Earth Observation Applications Specialist

Overview

Support cross-disciplinary initiatives in Earth Observation applications for climate action.

You have:

• A master’s degree in remote sensing, geospatial sciences or international cooperation is required for this post.
• You should have at least five years of professional experience, preferably in a relevant technical domain and including project management experience, obtained following completion of your master’s degree.
• Knowledge of the capabilities of the European and international EO service sector in general, and in particular for disaster risk management.
• Knowledge of ESA Earth observation policies and programmes.
• Understanding of the global sustainable development context (applications, capacity development and policy) and development cooperation principles.
• Detailed understanding of the Copernicus Space Segment and programme.
• Knowledge of the environmental, institutional and socioeconomic conditions in the South Asia region.
• Fostering cooperation.
• Result orientation.
• Operational efficiency.
• Relationship management.
• Continuous improvement.
• Forward thinking.

​

This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.

Location ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Description

The Earth Observation Applications Specialist will report directly to the Head of the Long-term Action Section (EOP-SCI) in the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department. The Long-term Action Section is responsible for leading new, cross-disciplinary initiatives that aggregate capabilities from various EO thematic domains and projects. The goal is to migrate these capabilities into large-scale, external programmes, co-designed with and led by international user communities and stakeholders. The focus is on initiatives with potential to significantly enlarge the scientific and societal impact of Earth observation in accordance with the Earth Action vision described in the EO Science Strategy 2024.

In the framework of its cooperation with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), at the end of 2025, ESA signed the Contribution Agreement on implementing the initiative on Support to Disaster Risk Reduction through Earth Observation and climate services in South Asia, which is part of the Global Gateway strategy of the European Commission.

The objective of this initiative is to mitigate the impact of climate change and natural hazards in the South Asia region through the uptake of Earth observation. The main activities will focus on strengthening institutional capacities, enhancing regional coordination, and promoting the generation, delivery and use of Earth observation and climate services applications. It is intended to directly support the implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) across South Asia by providing reliable data, analytical tools and evidence to inform decision-making processes. The initiative will involve seven countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Duties

You will report to the Head of the Long-term Action Section and will contribute to the implementation of cross-disciplinary initiatives co-designed and conducted in partnership with international user communities and stakeholders.

The activities to be performed form part of the cooperation between ESA and DG INTPA, in particular regarding the implementation of the Support to Disaster Risk Reduction through Earth Observation and climate services in South Asia initiative.

Your responsibilities will include the following:

• Working in close cooperation with key external stakeholders and user communities in the South Asia region to capture and consolidate their main operational requirements for geospatial information with a view to establishing longer-term adoption and acceptance and EO-based information in large-scale operations;
• Together with the key partners and end-user communities of the South Asia initiative, co-designing, defining and implementing dedicated activities to expand significantly the uptake of EO-based information for climate adaptation and in particular for disaster risk management;
• Managing and supporting ESA activities to implement the main tasks of the South Asia initiative:
  • User engagement and requirement consolidation;
  • Development and demonstration of pre-operational public EO services;
  • Knowledge and skills transfer to national stakeholders;
• Supporting the communication of achievements using suitable communication and education channels.

Technical competencies

Knowledge of the capabilities of the European and international EO service sector in general, and in particular for disaster risk management

Knowledge of ESA Earth observation policies and programmes

Understanding of the global sustainable development context (applications, capacity development and policy) and development cooperation principles

Detailed understanding of the Copernicus Space Segment and programme

Knowledge of the environmental, institutional and socioeconomic conditions in the South Asia region

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 remote sensing, geospatial sciences or international cooperation is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should have at least five years of professional experience, preferably in a relevant technical domain and including project management experience, obtained following completion of your master’s degree.

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.

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.

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Added 3 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: jobs.esa.int