External Relations Officer

Vacancy in the Directorate for Strategy, Legal and External Affairs.

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.

This post is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.

Location ESA Headquarters, Paris, France

Description

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

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• stablishing and developing relations with non-Member States and international organisations and monitoring their space activities. A particular focus on Asia will be expected in this function.
• collecting and distributing relevant information and analysis about non-Member States and international organisations internally and drafting relevant documents for the International Relations Committee.
• proposing themes for cooperation with non-Member States and international organisations and coordinating related activities within the Agency.
• planning and organising international meetings hosted by the Agency or in which the Agency participates.
• representing the Agency, when appropriate, in meetings with non-Member States and international organisations.
• contributing to the negotiation of draft agreements with non-Member States and international organisations.

Technical competencies

Sound international relations experience in a similar position, in particular with Asia

Good knowledge and experience of international space developments

Strong ability to establish and develop contacts in international circles

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's in social sciences (such as political sciences, international relations or economics) is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong communication (both written and verbal), presentation and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Commitment, reliability, and open attitude coupled with autonomy in resolving issues and meeting deadlines. Confirmed planning and organisational skills. Capacity to efficiently manage multiple tasks in parallel. Discretion and integrity.

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.

For further information please visit: Professionals, What we offer and FAQ

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.

The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.

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 email contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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Please note that applications are only 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*.

In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service.

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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.