Environment Technical Consultant (Life Cycle Assessment Documentation)

International Civil Aviation Organization; Montreal; On-site; CAD 84,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

The International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal is seeking a Environment Technical Consultant to support CORSIA fuel life cycle analyses, including core LCA and ILUC values, and to help document modelling processes.

The role involves coordinating with CAEP WG5, preparing reports, developing dashboards, and ensuring high-quality technical documentation in English.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability or related field.
• Four (4) years experience in developing, maintaining, and managing databases.
• Solid understanding of LCA methodologies applicable to CORSIA eligible fuels.
• Excellent technical writing in English.

Responsibilities

• Document the modelling process for Core LCA values and ILUC values for CORSIA eligible fuels.
• Compile and organize databases and models used in LCA/ILUC calculations.
• Develop outreach materials and dashboards; publish on ICAO website where appropriate.
• Coordinate with ICAO CAEP WG5 and other stakeholders to obtain necessary information.
• Support core LCA and ILUC modelling processes as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Technical writing

Data management

LCA knowledge

English communication

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Master's degree or equivalent in Environmental Science/Engineering/Sustainability or related field

First-level degree with qualifying experience in lieu of advanced degree

Tools

PowerBI

GREET/OpenLCA/SimaPro GaBi

Job description

Job Description

The Organizational Setting

This consultancy is within the Environmental Standards Section (ES) within the Air Transport Bureau (ATB). ICAO's activities in the environment field aim to limit or reduce the impact of international aviation on noise, local air quality, and the global climate. ES is responsible for the development of a range of standards, policies, guidance material and tools, and carries out analyses related to aviation and the environment. It also provides support to the Assembly, the Council, the Air Navigation Commission (ANC), and the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP), a technical committee of the ICAO Council.

The Environment Technical Consultant will directly support the ICAO work on CORSIA, specifically regarding the analysis and approval process of new fuel sources and pathways for CORSIA eligible fuels, which are published on the ICAO document “CORSIA Default Life Cycle Emissions Values for CORSIA Eligible Fuels”, ICAO document “CORSIA Methodology for Calculating Actual Life Cycle Emissions Values”, and the CORSIA Supporting Document “Life Cycle Assessment Methodology”. The consultant will report directly to the Chief, Environmental Standards Section.

Major duties and Responsibilities

Function 1 (incl. Expected Results)

Support The Documentation Of The Modelling Process Of Core Life Cycle Assessment (core LCA) Values Defined For CORSIA Eligible Fuels, Achieving Results Such As:

• Compile and organize documentation for the models and databases used to obtain default core LCA values for CORSIA eligible fuels, including versions and updates.
• Compile databases used on the calculation of default core LCA values.
• Propose specific processes to allow improved access to databases and models related to core LCA modelling, including potential publication on the ICAO website and development of outreach materials such as dashboards.
• Coordinate with experts from the ICAO CAEP Working Group 5 (WG5 – Aviation Fuels) to obtain necessary information.
• Develop a report providing details on all the models and databases used in the Core LCA calculations, including their differences and limitations, aiming at publication on the ICAO website.
• Support related core LCA modelling processes at the CAEP WG5, as required

Function 2 (incl. Expected Results)

Support The Documentation Of The Modelling Process Of Induced Land Use Change (ILUC) Values Defined For CORSIA Eligible Fuels, Achieving Results Such As:

• Compile and organize documentation for the models and databases used to obtain ILUC values for CORSIA eligible fuels, including versions and updates.
• Compile databases used on the calculation of ILUC values.
• Propose specific processes to allow improved access to databases and models related to ILUC modelling, including potential publication on the ICAO website and development of outreach materials such as dashboards.
• Coordinate with experts from the ICAO Working Group 5 to obtain necessary information on ILUC modelling.
• Develop a report providing details on all the models and databases used in the ILUC calculations, including their differences and limitations, aiming at publication on the ICAO website.
• Support related ILUC modelling processes at the CAEP WG5, as required

Function 3 (incl. Expected Results)

Under Coordination Of The Supervisor, Support The ICAO Process To Evaluate New Fuel Sources And Pathways For Production Of CORSIA Eligible Fuels, Achieving Results Such As:

• Compile and organize requests submitted by ICAO Member States and International Organizations for the approval of new fuel sources and pathways for CORSIA eligible fuels .
• Develop outreach and guidance materials on the existing request processes
• Coordinate with ICAO Member States and International Organizations interested in submitting requests for ICAO consideration, supporting the development of the requests.

Function 4 (incl. Expected Results)

• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications And Experience

Education

Essential

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Industrial Ecology, Climate Change, Natural Sciences, or a closely related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in one of the above fields combined with additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Professional Experience

Essential

• A minimum of four (4) years experience in developing, maintaining, and managing databases using a variety of software applications and analytical tools.
• Solid understanding of life cycle assessment methodologies applicable to CORSIA Eligible Fuels (CEFs), including Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modelling
• Demonstrated experience in drafting, reviewing, and editing technical reports, guidance material, and documentation in English.
• Sound knowledge of international aviation environmental policies and programmes, including ICAO environmental initiatives and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

Desirable

• Experience in developing databases and dashboards using various software (e.g. PowerBI)
• Experience in the collection, management, monitoring, and reporting of technical data.
• Experience interacting and coordinating with civil aviation authorities, governmental representatives, industry stakeholders, and international organizations.
• Experience conducting analyses of international policy, regulatory frameworks, and developments related to aviation and/or environmental sustainability.
• Experience supporting the development of technical guidance, environmental assessment documentation, or capacity-building activities related to aviation environmental protection.
• Experience with life cycle assessment software and databases, such as GREET, OpenLCA, Ecoinvent, SimaPro, GaBi, or equivalent tools.

Skills

Essential

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex environmental, aviation, and life cycle assessment data.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise, and well-structured reports, guidance material, and technical papers in English.
• Proficiency in managing and analyzing large datasets and databases using relevant software tools.
• Demonstrated ability to apply life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies and interpret results in accordance with internationally recognized standards and best practices.
• Strong knowledge of aviation environmental issues, including carbon emissions, fuel efficiency, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and CORSIA-related methodologies.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong planning, organization, and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with experts, government representatives, industry stakeholders, and international organizations.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing effectively to multidisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with LCA software and databases, or equivalent tools.

Desirable

• Knowledge of ICAO environmental programmes, policies, and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience facilitating technical discussions, workshops, and expert meetings.
• Knowledge of environmental reporting, greenhouse gas accounting methodologies, and sustainability metrics.
• Experience working in an international and multicultural environment.
• Very good written and oral communication
• Solid analytical skills

Language

Essential

• Fluent reading, writing, and speaking abilities in English.

Desirable

• A working knowledge of French and another language of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

Professionalism: The ability to keep detailed and accurate records and take required follow-up actions. General knowledge of ICAO structure and functions. Good knowledge of administrative procedures, as well as office automation applications and maintenance of records; good knowledge of MS Office. 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; Ability to work under pressure and remain calm in stressful situations.

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.

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.

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.

Accountability: Takes ownership of 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.

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.

Conditions of Employment

It should be noted that this consultancy is expected to be filled for an initial period of eleven (11) months. Any subsequent extension or renewal may be granted on a year-to-year basis, subject to the availability of funds, operational requirements, and satisfactory performance, as demonstrated through periodic performance assessments and the successful delivery of assigned outputs and activities.

Please note that this is a full-time consultancy position. The monthly remuneration for Band C ranges from CAD 7,562 to CAD 10,910. The applicable rate within this range will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications, relevant professional experience, and expertise.