Very High Resolution (VHR) Data Solutions Coordinator

In the context of various EU and ESA programmes, including Copernicus, Earthnet and emerging programme elements currently under definition, you will be responsible for driving innovation and supporting the definition and implementation of activities aimed at ensuring the seamless integration, exploitation and management of Third Party Mission (TPM) data, with a particular focus on commercial Earth observation (EO) data sources. Particular emphasis will be placed on the evolving European EO data service ecosystem and the increasing use of Very High Resolution (VHR) EO data.

You will support the coordination of Copernicus Contributing Mission (CCM) activities implemented by ESA's Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes and funded under the EU Copernicus Programme. This includes contributing to the definition and implementation of future CCM evolutions, ensuring alignment with emerging user needs, technological developments and European policy objectives.

In addition, you will support the coordination and definition of the next cycle of ESA’s Earthnet programme element, contributing to the preparation and implementation of future programme proposals and new EO-related initiatives in view of ESA’s next Council meeting at ministerial level and subsequent programme developments. Furthermore, you will support the definition, coordination and implementation of additional VHR data procurement and service solutions addressing both internal ESA needs and external programmatic initiatives, while fostering collaboration with European institutions, commercial data providers and the wider EO community.

Duties

You will report to the EO Third Party Missions Manager and to the Head of the EO Mission Management and Product Quality Division.

Your main duties will include:

supporting innovation and programme development for Third Party Missions, with a focus on the integration, management and exploitation of commercial EO and VHR data within European EO data ecosystems; coordinating and supporting the implementation, evolution and strategic development of ESA’s CCM activities funded by the European Union; contributing to the management, definition, preparation and implementation of future Earthnet activities and new ESA Earth observation programme elements; coordinating VHR data procurement activities and service solutions addressing ESA, Copernicus and other European institutional user requirements; monitoring evolving VHR EO data needs across European, national and institutional users in ESA Member States, Participating States and Cooperating States; supporting flexible coordination, data brokerage and user engagement functions tailored to diverse stakeholder communities and application domains; fostering collaboration with ESA, the European Commission, commercial data providers and the wider EO community to ensure effective programme delivery and alignment with user needs; monitoring market trends, technological developments and emerging commercial EO capabilities, identifying opportunities for innovation and enhanced data exploitation; supporting the efficient implementation and evolution of ESA VHR data and service procurement, including the further development and operation of ESA's Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS).

Technical competencies

Earth observation missions and programmes, in particular the Copernicus Space Component Programme (both space and ground segments) and the ESA Earthnet Programme Knowledge of EO products, applications and market sectors commercial aspects in the context of EO NewSpace technologies, methods and market trends Knowledge of procurement processes and service-based procurements

Behavioural competencies

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

Education and professional experience

A master’s degree in Earth sciences or economics is required for this post, together with five years of relevant professional experience.