Head of the Corporate Physical Security Unit

You will be responsible for ensuring a consistent, corporate approach to ESA’s physical security and crisis management and will provide security advice to the Head of the Estates and Facilities Management Department, who may issue security instructions as appropriate to ensure compliance with ESA policy and procedures. You will maintain an in-depth and up-to-date overview of the overall physical security situation insofar as it may affect ESA operations or the security of ESA staff. This includes considering potential threats at ESA establishments and centres and to staff on mission.

Your tasks and responsibilities will include in particular: providing expert advice to decision-makers on all physical security matters under the responsibility of the Estates and Facilities Management Department, providing input concerning the appropriate ESA vigilance level and other security measures to ensure they are commensurate with the prevailing security situation globally and locally; briefing the ESA central crisis management team as required when it meets to formulate responses to crises with a security component; managing ESA’s corporate physical security contract, acting as its technical officer, ensuring full compliance with the statement of work at both corporate and local levels and monitoring agreed levels of service delivered through site managers, health and safety/security officers and the contractor’s country managers.

You should have: the ability to organise your activities and ensure a motivating work environment; the ability to rapidly assimilate and synthesise complex information; the ability to act calmly under pressure; strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills; the ability to drive team performance, developing team members by encouraging lifelong learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback; strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills; a strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions orally and in writing; the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer-focused. People management experience is an asset, as is international experience, i.e. outside your home country.

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. 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.

Applicants must be eligible for 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.