External Relations Officer (2 Posts)

Overview

Develop and manage relations with international partners to advance ESA's engagement strategy.

You have:

• A master's degree in international relations, political science, economics, law or another relevant field is required.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in international relations, diplomacy, external stakeholder engagement, project/programme management or similar functions in a governmental, international, institutional or policy-oriented environment.
• Specialised experience in substantive areas of international relations would be considered an asset, particularly in fields such as multilateral cooperation and governance, foreign and security policy, economic diplomacy, geopolitical analysis, or related areas.
• International exposure, including experience of living and working abroad, ideally outside ESA Member States, would be considered an asset.
• Good knowledge of the international space sector and of the Agency’s activities and functioning would also be considered an asset.
• Fluency in English and French is required, knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

Location ESA Headquarters, Paris, France

Description

External Relations Officer in the External Relations Department, reporting to the Head of the External Relations Department in the Directorate of Strategy, Legal and External Matters.

The External Relations Department shapes and delivers ESA’s international engagement strategy with non-Member States, their institutions, and international organisations. It develops and coordinates cooperation frameworks, supports high-level exchanges and representation –including through ESA offices in Washington and Tokyo – and provides strategic, political and diplomatic advice on international relations to senior management.

By monitoring geopolitical developments, preparing key engagements and ensuring alignment with Agency priorities, the Department plays a central role in advancing ESA’s international partnerships and positioning the Agency as a trusted and influential global partner.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Developing and managing relations with non-Member States and international organisations, including the continuous monitoring of their space-related policies, programmes and activities.
• Representing the Agency externally in interactions with non-Member States, international organisations and other international stakeholders.
• Maintaining and expanding institutional networks with government administrations, space agencies and partner organisations, ensuring effective information exchange and cooperation.
• Identifying and promoting opportunities for cooperation with international partners, proposing priority themes and ensuring coordination across the Agency.
• Planning and coordinating engagements, including meetings, conferences and official visits involving international partners.
• Contributing to international negotiations, in close coordination with the Agency’s legal services and the relevant programme directorates.
• Providing timely insight on international and geopolitical developments by collecting, assessing and synthesising relevant information, and ensuring its effective dissemination within the Agency.
• Supporting policy formulation by translating international developments into actionable recommendations, including through engagement with Member States’ foreign services where appropriate.
• Preparing high-level briefings and documentation, including contributions to the ESA Council, the International Relations Committee and other Agency bodies.

Technical competencies

Proven ability to establish, develop and manage high-level contacts in international and institutional environments

Experience in managing international networks and interfacing effectively with various types of stakeholders

Demonstrated ambassadorship and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and foster collaboration across diverse institutional and cultural contexts

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex situations and understand their broader context

Capacity to translate geopolitical, policy and institutional developments into clear, actionable recommendations to provide direction and support decision-making processes

Strong planning, organisational and coordination skills, including the ability to manage priorities and complex workflows

Proven ability to work effectively in multicultural, cross-functional environments and to collaborate across organisational boundaries

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 and professional experience

A master’s degree in international relations, political science, economics, law or another relevant field is required for this post, together with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in international relations, diplomacy, external stakeholder engagement, project/programme management or similar functions in a governmental, international, institutional or policy-oriented environment.

Additional requirements

• Specialised experience in one or more substantive areas of international relations would be considered an asset, particularly in fields such as multilateral cooperation and governance, foreign and security policy, economic diplomacy, geopolitical analysis, or related areas.
• International exposure, including experience of living and working abroad, ideally outside ESA Member States, would be considered an asset.
• Good knowledge of the international space sector and of the Agency’s activities and functioning would also be 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.

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, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 day ago - Updated 6 hours ago - Source: jobs.esa.int