Contracts 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 operates across various countries in Europe and collaborates with numerous international partners. ESA'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. The agency is involved in a wide range of activities, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation, and is committed to fostering innovation and competitiveness in the European space sector.

Job Overview:
The Contracts Officer position is a critical role within the Contracts Department of the Directorate of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness at ESA. This position involves working closely with project and programme managers to oversee all procurement and contractual aspects of ESA's space transportation projects. The Contracts Officer will be responsible for implementing procurement processes and managing contracts related to space transportation activities, ensuring compliance with ESA's legal and industrial policy requirements. The role requires a strong understanding of procurement regulations and the ability to navigate complex contractual frameworks. The Contracts Officer will also be expected to promote awareness of procurement processes among stakeholders and maintain effective communication with various teams within the agency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Contracts Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: ensuring compliance with ESA's procurement rules and regulations; implementing internal controls for a client-oriented procurement process; preparing procurement and contract documentation in collaboration with technical services; providing guidelines on legal and industrial policy measures; organizing and coordinating all stages of procurement, including issuing invitations to tender and evaluating proposals; negotiating contracts with selected contractors; monitoring contract performance and addressing any administrative or legal issues; building relationships with project managers and advising on procurement matters; and promoting understanding of procurement processes among stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in contract, procurement, or international business law, with a minimum of six years of relevant experience. A good understanding of intellectual property issues and the ability to critically assess technical tender documentation is essential. Candidates should also have knowledge of the European and/or international business sector, preferably in the space domain, and possess strong negotiation skills. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate result orientation, operational efficiency, and the ability to foster cooperation and relationship management.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in law is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Contracts Officer has the necessary legal knowledge to navigate the complexities of procurement and contracting processes within ESA.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of professional experience in contract, procurement, or international business law. This experience should ideally be gained in law firms, industry, or public administration, providing the candidate with a solid foundation in the legal and operational aspects of procurement.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory, as the Contracts Officer will need to understand and formulate contractual and legal texts in both languages. Knowledge of additional languages from ESA member states would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to interact with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a four-year contract, extendable to indefinite, and is classified within the grade band A2 - A

• Recruitment will prioritize candidates from ESA member states, and applicants must be eligible to access information subject to European or US export control regulations. 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. Candidates may be required to undergo selection tests and background screening as part of the recruitment process.