Strategy Officer

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 multiple countries, with its headquarters located in Paris, France, and has various centers and facilities across Europe, contributing to a wide range of space missions and projects.

Job Overview:
The Strategy Officer will play a crucial role within the Strategy Coordination Division of the Strategy Department at ESA. This position is pivotal in developing methodologies and processes that align with the organization's Long-Term Plan (LTP). The officer will ensure that the strategies and decisions made support ESA's overarching mission and objectives. The role involves liaising with various directorates within ESA to establish effective strategy coordination, conducting strategic analysis, and evaluating the agency's legal framework and administrative structures. The Strategy Officer will also monitor the agency's performance and the implementation of ESA Strategy 2040, prepare space-related background and strategic policy papers, and support both internal and external reporting of results and achievements. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to drive performance across teams, ensuring that ESA's strategic goals are met efficiently and effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Strategy Officer include:

• Developing methodologies and processes for implementing ESA's strategy in line with the Long-Term Plan.
• Establishing and maintaining effective strategy coordination across ESA directorates.
• Supporting the Head of Strategy Coordination with strategic analysis and evaluation of ESA's legal framework and administrative structures.
• Monitoring the agency's performance and the implementation of ESA Strategy 204
• Preparing space-related background and strategic policy papers.
• Supporting internal and external reporting and presentation of results and achievements.
• Managing project development and understanding project risk management processes.
• Fostering cooperation and relationship management within and across teams.
• Continuously improving operational efficiency and result orientation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in engineering or science. Additionally, an engineering or scientific background is essential, along with a strong understanding of European space strategies and the space sector. Applicants should demonstrate excellent leadership, relationship management, and communication skills, both oral and written. Strong cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning, and organizational skills are required, with a proven result orientation. The ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues, and make timely, high-standard decisions with integrity is crucial. Familiarity with software development practices is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in engineering or science is mandatory for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the technical aspects of the role and to engage effectively with the various scientific and engineering challenges faced by ESA.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant professional experience, ideally four years or more, following the completion of their master's degree. However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of experience, the position may be filled at a lower grade level (A1). Experience in managing project development and understanding project risk management processes is highly valued.

Languages:
The working languages of ESA are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is required for the position. Knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of four years, which may be extended up to a maximum of eight years based on performance and organizational needs. The position will commence no earlier than January 1, 202

• ESA is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The agency values diversity and seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing necessary support in the workplace.