Internship Programs

ICAO Internships

Unpaid Internships

The goal of the ICAO internship program is to enable interns to acquire knowledge of the regulatory frameworks of civil aviation, air transport safety, environmental aspects of aviation (clean energy, global atmosphere, etc.), standardization of aviation practices and other relevant matters related to the sector.

In pursuit of its mission, the OpenIGO network has prepared a comprehensive eBook and support and guidance services, with the aim of highly increasing your chances of success in these competitive processes. These services include revising your UN internships application documents (curriculum vitae/resume and cover letter) and a mock interview, as per the United Nations model. We also offer a range of packages that combine the eBook with different services.

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Organization overview

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized UN agency whose mission is to coordinate and regulate the global civil aviation sector. ICAO has 192 member states and also works in partnership with private actors to define standards and regulations for civil aviation, aiming at more efficient, safe and sustainable transport. In addition, ICAO coordinates aviation development programs, performs civil aviation audits and monitors industry performance. Its headquarters are in Montreal (Canada) and it has Regional Offices in several regions worldwide.

Organization’s main focus: To establish standards which ensure the efficiency of the international aviation sector.

Themes addressed by the organization:

Aviation Safety
Economic Development of Air Transport
Aviation Security and Facilitation
Environmental performance of aviation
Air Navigation Capacity and Efficiency

Description of the internship program

Fields of study:
This internship program includes students and recent graduates from the most diverse fields of knowledge. The areas of study with the highest demand in this program are:

Statistics
Economics
Commerce/Business
Finance/Accounting
Computer Science
Engineering
Management Information Systems
Climate Science
Chemistry or Physics
Climate Science
Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering
Aviation
Other related area

Internship activities:
The activities performed vary according to the opening and the requirements of the different departments to which interns are allocated. However, generally speaking, the main duties are:

Conduct research using multiple research sources, select relevant material, analyse information and present findings for internal review;
Assist in the preparation of drafts of background papers, studies, reports, etc.;
Provide administrative support;
Contribute to the development of tools;
Assist in preparing documentation;
Perform other related duties.

Duration:
The internship period ranges from at least 2 months to up to 6 months at most.

Weekly workload:
The internship programs are full-time. Interns shall therefore work between 35 and 40 hours per week.

Locations:
The headquarters of the Secretariat is located in Montreal and we also have Regional Offices located in Bangkok, Cairo, Dakar, Lima, Mexico, Nairobi and Paris.

When does the internship starts:
The initial date of the internship shall be coordinated between the intern and the organization.

Feedback following the internship:
At the end of the internship, the supervisor is in charge of preparing an assessment report of the intern’s performance.

Subsequent employment:
Participation in the internship is not related to future employment with the agency. During the internship period and within six months immediately after the program you will not be eligible to apply for or be appointed to any effective position in the organization. However, the work experience in the agency will be a distinctive feature in your curriculum, which may facilitate your hiring by other organizations inside or outside the UN System.

Payment

The internship is unpaid.

Requirements

Education:

Being enrolled in a graduate course (master’s or PhD).
Having completed a graduate course (master’s or PhD) in the last 12 months.

Applicants pursuing studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages should have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree.

Language:
Applicants must be fluent in English and have knowledge of at least one other official language of the organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish).

Age:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrolment.

Nationality:
Applicants must be citizens of a ICAO member state. The institution seeks to promote diversity in its staff and encourages the inclusion of individuals from developing nations.

Competencies:
The main competencies required are: planning and organizing, communication, teamwork, technological awareness and client orientation.

Other requirements:
Most internships require no work experience. However, previous experiences may be an advantage in the selection process.

Restrictions:
An applicant may not be a child or sibling of any organization staff member.

Application process

When to apply:
Application deadlines vary depending on the openings and the needs of organization. Therefore, it is important search for internship opportunities through information on the ICAO E-recruitment System.

How to apply:
The internship application process is done via the ICAO E-recruitment System, where all openings are published, and comprises the following steps:

Initial registration;
Filling out the candidate profile (academic and professional background);
Search for an opening in your field of interest;
Filling out the application form;
Submit the application.

Phases of the selection process:
The selection process may vary depending on the department or office to which the intern is applying, but generally comprises the following steps:

Creating a profile and preparing an application;
Submitting the application;
Evaluation of the application;
Competency-based interview;
Selection notifications.

Interview:
Usually, only selected applicants will be contacted for the interview, which lasts about 30 minutes and may be done via Skype or phone. The main points covered in the interview vary according to the opening and department chosen. In general, however, the questions address subjective or behavioral aspects, such as your expectations about the job, your interests in the area of expertise you are applying for and your previous experiences.

Documents to submit:

CV;
Proof of enrolment in master’s or PhD course;
Cover Letter stating the applicant’s reasons to do the internship and fields of interest.

Evaluation criteria:
You will be evaluated regarding your previous experience, skills and competencies, and educational background.

Costs incurred

The organization offers no financial aid to cover costs related to preparing for or doing the internship. However, you may request financial aid from a sponsoring institution, for example, a university and/or government agency in your country.

Visa:
You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of obtaining the visa (if needed to do the internship).

Insurance:
You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs of enrolling in a valid global medical insurance plan.

Accommodation:
You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for accommodation expenses during the internship period.

Other:
You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of the trip to the workplace to which you have been assigned.