Sustainability Lead

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 countries across Europe and collaborates with international partners to advance space science and technology.

Job Overview:
The Sustainability Lead will play a pivotal role within the Strategic Sustainability Office of the Strategy Department at ESA. This position is crucial for the development and implementation of the ESA Sustainability Strategy, which aligns with the agency's corporate social responsibility principles and its long-term Strategy 204

• The Sustainability Lead will report directly to the Head of the Strategic Sustainability Office and will be responsible for managing the ESA Green Agenda programme, ensuring that the agency meets its environmental objectives. The role requires a proactive approach to fostering sustainability and social responsibility within ESA, as well as coordinating with various stakeholders to drive initiatives that align with the agency's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Sustainability Lead include driving ESA's social responsibility policies and projects, fostering sustainability and environmental thinking within the organization, and coordinating the implementation of the ESA Double Materiality Assessment. This assessment is essential for identifying the agency's priorities concerning its stakeholders in the ESG (environment, social, governance) areas. The Sustainability Lead will also be responsible for developing and updating the ESA Sustainability Strategy in collaboration with all ESA programme and support directorates. Additionally, the role involves coordinating a comprehensive annual assessment of the agency's environmental footprint and preparing the ESA Responsibility and Sustainability report. The Sustainability Lead will oversee the organization of the annual European Space Sustainability Award in collaboration with the European Interparliamentary Space Committee and the European Space Policy Institute. Furthermore, the position includes managing the ESA Green Agenda Programme Management Office and overseeing the Sustainability Fund by selecting and approving internal projects that align with the agency's environmental objectives. The Sustainability Lead will also provide secretariat services to the ESA Environmental Protection Working Group, chaired by the ESA Chief Sustainability Officer.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of ESA and the European industrial space sector, including an understanding of ESA Boards and their areas of responsibility. A solid grasp of the sustainability challenges related to the space sector is essential, along with knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification, and procurement processes. Project and programme management skills are crucial, as well as a space engineering and systems orientation. Familiarity with life cycle thinking approaches and ecodesign/life cycle assessment techniques is also required. The ability to promote collaboration and coordination with stakeholders is vital, along with competencies in result orientation, operational efficiency, fostering cooperation, relationship management, continuous improvement, and forward thinking.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in environmental engineering, environmental science, or a related subject is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the sustainability initiatives at ESA.

Experience:
Proven experience in the domain of space sustainability, strategy, and project management is required for this role. Candidates should have a track record of successfully managing sustainability projects and initiatives, demonstrating their ability to navigate the complexities of the space sector and implement effective strategies that align with organizational goals.

Languages:
The working languages of ESA are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Additionally, knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the diverse environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years, which may be extended up to a maximum of 8 years depending on performance and organizational needs. The recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4), but if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of their master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level. During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to undergo selection tests, and successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, in compliance with ESA's security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security procedures. The agency is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics.