Programme Science Officer

This is a non-renewable post for a limited duration of 4 years.

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

The European Space Agency’s world-leading Science Programme leads efforts in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, and fundamental physics, with the mission to “empower Europe to lead space science”. The Programme oversees the studies, development, implementation and operation of all science missions within ESA’s portfolio.

A key element of this activity involves fostering collaboration with both internal and external entities. The Director and Programme Strategy Support Office (SCI-D) supports the Director in strategic planning and implementation, including partnerships with international institutions and agencies. The Office acts as the primary interface for maintaining strategic relations with scientific community, national and international scientific institutions, ESA Member States, national and international partners, and internal departments like Future Missions, Projects, Science Operations, Programme Planning and Science Engagement.

Operating in a dynamic environment, the Office works to enhance the success of the Programme by aligning with the Agency’s strategic goals and priorities.

The primary goal is to advance scientific and technological collaboration, driving growth in ESA’s Science Programme and fostering innovation by drawing on European and international expertise, addressing emerging opportunities and challenges.

You will report to the Head of SCI-D.

Duties

You will be responsible for managing day-to-day relations with space science and research stakeholders, preparing documents and reports and coordinating meetings with both external and internal entities, as well as collaboration with other Agency Directorates and the Director General’s Cabinet.

Specific tasks and responsibilities include:

supporting the preparation of scientific and programmatic content, such as reports, briefing notes and presentations, for strategic activities and communication;
managing relations with internal and external stakeholders, such as Member States, research institutions and advisory committees. This includes preparing correspondence and planning and providing on-site support for strategic events, such as bilateral meetings, launches and committee meetings;
identifying and facilitating collaboration with external partners in space science, scientific research and innovation relevant to the Directorate of Science;
monitoring and analysing trends and evolutions in relevant space science global landscapes, producing reports and advising on appropriate actions;
maintaining briefing notes, updating dossiers and ensuring that accurate and current documentation is contained in the Office’s repository;
managing the publication of strategic documents, reports and announcements of opportunity for the relevant delegate bodies and the wider community;
serving as the primary interface with other ESA entities, supporting content development, editing documentation and coordinating with the Multimedia Team for material production.

Technical competencies

Experience in managing multiple interfaces with various entities and stakeholders

Knowledge of the latest developments in space science activities in the international landscape

Ambassadorship skills in building and maintaining a network of professional contacts

Skilled in crafting clear, strategic texts, documents and publications relating to space science

Experience of delivering concise, thorough and timely reports

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

Education

A master’s degree or PhD in a space science, engineering and/or political science discipline is required.

Additional requirements

You ideally have:

knowledge of the ESA Science Programme;
excellent written and verbal communication skills;
proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.