ESA Graduate Trainee in Space and Defence Strategy

Our team and mission The team of the Senior Security Coordinator (DG-OS) advises the Director General as well as DG services and all Directorates involved in geopolitical issues affecting ESA’s activities and evolutions, while contributing to ESA programmes where space services and data can benefit European security and strategic autonomy. In doing so, the Senior Security Coordinator’s Team consolidates ESA activities related to space, defence and security policy and oversees ESA’s overall strategic security coherence and position through the coordination of the ESA Strategy 2040 priority “Strengthen European Autonomy and Resilience” and the implementation of ESA’s security and defence mandate and programmatic consolidation approved at CM25. Security and Defence are now essential domains for ESA following the clear mandate from ESA Member States following CM25. Indeed DG-OS has been instrumental in opening a new historic step in ESA activities: the recognition for ESA to deal with defence programmes. This has been achieved with very limited resources. The mandate given by ESA MS during CM25 to ESA DG regarding defence efforts unquestionably requires strengthening resources, especially towards EU partners. This get position is a thus and immediate and top priority for DG-OS in the wake of CM25 and to prepare CM28.

The role As an ESA Graduate Trainee, you will be responsible in assisting the Senior Security Coordinator’s team in developing ESA’s security contribution to Europe via its own programmes, as well as through its relationship to the EU. This entails very strong analytical and policy-making skills, as well as singular diplomatic skills. In doing so, you will contribute to the inception of new cooperative avenues with ESA Member States as well as EU partners, primarily with EDA and EU SatCen, as well as advising on the development of security-related dialogues with the European Commission. This effort may contribute to a revamping of ESA-EU governance. These tasks will be performed in close coordination with your tutor, the Principal Security Strategy Officer based in Brussels EBO).

Job requirements You should have recently completed or be in the final year of your master’s degree in a relevant domain, such as law, international relations or political science. You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset.

Benefits 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.