Intern in the Actionable Climate Information Section

Work on how earth observation can support climate change adaptation.

This opening expired 6 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

ESA - European Space Agency

Open positions at ESA
Logo of ESA

Application deadline 6 months ago: Sunday 30 Nov 2025 at 23:59 UTC

Open application form

Overview

Work on how earth observation can support climate change adaptation.

You have:

  • Must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level.
  • Must be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.
  • Good knowledge of English or French is required.
  • Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
  • Knowledge of climate change is an asset.
  • Experience in computer coding is an asset.
  • Experience in data analytics is an asset.
  • Your motivation for applying to this role will be explored during the interview.

Contract

This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.

Location ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom

Due to the location of ECSAT and current UK legislation, only UK citizens, students enrolled in a UK university, or those with pre-settled status (right to study) in the UK are eligible to apply for this internship.

Our team and mission

This internship is offered in the ESA Actionable Climate Information Section, which is part of the Climate and Long-Term Action Division, situated in the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department, in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

ESA’s Actionable Climate Information Section in the Earth Observation Programmes Directorate is the focal point of the Agency’s climate-related activities. It is based at the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT), Harwell in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.

The Section aims to increase the availability and use of global, satellite-based Earth observation data for decision-making. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is driving international efforts to combat climate change by limiting the rise in global temperatures to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, as set out in the Paris Agreement. In response to the UNFCCC requirements for the systematic monitoring of the climate system, ESA launched the Climate Change Initiative (CCI; https://climate.esa.int/en/about-us-new/climate-change-initiative)) research programme in 2008.

Through the CCI, ESA is developing a suite of global data records of key components of the climate system, known as Essential Climate Variables (ECVs). The climate-quality datasets produced by the CCI are a major contribution to the evidence base used to understand climate change, which drives international action. Climate modellers use the ECVs to study drivers, interactions and feedbacks due to climate change, as well as reservoirs, teleconnections, tipping points and fluxes of energy, water and carbon, while predicting future change. More recently, this initiative is exploring how earth observation is used and can be further enhanced to support climate change adaptation.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Climate Change Adaptation

You will be working primarily looking at how earth observation can support climate change adaptation. Activities you may be involved with include:

  • monitoring and researching global policy activities such as the Global Goal on Adaptation;
  • mapping adaptation projects that feature earth observation data;
  • following ESA activities and projects on this topic.

In addition, you may be involved with some outreach and communication activities depending on the timing of your internship.

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

You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

Knowledge of climate change and experience in computer coding and data analytics is 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 During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship 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

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, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

Potential interview questions

Can you discuss your understanding of climate change adaptation strategies? This question assesses your knowledge and awareness of climate change topics. Provide specific examples of climate change adaptation strategies you've studied or researched.
Describe a project where you used data analysis to make decisions. The interviewer wants to evaluate your practical experience in data analytics. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you approach mapping adaptation projects that utilize earth observation data? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What experience do you have in fostering cooperation among diverse teams? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain a time when you had to communicate complex information to a non-expert audience. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates you to apply for this internship specifically at ESA? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a continuous improvement initiative you have been involved in? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 7 months ago - Updated 6 months ago - Source: jobs.esa.int