Liaison Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is a multinational 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, focusing on scientific research, technological development, and international cooperation in space exploration. ESA's mission is to provide Europe with a capability in space and to foster the development of a competitive European space industry.

Job Overview:
The Liaison Officer position is situated within the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) at ESA. This role is crucial for facilitating the technical liaison between ESA and NASA, particularly concerning the International Space Station (ISS) and future space exploration initiatives. The Liaison Officer will be responsible for ensuring effective communication and coordination between ESA and NASA teams, managing programmatic aspects, and representing ESA in various technical reviews and meetings. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams across different organizations. The Liaison Officer will also support the preparation and execution of ISS missions, ensuring that ESA's interests and operational readiness are prioritized.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Liaison Officer include facilitating technical and programmatic coordination between ESA and NASA teams, representing ESA in various reviews and working groups, and assisting in the processing of change requests requiring ESA approval. The officer will act as the primary liaison for ISS and post-ISS operations, supporting flight preparation and execution as the Increment Management Centre (IMC) ESA lead. Responsibilities also include coordinating ESA's position with relevant teams prior to reviews, managing flight readiness for ESA-led missions, and providing real-time support for ISS operations. The Liaison Officer will assist in defining future operations for ESA-supported programmes and will be involved in export control and bilateral arrangements as necessary. This operational role may require availability outside normal working hours and during holidays.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess excellent communication and networking skills, a goal-oriented approach, and the ability to think strategically. A strong technical command of human spaceflight operations and liaison competencies is essential. Knowledge of collaborative ESA/NASA programmes, particularly regarding ISS operations, is critical. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of NASA's commercial crew vehicle design and mission management support.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field is required for this position. This educational background should provide the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively perform the duties associated with the Liaison Officer role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant professional experience, ideally four years or more, following the completion of their master's degree. However, candidates with less experience may be considered for a lower grade level (A1) if they meet other qualifications.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time appointment for a duration of four years, with the possibility of extension to an indefinite term. Recruitment will primarily be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4), but candidates with less experience may be considered for a lower grade. Applicants must be eligible to access information subject to European or US export control regulations. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo a background screening as part of ESA's security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security procedures. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their background.