Air Traffic Management & Search and Rescue Internship

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized United Nations agency established in 1944 to manage the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention). It sets the global standards, policies, and recommended practices for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection.

Internship – Air Traffic Management and Search and Rescue, ESAF

This position is situated in the Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Search and Rescue (SAR) section within the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Eastern and Southern African (ESAF) Regional Office. This section is responsible for supporting, coordinating and monitoring the implementation of regional air navigation services and operational initiatives across the Region. One of the Section’s main aims is to assist ICAO Member States in the implementation of the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), regional air navigation plans, air traffic management modernization programmes, contingency planning frameworks and Search and Rescue (SAR) coordination mechanisms. Through technical assistance, capacity-building and regional collaboration, the Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Search and Rescue (SAR) Section promote the safe, efficient and harmonized development of air navigation systems and emergency response capabilities in the ESAF Region.

The primary focus of the internship is to support increased technical, analytical, and coordination workload related to Regional Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Search and Rescue (SAR) implementation programmes, technical meetings, workshops, and follow-up actions, Search and Rescue coordination activities, and data collection and performance monitoring.

The Intern will gain practical exposure to international civil aviation processes within the UN common system and contribute to the effective implementation of ICAO’s Strategic Goals related to Air Navigation Capacity and Efficiency.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Regional Officer, Air Traffic Management and Search and Rescue, the Intern will support the implementation of regional air navigation, operational efficiency and emergency response activities in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Eastern and Southern African (ESAF) Region. The internship is focused on strengthening regional coordination, implementation and oversight of Air Traffic Management (ATM), Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) and Search and Rescue (SAR) initiatives through technical support, data analysis and stakeholder engagement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the preparation of technical briefs, working papers, reports and presentations related to Air Traffic Management (ATM), Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) and Search and Rescue.
• Supporting the compilation, maintenance and analysis of operational performance and implementation data related to Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) systems and programmes.
• Assisting in monitoring and following up on actions arising from regional planning, coordination and implementation meetings related to air navigation and operational efficiency.
• Supporting the coordination, monitoring and tracking of regional Search and Rescue (SAR) activities to enhance preparedness and implementation across the ESAF Region.
• Assisting in the review of Search and Rescue (SAR) contingency plans, exercise reports and related operational documentation to support continuous improvement and compliance with international standards.
• Contributing to the identification and analysis of implementation gaps in Search and Rescue (SAR) systems and supporting related reporting and follow-up mechanisms.
• Supporting the tracking of action items and implementation progress arising from regional planning and implementation groups and associated technical bodies.
• Assisting in drafting meeting summaries, technical records and outcome reports to support effective follow-up and regional coordination.
• Supporting the maintenance of electronic records, databases and information systems related to Air Traffic Management (ATM), Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) and Search and Rescue (SAR) activities.
• Assisting in the collection, compilation and analysis of operational and safety-related data to support regional monitoring and performance improvement initiatives.
• Supporting the preparation of periodic progress reports, implementation updates and performance monitoring documentation.
• Supporting coordination and engagement with civil aviation authorities, air navigation service providers and regional stakeholders to facilitate implementation of regional priorities and programmes.
• Performing other related duties as assigned in support of the mandate and objectives of the Section.

Qualifications

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.
• 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.

Educational background

At the time of application, candidates are required to have completed or be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree programme in a field of study related to Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation, Air Transport Management, Aviation Safety Management, Electrical or Electronic Engineering (Telecommunications/Navigation Systems), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Transport and Logistics Management.

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.

Language skills

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

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

Conditions of Internship

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 six 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.