Intern in the ESA Director General's Cabinet

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 include 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 in multiple countries across Europe and collaborates with various international partners to advance space science and technology.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the ESA Director General's Cabinet is designed for university students who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of space policy and member state relations. The intern will support the Director General’s operational activities, maintain relations with ESA Member States, and assist in the preparation of meetings and presentations. This role provides an excellent opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting, particularly in monitoring space activities, political developments, and policy-related topics relevant to ESA Member States. Interns will work closely with other team members to ensure the smooth operation of the cabinet's functions and contribute to the overall mission of ESA.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: continuous monitoring of space activities and trends, political developments, and policy-related topics of selected ESA Member States; contributing to the weekly updating and distribution of the Member States observatory and associated products; supporting the preparation of background input for meetings of the Director General with ESA Member States; assisting in the preparation of presentation materials for engagements of the Director General; and performing ad hoc tasks in support of the team’s activities. The intern will also be expected to maintain up-to-date dossiers on each Member State and assist in organizing bilateral meetings and internal meetings for the Director General.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably at the master’s level, and must provide proof of enrollment at their university for the entire duration of the internship. A good knowledge of English or French is required, and knowledge of another ESA Member State language is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have a background in political or social science, international relations, space law, policy, politics, or related fields, which would enhance their ability to contribute effectively to the team.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a degree at the master’s level in a relevant field such as political science, international relations, space policy, or a related discipline. The candidate must be able to demonstrate ongoing enrollment in their academic program throughout the internship period, ensuring that they can apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical environment.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory, any relevant internships or volunteer work in fields related to space policy, international relations, or governmental affairs will be advantageous. The agency values candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to their field of study and have engaged in activities that reflect their interest in space and international cooperation.

Languages:
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of additional languages spoken in ESA Member States is considered a valuable asset. This linguistic capability will facilitate effective communication within the diverse environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position based at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France. The contract duration aligns with the academic calendar, and candidates must be available for the entire internship period. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The agency also provides support for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment process and in the workplace.