Detailed Explanation of the ICAO Roster – Airport Civil Engineering Expert Job Posting

February 9, 2025

8 minutes read

1. Understanding the Organization – ICAO and CDI BureauVacancies

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that oversees the global development of civil aviation standards and regulations. ICAO plays a crucial role in ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable air transportation worldwide.

The Capacity Development and Implementation Bureau (CDI) within ICAO is responsible for managing and implementing technical assistance (TA) and technical cooperation (TC) projects. These projects aim to assist governments and civil aviation authorities (CAAs) in improving their infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and operational capabilities.

Within CDI, the Field Operations Section (FOS) and Field Personnel Section (FPS/FRU) oversee project execution and expert recruitment, respectively. This job falls under this framework, where experts are deployed to assist in airport civil engineering projects.

2. Job Overview – ICAO Roster for Airport Civil Engineering Experts

This position is not for a single job but is part of the ICAO Roster—a pool of professionals who may be called upon for short-term or long-term consultancy contracts. When a country requires technical expertise in airport civil engineering, ICAO will select qualified experts from this roster.

The main responsibilities of an Airport Civil Engineering Expert include:

Evaluating airport design plans
Supervising construction works
Ensuring compliance with aviation standards
Providing technical guidance to aviation authorities
Monitoring infrastructure quality, costs, and timelines

3. Detailed Responsibilities and Functions;wordpress-6.7.1

The job consists of 14 key responsibilities, each of which plays a role in ensuring the successful implementation of airport infrastructure projects.

Function 1: Reviewing and Approving Airport Design Plans

The expert assists the State Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in evaluating and approving design reviews.
They ensure that consultants’ designs comply with ICAO standards and operational requirements.

Function 2: Overseeing Contractor Work and Compliance

Reviews the work done by contractors and consultants to ensure it meets contractual requirements.
Ensures that construction activities are coordinated and executed as planned.

Function 3: Supervising Runway and Terminal Foundation Work

Direct supervision of foundation works for runways, taxiways, and terminal buildings.
Ensures structural integrity and adherence to approved design specifications.

Function 4: Monitoring Construction Schedules

Tracks the execution timeline of the project.
Ensures construction progresses on time and within budget.
Addresses any delays or deviations from the original plan.

Function 5: Ensuring Quality and Cost Control

Provides advice to the CAA on contract management.
Monitors project costs to prevent budget overruns.
Ensures quality control measures are in place for all construction activities.

Function 6: Managing Laboratory Evaluations for Soil and Materials

Organizes work in testing laboratories to assess soil strength, material quality, and durability.
Ensures all materials conform to contractual provisions.

Function 7: Supervising Soil and Material Testing

Oversees collection and analysis of soil and construction material samples.
Reviews test results and advises on technical solutions for soil challenges.

Function 8: Overseeing Construction and Final Commissioning

Ensures the completion of infrastructure projects.
Supervises the final inspection and commissioning of airport buildings.

Function 9: Training Local Engineers and Authorities

Develops training programs to build local expertise in airport design, construction, and project supervision.
Ensures knowledge transfer to national counterparts.

Function 10: Developing Project Reporting Formats

Creates standardized reporting formats for:
- Project progress updates.
- Laboratory test results.
- Quality control assessments.

Function 11: Preparing Reports for Future Airport Development

Documents findings and recommendations for airport rehabilitation and expansion.

Function 12: Assessing Airport Infrastructure Capacity

Evaluates the current capacity of airport facilities, including:
- Runways and taxiways.
- Passenger and cargo terminals.
- Airside and landside infrastructure.

Function 13: Pavement Condition Index (PCI) Evaluations

Conducts technical assessments using:
- Pavement Condition Index (PCI) – Evaluates the condition of runways and taxiways.
- Surface Integrity Index (SII) – Determines pavement surface quality.
- Riding Comfort Index (RCI) – Measures surface smoothness for aircraft operations.

Function 14: Additional Responsibilities

Perform any other technical or advisory duties as required by ICAO.

4. Required Competencies

This role requires a mix of technical expertise, leadership, and teamwork skills.

Core Competencies

Professionalism – Strong technical knowledge in civil engineering and airport construction.
Communication – Ability to convey ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing.
Teamwork – Works collaboratively with international teams.
Planning & Organizing – Efficient in setting project goals and priorities.
Accountability – Takes responsibility for assigned tasks and meets deadlines.
Client Orientation – Focuses on delivering results for stakeholders.
Technological Awareness – Knowledge of modern engineering software and tools.
Commitment to Continuous Learning – Willingness to update knowledge and improve skills.

Managerial Competencies

Leadership – Ability to guide and mentor junior engineers.
Strategic Thinking – Helps shape long-term airport development plans.
Conflict Resolution – Handles disputes between contractors and stakeholders.

5. Qualifications and Experience Requirements

This position demands a high level of expertise and experience in civil engineering, specifically in the aviation sector.

Education

University degree in Civil Engineering from a recognized institution.
Equivalent qualifications may be accepted.

Work Experience (Essential)

At least 10 years of experience in airport construction, project management, and supervision.
Strong background in contract administration and progress monitoring.
Knowledge of FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) procedures.
Experience in:
- Cost control and budgeting.
- Airport terminal and runway construction.
- Handling technical correspondence with contractors.

Work Experience (Desirable)

Prior experience working with international organizations or UN agencies.
Familiarity with aviation regulations and airside operations.

Language Requirements

Essential: Proficiency in English (spoken and written).
Desirable: Knowledge of French, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, or Russian.

6. Employment Conditions and Additional Information

This is a consultancy position, not a permanent ICAO job.
Experts are contracted for short-term or long-term assignments.
Selection involves an assessment exercise and an interview.
ICAO consultants are expected to uphold UN civil service standards.
The position offers an attractive benefits package following International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) guidelines.

7. Final Thoughts – Is This Job Right for You?

This job is ideal for experienced civil engineers specializing in airport infrastructure who are looking for international consultancy opportunities. It offers:

The chance to work on global airport development projects.
Opportunities to train and mentor local engineers.
A diverse and multicultural working environment.

However, since it’s a consultancy position, there’s no guarantee of long-term job security. If you enjoy traveling, solving engineering challenges, and working in dynamic environments, this could be an exciting role for you.

Would you like help with preparing a CV or cover letter for this job? Let me know how I can assist! 🚀

Absolutely! Let’s go even deeper into every aspect of this job posting, exploring the responsibilities, skills, and impact of this role in civil aviation, as well as the broader importance of ICAO’s work in global aviation. This will give you a complete understanding of what this job entails and how it fits into the international aviation landscape.

ICAO Roster – Airport Civil Engineering Expert (In-Depth Explanation)

1. Introduction to ICAO and Its Role in Global Aviation

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). It was established in 1944 under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation to regulate and oversee international air transport. ICAO’s primary goal is to ensure the safety, security, and efficiency of global aviation operations.

ICAO’s responsibilities include:

Establishing international standards and regulations for civil aviation.
Providing technical assistance and capacity-building programs to member states.
Conducting safety oversight and compliance monitoring.
Supporting airport infrastructure development worldwide.

2. Understanding the ICAO Roster System

This job is part of the ICAO Roster, meaning the position is not for a specific country or project but rather a pool of experts available for deployment when needed.

When a country or civil aviation authority (CAA) needs specialized expertise in airport civil engineering, ICAO selects candidates from the roster.
Experts may be deployed on short-term or long-term consultancy contracts.
Assignments could involve working in developing countries, remote areas, or major international hubs.
Experts must be flexible and ready to travel, often working in multicultural, interdisciplinary teams.

3. The Importance of Airport Civil Engineering Experts

Civil engineers specializing in airport infrastructure play a critical role in the planning, construction, and maintenance of airport facilities. Airports require highly specialized engineering solutions due to their unique operational requirements.

Some key challenges in airport engineering include:

Ensuring runways, taxiways, and aprons can withstand heavy aircraft loads.
Designing efficient passenger terminals to handle increasing air traffic.
Maintaining airfield pavements to meet ICAO’s Annex 14 Aerodrome Standards.
Implementing sustainable airport construction practices to minimize environmental impact.
Enhancing safety and operational efficiency through proper infrastructure planning.

This job involves overseeing all of these aspects and providing technical guidance to ensure international aviation standards are met.

4. Deep Dive into the Job Responsibilities

The 14 functions listed in the job description cover a wide range of responsibilities. Let’s break them down further to understand their real-world applications.

Function 1: Evaluating and Approving Airport Design Plans

Airports require complex engineering designs for various elements like runways, taxiways, aprons, drainage systems, and terminals.
As an expert, you will review and approve design plans prepared by consultants and contractors.
The designs must comply with:
- ICAO Annex 14 (Aerodromes) – International standards for airport design.
- Operational Requirements – Ensuring the airport functions efficiently for passengers and aircraft.

Function 2: Overseeing Contractors and Ensuring Compliance

Airport construction involves multiple stakeholders, including:
- Civil aviation authorities (CAA)
- Contractors and engineering firms
- Regulatory agencies
Your role is to monitor contractors and ensure they follow the agreed contract specifications, safety standards, and engineering codes.

Function 3: Supervising Foundation Works

The foundation is one of the most critical aspects of airport construction.
You will oversee:
- Runway and taxiway foundation – Ensuring it can support aircraft loads.
- Terminal building foundations – Making sure they are structurally sound and earthquake-resistant.
This involves working with geotechnical engineers to test soil conditions and determine load-bearing capacity.

Function 4: Monitoring Construction Progress

Large-scale airport projects can take years to complete.
You must ensure:
- Construction timelines are met.
- Delays and cost overruns are minimized.
- Work is done according to quality standards.

Function 5: Cost and Quality Control

Airport projects require large budgets, often exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars.
Your job is to monitor expenditures and ensure there are no unnecessary cost escalations.
You will also enforce quality control measures to ensure high construction standards.

Function 6 & 7: Soil and Material Testing

Airports require specialized materials for:
- Pavements (runways and taxiways).
- Structural elements (terminal buildings).
As an expert, you will oversee soil and material testing, including:
- Asphalt and concrete mix designs.
- Load-bearing tests.
- Pavement friction assessments.

Function 8: Supervision of Final Construction & Commissioning

Once construction is complete, airport infrastructure must be commissioned before it can be used.
You will conduct:
- Final inspections of airside and landside facilities.
- Test runs to ensure all systems (lighting, signage, security) are operational.
- Handover procedures to the airport operator.

Function 9: Training National Engineers

Many developing countries lack skilled aviation engineers.
A key part of this job is to train and mentor local engineers in:
- Project management.
- Construction supervision.
- ICAO regulations.

Function 10: Developing Standardized Reporting

You will create reporting formats for:
- Construction progress updates.
- Material test results.
- Budget and cost analysis.

Function 11: Future Airport Development Planning

As global air traffic increases, airports must expand to meet demand.
You will assess current airport capacity and make recommendations for:
- Runway expansions.
- New terminal designs.
- Improved cargo and passenger facilities.

Function 12: Assessing Airport Facilities

This involves technical evaluations of airport infrastructure, including:
- Passenger flow capacity.
- Runway pavement strength.
- Emergency response systems.

Function 13: Pavement Condition Analysis

ICAO uses Pavement Condition Index (PCI) to determine:
- Structural integrity of runways.
- Maintenance requirements.
Other indexes like:
- Surface Integrity Index (SII) measure cracking, erosion, and water damage.
- Riding Comfort Index (RCI) evaluates smoothness of runways.

Function 14: Additional Responsibilities

You may be called upon for additional tasks, including:
- Advising on airport expansion projects.
- Conducting risk assessments.
- Representing ICAO in international aviation forums.

5. Required Skills & Competencies

This role demands a mix of technical expertise, leadership, and project management skills.

Technical Knowledge
- Airport construction standards.
- Engineering software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, BIM).
- FIDIC contract procedures.
Soft Skills
- Team leadership.
- Communication and negotiation.
- Cultural adaptability.
Languages
- Fluent English required.
- French, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, or Russian are advantageous.