Intern in the Strategy and Transformation Office

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 across various countries, focusing on scientific research, technology development, and international cooperation in space exploration.

Job Overview:
The intern will be part of the Strategy and Transformation Office at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany. This office is responsible for formulating and preparing strategies in collaboration with the Director of Operations and the management team. The intern will support the development of the Directorate’s overall strategy, lead innovation governance initiatives, coordinate strategic planning and implementation of research and technology activities, and foster partnerships with academia and industry. The role will also involve monitoring and analyzing the socio-economic impact of the Directorate’s business, contributing to the governance process related to mission operations infrastructure, and managing budget planning. The internship will last for six months, during which the intern will engage in a project focused on Knowledge Management at ESOC, tailored to their skills and interests.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Director and the Operations Directorate Management Team to formulate and communicate the Directorate’s overall strategy.
• Lead the evolution of the Directorate’s strategy and establish innovation governance frameworks.
• Coordinate the strategic planning and implementation of Directorate Research and Technology activities.
• Foster the development of strategic partnerships with academia, other space agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Monitor and analyze the external and internal environment to assess the socio-economic impact of the Directorate’s business.
• Manage the governance process related to the Mission Operations Infrastructure, including investment and budget management.
• Support the capturing and dissemination of knowledge within ESOC.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably at the master’s level, and must provide proof of enrollment for the entire duration of the internship. A background in management or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills, as well as a proactive approach to problem-solving and teamwork.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be enrolled in a university program, ideally at the master’s level. This educational background should ideally be in fields related to management, engineering, or other STEM disciplines, which will provide the necessary knowledge and skills for the internship tasks.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, candidates with relevant internships or academic projects in management, strategy development, or space operations will be viewed favorably. The internship is designed for students, so the focus is on providing practical experience rather than requiring extensive professional experience.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of another ESA Member State language is considered an asset. This multilingual environment emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills in both written and spoken forms.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position for a duration of six months. The role is open to nationals from specific ESA member states and cooperating states, including Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, applicants from Canada and certain European Cooperating States are also eligible. The agency 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.