ESA

Human Exploration Group Leader

Porz-Wahn, Germany

Full Time

40 minutes ago

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Job description

Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany with a resident assignment to EAC, Porz-Wahn, Germany.

Description

The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is a Programme Directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Using a partnership between humans and robots, D/HRE is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working – or will live and work in the future – for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

Under the direct authority of the Director of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes, the Leader of the Human Exploration Group manages the Agency’s cross-cutting human spaceflight activities in support of all destinations and is the Head of the European Astronaut Centre (EAC).

Duties

You will be required to:

provide leadership for the implementation of crew operations (training, medical and astronauts) across all destinations;
provide leadership for the European Astronaut Corps;
represent ESA in the ISS Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP) and the Gateway Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (GMCOP), as well as their subordinated boards;
provide leadership for the Life Sciences teams, ensure the definition of human exploration-enabling science requirements and coordinate implementation with the respective destination leads;
provide leadership to the EAC Integrated Team;
provide functional support to the Gateway Operations Lead (HRE-LGO) for the preparation and implementation of the Gateway crew operations;
lead the European astronaut selection process;
provide support for the human exploration projects in cooperation with NASA (ISS, Gateway and ESM) through the Houston Office.

The Leader of the Human Exploration Group is supported by the:

Astronaut Corps and Crew Operations Team (HRE-HA);
Space Medicine Team (HRE-HM);
Space Training Team (HRE-HT);
Human Exploration Enabling Science Team(HRE-HS);
Houston Office Team (HRE-HH).

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical competencies

Experience in human spaceflight operations

Experience in astronaut training and support

Experience in spacecraft and habitat systems

Multilateral coordination

Space policy and regulation

Safety and risk management

Behavioural competencies

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

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

A master’s degree in a relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Extensive experience in the field of human spaceflight, preferably with experience in crew operations, astronaut training and mission planning.

Direct experience in managing or providing leadership for an astronaut corps, ensuring their readiness for missions.

Proven track record of working with international space organisations and participating in multilateral panels or boards such as MCOP and GMCOP.

Demonstrated experience in leading complex projects, particularly those related to human space exploration.

Proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team
The ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Group and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context;
The ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation;
Demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written;
A proven track record of representing the Agency’s interests to external interfaces;
Excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
The ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
The ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity as well as to support others (team members, upper management or other stakeholders) in this process.

People management experience is required and international experience would be an asset, including outside your home country, as would experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.
Mobility is inherent to management functions and this position may be subject to rotation.
Mobility opportunities may therefore be offered to you as part of your career evolution at ESA, after approximately five years in this role.

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
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

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 are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

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.