Contracts Specialist (Reserve list)

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.

The role: As a Contracts Specialist, 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. 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.

Job requirements: Vocational qualification (EQF level 5) in a relevant discipline is required for this post. Additionally, you should have relevant professional experience in contracts and/or public procurement gained in a public administration setting or in an international organisation, business, or a specialised law firm; excellent communication skills, both oral and written; a customer focus, with sound judgement in solving problems; discretion and integrity; the ability to interact with multiple international actors and to work collaboratively in a team to achieve organisational goals; operational efficiency, including excellent planning and organisation skills and the ability to manage several tasks efficiently in parallel; the ability to perform consistently, even under pressure; the ability to use IT tools, including those for the performance of administrative tasks; the ability to understand and formulate contractual and legal texts in French and/or English.

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.