ESA Graduate Trainee in Copernicus Benefits Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to encompass 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA operates across multiple countries, focusing on various space-related activities, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation. The Copernicus program, which is the focus of this position, is one of the largest and most ambitious Earth observation initiatives in the world, providing valuable data for environmental monitoring and management.

Job Overview:
The ESA Graduate Trainee in Copernicus Benefits Assessment will be part of the Copernicus Space Office, which is responsible for overseeing the Copernicus program's strategic and coordination activities. The trainee will support the Sentinel Benefits Observatory, which assesses the socioeconomic impacts of Copernicus activities. This role involves managing and reviewing industrial studies that evaluate the benefits of Copernicus data for policy-making and environmental sustainability. The trainee will also gather inputs to enhance the Directorate's portfolio of investment cases for Copernicus, conduct meta-analyses of relevant literature, and assist in the development of a Toolbox for GEO impact assessments. Additionally, the trainee will organize meetings and events related to these activities, contributing to the overall mission of promoting the Copernicus program and its benefits.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and quality review outcomes from industrial studies assessing socioeconomic impacts of Copernicus data.
• Conduct intensive desk research and attend relevant conferences to gather inputs for the Directorate's portfolio.
• Perform meta-analyses and literature scouting to benchmark studies against similar global activities.
• Support the generation and validation of a Toolbox for GEO impact assessments in collaboration with partner agencies.
• Organize meetings and events to facilitate discussions and knowledge sharing within ESA and with external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with colleagues in ESA, the European Commission, and other Copernicus implementing actors to ensure effective communication and coordination.
• Contribute to the development of advocacy strategies for the Copernicus program based on the findings from the Sentinel Benefits Observatory.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a strong understanding of Earth Observation (EO) applications and their relevance to environmental policies. A general knowledge of the Copernicus program is essential, along with an academic background in environmental impact assessments and policy analyses. Hands-on experience with Sentinel data is considered an asset. The ideal candidate should possess good interpersonal and communication skills, enabling them to work effectively in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience in international teams is advantageous, and candidates should demonstrate motivation and a clear professional perspective during the selection process.

Educational Background:
Applicants should have recently completed or be in the final year of a master's degree in Environmental Engineering, Geography, Earth Sciences, or Sustainable Development. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical and policy-related aspects of the Copernicus program and its applications.

Experience:
The position is aimed at young graduates, indicating that candidates should have limited professional experience, ideally gained through internships, project work, or extracurricular activities related to the field of Earth observation and environmental policy. The emphasis is on candidates who are recent graduates or in the final stages of their master's programs, suggesting that the role is entry-level and designed for those beginning their careers in this area.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Knowledge of another language from an ESA Member State is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate within the diverse environment of the agency.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an ESA Graduate Trainee role, which typically involves a fixed-term contract. The closing date for applications is set for 19 November 2025 at 23:59 CET/CEST. The agency is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process may include selection tests and background screening to ensure compliance with ESA's security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security procedures. Candidates are advised that the information regarding working conditions is subject to change and may not cover all inquiries.