Copernicus Space Component Technical Officer

Overview

Manage technical analyses related to the Copernicus Space Component.

You have:

• A master's degree in physics, or an engineering discipline relevant to this position, is required.
• At least 15 years of experience in Earth Observation is required.
• Excellent analytical and organisational skills are required.
• Strong background in Earth Observation is required.
• Experience of a working relationship with the European Commission is considered an asset.

Location ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Description

Copernicus Space Component Technical Officer within the Copernicus Space Office in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (D/EOP).

Under the direct authority of the Director of Earth Observation Programmes, the Copernicus Space Office is responsible for programmatic activities relevant to Copernicus and performs the lead role for the strategic and coordination activities relating to Copernicus. The Office acts as an interface with the European Commission for Copernicus. The Copernicus Space Office is the interface for ESA’s Copernicus activities within and external to ESA. It ensures their coordination by the implementing departments and ensures the oversight of the Copernicus Space Component (CSC).

Reporting to the Head of the Copernicus Space Office, and for the tasks under the responsibility of the Office, you will manage and perform technical analyses relating to the Copernicus Space Component, including its long-term plan, with the elaboration of Space Component technical scenarios based on financial and programmatic constraints. You will be responsible for the coordination and consolidation of inputs for official reporting of Copernicus Space Component activities to the European Commission and ESA Member States, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with ESA obligations. You will manage the organisation and strategic agenda-setting for bilateral meetings with the European Commission, ensuring follow-up on ESA actions and alignment with Commission expectations through effective cross-departmental coordination.

Duties

Your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• managing and performing technical and critical analyses relating to the Copernicus Space Component, including its long-term plan, with the elaboration of Space Component technical scenarios based on financial and programmatic constraints. This will include the preparation of detailed Sentinel deployment and operations schedules for each of the scenarios;
• managing, coordinating and consolidating inputs for official reporting of Copernicus Space Component activities to the European Commission, as per the formal Contribution Agreement and the Copernicus Agreement, and to ESA Member States, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with ESA obligations. This relates to the quarterly implementation reports, quarterly status reports, annual implementation reports, annual work plans and multiannual implementation reports, as well as additional ad hoc reporting; it also includes the coordination of letters of reply to the questions received on these reports;
• managing the organisation and strategic agenda-setting for bilateral meetings at technical level with the European Commission, ensuring follow-up on ESA actions and alignment with Commission expectations through effective cross-department coordination, and preparing annotated agendas for the Head of the Copernicus Space Office with the issues to be considered before each bilateral meeting;
• providing leadership in preparing high-level briefings, analyses and technical materials for ESA decision-makers, in particular on technical and strategic topics regarding the Copernicus Space Component;
• managing comprehensive and critical analysis of the global EO New Space sector and preparing bi-annual reports for the Director of Earth Observation Programmes in coordination with relevant D/EOP teams;
• providing technical input into the release of Copernicus articles in magazines, Copernicus technical brochures and factsheets, and other outreach material;
• preparing presentations, briefings, annotated agendas or any other type of material on the status, issues and future of the Copernicus Space Component, in terms of programmatics, technology or policy, for ESA stakeholders.

Your duties will also include supporting other activities within your field of competence.

Technical competencies

Multidisciplinary knowledge of Earth Observation, in particular the Copernicus Space Component and its interfaces, within and external to ESA.

Knowledge and experience in technical interfaces with the relevant departments of the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes relating to the Copernicus programme.

Experience in assessing technical and programmatic documents on the Copernicus Space Component.

Behavioural competencies

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

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

Education

A master’s degree in physics, or an engineering discipline relevant to this position, is required.

Additional requirements

• Excellent analytical and organisational skills, coupled with the ability to anticipate problems and assess situations within their broader context.
• Strong background in Earth Observation, with at least 15 years of experience in the field.

Experience of a working relationship with the European Commission is considered an asset.

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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

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 [email protected].

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.

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.

When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates.

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.

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Added 11 months ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: jobs.esa.int