Earth Observation Applications 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 various domains including Earth observation, human spaceflight, exploration, and telecommunications, and has established partnerships with numerous international organizations and countries.

Job Overview:
The Earth Observation Applications Specialist will play a pivotal role in the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department, specifically within the Long-term Action Section. This section is tasked with leading innovative, cross-disciplinary initiatives that integrate capabilities from various Earth Observation (EO) thematic domains and projects. The primary objective is to transition these capabilities into large-scale external programs that are co-designed and led by international user communities and stakeholders. The position focuses on enhancing the scientific and societal impact of Earth observation, aligning with the Earth Action vision outlined in the EO Science Strategy 202

• A significant aspect of this role involves collaboration with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) to implement initiatives aimed at disaster risk reduction through Earth observation and climate services in South Asia. This initiative is crucial for mitigating the effects of climate change and natural hazards in the region, supporting the implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) by providing reliable data and analytical tools for informed decision-making.

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 several key activities. These include:

• Collaborating closely with external stakeholders and user communities in South Asia 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 and end-user communities to significantly enhance the uptake of EO-based information for climate adaptation and disaster risk management.
• Managing and supporting ESA's activities related to the South Asia initiative, which includes user engagement, requirement consolidation, development and demonstration of pre-operational public EO services, and knowledge transfer to national stakeholders.
• Supporting the communication of achievements through appropriate channels to raise awareness and promote the initiative's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong technical background in Earth observation and related fields. The ideal applicant will have a comprehensive understanding of the European and international EO service sector, particularly in disaster risk management. Familiarity with ESA's Earth observation policies and programs, as well as the global sustainable development context, is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate knowledge of the Copernicus Space Segment and the socio-economic conditions in the South Asia region. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster cooperation among diverse stakeholders are also critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in remote sensing, geospatial sciences, or international cooperation is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of Earth observation applications and their implications for climate action and disaster risk management.

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

Languages:
Proficiency in English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the Agency. Knowledge of another language from an ESA Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the diverse environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
This position 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 recruitment process will prioritize candidates from ESA Member States, and internal candidates will be given preference during the short-listing process. The position is classified within the grade band A2-A4, with the possibility of being filled at A1 level for candidates with less than four years of relevant experience. Candidates may be required to undergo selection tests and basic screening before appointment. ESA 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.