If I understood correctly, you only need to have your JAA if you are going to fly one of their a/c under a JAA registration. I believe it's Angola where one can get away with an ICAO licence. (Don't quote me but I think they have the a/c's registered under the Angolan authorities). Granted that is only one contract, but it's at least that, an opportunity. Of course that all depends on whether or not one wants to and can handle being in Angola, but that's another issue. ;-) I'll see if I can get in touch with a buddy for more specific details.