

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
The ESA programme related to EU Secure Connectivity, hereinafter referred to as “Secure Connectivity”, is intended to support the effective development and validation of the EU Secure Connectivity governmental infrastructure and the services provided by it, as well as the validation and demonstration of services based on the commercial infrastructure developed by the contractor(s) delivering the EU Secure Connectivity governmental infrastructure.
The EU IRIS² system is designed as an innovative multi-mission, multi-layer system of systems, operated through a common secure ground segment. Following the consolidation of the contractual baselines of the EU IRIS² Programme and the ESA Programme, the activities under Element 3 will, among other things, prepare the evolution of the EU IRIS² system by defining the enhancements of the services and functionalities of the EU IRIS² system that will allow it to serve as a system-of-systems communication backbone for future European governmental initiatives and needs.
Reporting to the ESA Secure Connectivity Programme Delivery and Future Projects Manager, you will be responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of all preparatory evolution activities of the Secure Connectivity Programme and the coordination of the internal and external stakeholders to ensure overall programme execution in compliance with ESA programme commitments.
You will serve as the ESA primary point of accountability for the preparation of the future expansion and evolutions of the IRIS² system with respect to the European Commission and other relevant stakeholders.
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
You will work in close coordination with other project disciplines, including the System Office, the Ground and Operations Office, the Space Segment Office, the Security Office and the Product Assurance and Safety Team, as well as with the ESA Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
A master’s degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with 4 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience can be considered.
Experience of interacting with European space industry and the European Commission at a senior level, including experience in negotiations.
Experience of working on projects with a security dimension.
Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications company will be a distinct advantage.
Experience in public-private partnership projects would be an asset.
Public speaking experience and the ability to conceptualise complex ideas would be beneficial.
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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.
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 & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.
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.