ESA Graduate Trainee in the Director General's Cabinet (2 Posts)

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, working collaboratively with various international partners to advance space science and technology.

Job Overview:
The ESA Graduate Trainee position in the Director General's Cabinet is designed for recent graduates or those in their final year of study, providing an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and multicultural environment. The role involves supporting the Director General's daily operations, maintaining relationships with ESA Member States, and assisting in the preparation of meetings, correspondence, and presentations. Trainees will be integrated into the DG Support and Member States Relations Section, where they will engage in monitoring space activities, editing reports, and contributing to policy analysis. This position is ideal for individuals passionate about space and international relations, offering a unique chance to work closely with high-level officials and contribute to ESA's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the ESA Graduate Trainee include:

• Continuous monitoring of space activities and trends, as well as political developments related to ESA Member States.
• Editing and distributing the Member States observatory and associated products weekly.
• Assisting in the preparation of background materials and presentations for the Director General's engagements.
• Maintaining up-to-date information on all Member States in a concise format.
• Supporting the preparation of the annual ESA Member States Overview.
• Conducting ad-hoc studies and policy analysis to support the Office's activities.
• Maintaining the intranet presence of the section.
• Collaborating with team members and interns to achieve common goals.
• Engaging in protocol services and managing VIP participation in launch events. 1
• Providing secretariat support for internal meetings and organizing bilateral meetings with Directorates.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed or be in the final year of a master's degree in social sciences, international relations, policy, legal studies, or a related discipline. They should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. Previous experience in international teams is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a good understanding of the space sector, including knowledge of relevant policies and players at both national and EU levels. Experience in data collection, analysis, and drafting policy papers is highly valued.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master's degree or being in the final year of study in a relevant field such as social sciences, international relations, or legal studies. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of space policy and international relations, which are critical to the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience, which may include internships, project work, or extracurricular activities related to the space sector or international relations. Experience in drafting policy papers and conducting data analysis will be considered particularly beneficial for applicants.

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 Member State language is considered an asset. This linguistic requirement is crucial for effective communication within the agency and with its international partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a graduate trainee role, which typically involves a fixed-term contract. The selected candidates will be expected to work full-time and may be required to undergo selection tests and background screening as part of the recruitment process. The agency is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity, or other characteristics. The ESA also provides support for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment process and in the workplace.