Technical Consultant on Clean energy for airports, ENV

Result of Service

The Consultant will report provide their results to the Programme Coordinator and to the Technical Project Consultant, and is expected to submit weekly reports in English outlining the work undertaken and updating the progress of the feasibility study for review by ENV.

In accordance with the guidelines under the ICAO Assistance Project with EU Funding Phase II, and in line with existing ICAO SARPs, policies and guidance in the field of aviation and environment; the Consultant will work in close coordination with the Focal Points of the State, the national authorities and key stakeholders, to carry out the following activities related to the development of the feasibility study:

• Develop a work plan that includes a work breakdown structure (WBS), deliverables, milestones, schedule, risk management plan and an efficient monitoring strategy to conduct the feasibility study;
• Examine the various viable sources of renewable energy that could be used at the Nelson Mandela International Airport;
• Examine the national conditions, legislations, existing structures, relevant stakeholders, roles of government and industry, research, investment and best practices, ongoing and implemented projects on renewable energy for aviation;
• Review the environmental, financial, business and public benefits that result from the use of renewable energy for aviation at the airport;
• Define an evaluation criteria to identify appropriate renewable energy projects ( including the scope of the project, the regulatory, operational and technical characteristics,), the financial considerations (cost-benefit analysis) of several renewable energy options;
• Provide a step-by-step guideline to the State on the implementation of renewable energy projects for aviation at the airport;
• Identify obstacles and alternatives to overcome the challenges on the technical, financial and other needs with regard to the use of renewable energy for aviation at the airport;
• Prepare a feasibility study (Report) in English for the State containing an executive summary, the findings on the above items, recommendations and a proposed roadmap with milestones and efficient monitoring strategy for the use of renewable energy for aviation at the airport. The report 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 during a one (1) -day workshop held in the State and bringing together the relevant stakeholders, and during the regional workshop of the ICAO Assistance Project with the EU Funding Phase II;
• Perform other related duties that may be assigned.

Work Location

Praia, Cabo Verde

Expected duration

The duration of the assignment is six (6) months.

Duties and Responsibilities

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 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. A full description of the first phase can be found here, and the final Project Report here.

Building on this successful partnership with the EU, ICAO initiated the second Phase of the Assistance Project with EU funding. The Project seeks to contribute to the mitigation of CO2 emissions from international civil aviation in the selected States by implementing capacity-building activities to support the development of low-carbon air transport and environmental sustainability. The Project supports five States from the Eastern and Southern African Region, and five from the Western and Central African Region to develop their State Action Plans (SAPs). This second phase of the Project intends to support 3 feasibility studies in certain selected States. For more information, visit https://www.icao.int/environmental-protection/Pages/ICAO_EU_II.aspx

Following the submission of the SAPs by the States, a total of three feasibility studies on the implementation of the mitigation measures will be conducted in selected participating States. The feasibility studies on the use of renewable energy at airports seek to assist States in leveraging the environmental benefits of renewable energy to accelerate the decarbonisation of the aviation sector.

Working under the overall guidance of the ICAO Deputy Director Environment and in close coordination with the ICAO Environment Officers and the Project Team of the ICAO Assistance Project with EU Funding Phase II, the incumbent will conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on the use of renewable energy at the Nelson Mandela International Airport in Praia, Cabo Verde. This study aims to support and provide guidance to Cabo Verde on the use of renewable energy to reduce CO2 emissions from international aviation, taking into account the environmental, social and economic benefits.

As key results, the Consultant is expected to undertake specific activities related to the third objective of the Assistance Project which consists of the assessment and the evaluation of the feasibility of the mitigation measures selected by the participating States of the Project. This will encompass the preparation of a guidance document for the State containing all the steps and key results of the technical analysis on the social, political and economic framework of the use of renewable energy at the airport.

The Air Transport Bureau (ATB)/ Environment (ENV) Branch will be responsible for overseeing this activity and ensuring that the programme and implementation activities meet the various UN regulations and the fiduciary standards of the EU.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environment and energy with specialization in renewable energy, energy efficiency, environmental science, engineering, public policy, aviation or related field of expertise, is required.

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in providing guidance and consulting in one or more of the following fields: aviation, climate change and sustainability, renewable energy and energy efficiency, sustainable development, environmental and social impacts assessment, is required.
• 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 renewable energy.
• 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.
• Knowledge of the economics of renewable energy, incentive mechanisms, and innovative financing and funding.
• Knowledge of policies, regulations and guidelines related to the use of renewable energy for aviation.
• Experience working on aviation related projects and/or with aviation related organizations.
• International experience providing advisory services to national governments.
• Knowledge of ICAO functions and its organizational structure.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

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.

Languages

Essential:

• Fluent reading, writing and speaking abilities in English.

Desirable:

• A working knowledge of Portuguese.

Additional Information

It should be noted that this is a full time consultancy. The Feasibility Study (Report) is to be delivered in full within the six-month timeline and the intermediate deliverables will be further specified in the contract.

Please note that the daily rate for Band C varies from CAD$ 402 to CAD$ 578.

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.