, States, UN, other International Organizations and the aviation industry, achieving results such as: • Supervise the development and maintenance of Annex 16 SARPS and related guidance material. • Undertake measures to ensure widespread awareness and observance of ICAO policies, standards and recommended practices related to aviation environmental protection and cleaner energy and promote the use of guidance material • Maintain, under the supervision of the Bureau Director and in accordance with established agreements, liaison with other UN organizations and bodies whose activities are of importance to aviation environmental protection and cleaner energy matters (including UNEP, UNFCCC, UNDP, UNWTO, WMO, IEA, IMO, UPU, WHO). • Liaise and coordinate with national authorities with respect to aviation environmental protection and cleaner energy policies subjects including climate change, cleaner aviation energy, emerging technologies, environmental financing, and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). • Maintain high-level contacts with States and key partner organizations to ensure effective cooperation and implement working arrangements regarding the convening of aviation environmental protection and cleaner energy related events. • Keep abreast of developments and trends in aviation environmental protection and cleaner energy, and present periodic status reports to the relevant ICAO bodies. • React promptly to deal with crisis situations with provision of leadership and support to States in response to significant climate events affecting international aviation. Function 4 (incl. Expected results) Leads Secretariat’s work on, and ensures and promotes the success of, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), achieving results such as: • Provide strategic oversight of the implementation of CORSIA, in accordance with Assembly Resolutions, Council Decisions and the relevant ICAO SARPs and guidance. • Ensure timely development and maintenance of relevant Annex 16, Volume IV SARPs and associated guidance material related to CORSIA implementation. • Supervise the operations of the ICAO CORSIA Central Registry (CCR), and coordinate with States and relevant stakeholders to ensure timely submission and review of CO₂ emissions data. • Support the work of the Technical Advisory Body (TAB), ensuring the evaluation and approval process of CORSIA Eligible Emissions Units is conducted in a transparent and robust manner. • Lead ICAO’s assistance and capacity-building activities under ACT-CORSIA, including the development of implementation tools, training packages, and provision of hands-on support to States. • Ensure synergies between CORSIA and broader ICAO initiatives, including LTAG, cleaner energy development, and global stocktaking processes and States Action Plans to reduce aviation CO2 emissions. • Maintain active engagement with Member States, relevant international organizations, industry and carbon market actors to ensure alignment and integrity in the implementation of CORSIA. • Prepare reports to the ICAO Council and Assembly on the status and evolution of CORSIA implementation, including key trends and challenges, and propose strategic actions as needed. Function 5 (incl. Expected results) Leads Secretariat’s work on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Low Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF), and other cleaner energy sources for aviation, achieving results such as: • Direct the development, periodic review and implementation of the ICAO Global Framework for SAF, LCAF and other aviation cleaner energies including the harmonization of methodologies and sustainability criteria, and the promotion of globally recognized certification schemes. • Oversee the monitoring process of SAF/LCAF production and deployment, including the maintenance and regular update of ICAO’s Cleaner Energy Tracker and other relevant analytical tools. • Guide the implementation of the ICAO Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF), including engagement with States, industry, and academia to foster knowledge transfer, innovation and deployment at scale. • Coordinate the development of ICAO policies, guidance and tools to support the scaling up of SAF and other cleaner energy sources, taking into account lifecycle emissions, cost implications, and supply chain challenges. • Ensure technical vetting of projects under the FINVEST Hub in accordance with ICAO’s sustainability criteria, including the CORSIA lifecycle methodology and the outcomes of CAAF/3 and similar future ICAO events. • Oversee ICAO’s support to technical innovation and operational advances relevant to cleaner energy deployment, including certification pathways, airport infrastructure, and integration into the fuel supply chain. • Lead the coordination of ICAO’s global stocktaking processes and technical assessments under LTAG, capturing innovation trends, digitalization, in support of LTAG, and informing global progress and policy responses. • Lead ICAO’s engagement in digital emissions monitoring (MRV), lifecycle carbon accounting, and advanced technology platforms supporting SAF, LCAF and other cleaner energies’ deployment and long-term climate transition pathways. • Represent ICAO in international fora, partnerships and events on SAF and clean energy transition, ensuring visibility, coordination, and strategic alignment with broader UN and climate agendas. • Lead assessments and strategic analysis of cleaner energy pathways in support of the ICAO LTAG, including the role of SAF, LCAF, hydrogen, electricity, and emerging technologies. Function 6 (incl. Expected results) Supports the Director in planning and managing the activities of the Bureau, achieving results such as: • Deputize for the Bureau Director during periods of absence and/or at designated boards or committees. • Represent ICAO, as required, to act on behalf of the Director at designated international and regional meetings, conferences and symposia. • Contribute to the overall planning, development and implementation of the Bureau’s work programmes. Function 7 (incl. Expected results) Performs other related duties, as assigned. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of international aviation conventions, ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices related to aviation security and facilitation; understanding of the role of ICAO and its relationships with other UN system organizations; familiarity with the work of other related international organizations, regional and sub-regional bodies. Demonstrated ability to deal with complex issues with diplomacy and tact; ability to lead in a fast-changing environment and setting an example. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of the 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Accountability: Takes ownership for all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. 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. Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. 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. Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction inspiring others to pursue that same direction; Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. Building Trust: Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; manages in a deliberate and predictable way; operates with transparency; has no hidden agenda; places confidence in colleagues, staff members and clients; gives proper credit to others; follows through on agreed upon actions; treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately. EducationAn advanced level university degree (Master’s degree or academic equivalent) in an environmental and/or aviation-related field, including a scientific, technical, financial, management, administration discipline, or in a related area is required. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience, of which at least ten (10) years in the leadership or management of aviation environmental protection and cleaner energy (SAF, LCAF and other cleaner energies) programmes and/ or projects is required. At least five years of experience at the senior managerial level in a public or private sector organization is required. Experience in managing aviation environmental protection and cleaner energy-related programmes and/or businesses, in a multinational environment is required. Experience in the development and implementation of aviation environmental protection and cleaner energy standards, recommended practices and specifications and/or aircraft environmental certification is required. Experience in conducting negotiations at the international level and in organizing and leading international meetings are required. Experience with ICAO and/or UN projects and implementation activities, ICAO annexes, policies and guidance material related to aviation environmental protection and cleaner energy (SAF, LCAF and other cleaner energies) is desirable. Experience with corporate performance management in the public or private sector is desirable. Experience with CORSIA and in environment financing is desirable. Experience in public speaking and media engagement is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either Spanish or French or Arabic or Chinese (Mandarin) or Russian is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).