Contracts Specialist (Reserve list)

This job opening is for the purposes of Reserve list recruitment on multiple positions. ESA is initiating a Reserve list recruitment process to meet the consistently high demand for Contracts Specialists in support of the Agency’s cutting-edge space projects and programmes. This Reserve list will comprise of candidates who have been pre-assessed and pre-approved by the ESA hiring team and who have already undergone a basic background screening. If selected, you will remain on the Reserve list for a period of 24 months, during which you will be fast-tracked for positions in upcoming projects. While inclusion in the Reserve list does not guarantee recruitment, it positions you as a valuable resource to fill ESA's future vacancies. When a relevant position arises, your candidacy will be reviewed. In that context, you may be invited to a brief follow-up interview and, if successful, an offer will be made. No action is required on your part if you are placed on a Reserve list; ESA will contact you directly about relevant opportunities. This job requisition within the Contracts Department is intended to build a reserve pool of Contracts Specialist, potentially to fill a number of positions, at ESTEC, to be confirmed during the course of 2026 or 2027. The Contracts Department is part of the Directorate of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness and is organised into various divisions and services in support of ESA’s programme directorates. You will support the tender actions and resulting contracts/cooperative agreements assigned to you and falling within the specific field of competence of the service In this framework, you will directly advise the initiating authorities with regard to legal and procedural matters under the supervision of the relevant ESA Contracts Officer and you have a hierarchical reporting line to the Head of the relevant Contract Service. This secures the appropriate level of independence to ensure impartiality, transparency, and compliance with the tendering and contracting process. As a Contracts Specialist, your field of competence will extend to procurement actions mainly in open, restricted and non-competitive tenders with a limited financial liability level and under the supervision of the responsible Contracts Officer or Head of the relevant Service.