Earth Observation Application Specialist

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 and collaborates with various international partners to advance space science and technology, focusing on Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation, among other areas.

Job Overview:
The Earth Observation Applications Specialist will play a crucial role in the Earth Observation Programmes Directorate, specifically within the Long-term Action Section of the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department. This position is designed for an individual who will lead and contribute to cross-disciplinary initiatives that integrate capabilities from various Earth Observation (EO) thematic domains and projects. The primary objective is to enhance the scientific and societal impact of Earth observation data, aligning with the Earth Action vision outlined in the EO Science Strategy 202

• The specialist will work closely with international user communities and stakeholders to develop large-scale programs that utilize EO data effectively, particularly in the context of the Regional Copernicus Centre in Panama, which aims to promote the use of Copernicus data in the Latin America and Caribbean region, focusing on disaster risk reduction and recovery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Earth Observation Applications Specialist will report directly to the Head of the Long-term Action Section and will be responsible for implementing initiatives in collaboration with international stakeholders. Key duties include:

• Engaging with external stakeholders and user communities in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region to gather and consolidate their operational requirements for geospatial information, ensuring long-term adoption of EO-based information in large-scale operations.
• Co-designing and implementing activities with key partners to significantly increase the use of EO-based information for climate adaptation, disaster risk management, and agricultural monitoring.
• Managing and supporting ESA's activities related to the CopernicusLAC initiative, including stakeholder engagement, awareness-raising for EO in the LAC region, and the development of pre-operational public EO services.
• Facilitating knowledge transfer to national and regional stakeholders and supporting the establishment of a Regional Copernicus Data Centre in Panama.
• Communicating achievements through appropriate channels to raise awareness and promote the benefits of EO data.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in Earth observation and related fields. Required qualifications include:

• A master's degree in remote sensing, geospatial sciences, or international cooperation.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience in a relevant technical domain, including project management experience.
• Proven knowledge of the European and international EO service sector, particularly in disaster risk management and agriculture.
• Familiarity with environmental, institutional, and socioeconomic contexts in the LAC region, especially concerning the space sector.
• Understanding of ESA's Earth observation policies and programs, as well as the global sustainable development context and development cooperation principles.

Educational Background:
The position requires a master's degree in remote sensing, geospatial sciences, or international cooperation. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the initiatives and projects undertaken by the Earth Observation Programmes Directorate.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of professional experience in a relevant technical domain, which should include project management experience. This experience should be gained after the completion of the master's degree, ensuring that the candidate is well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of the position and contribute to the success of the initiatives.

Languages:
Professional language skills in Spanish are mandatory for this position, as the role involves significant interaction with stakeholders in the Latin America and Caribbean region. Additionally, knowledge of Portuguese and French is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively with a broader range of partners and stakeholders.

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 depending on performance and organizational needs. The position is classified within the grade band A2 - A4, with recruitment typically occurring within this range. However, candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for an A1 level position. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. The European Space 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.