Space Weather Project Manager

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 operates across various countries, focusing on space science, Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation, among other areas. ESA's mission is to provide Europe with a space capability and to foster international cooperation in space exploration and research.

Job Overview:
The Space Weather Project Manager will report directly to the Head of the Space Weather Office within the Space Safety Programme Office, Directorate of Operations. This role is crucial for the definition, architecture, and implementation of the ESA Space Weather system, which includes delivering essential services related to space weather. The Space Weather Office is responsible for maintaining user requirements, analyzing European Space Weather assets, and designing the architecture for the Space Weather System. This includes developing software applications, ground systems, hosted payloads, and small satellite missions. The successful candidate will also manage projects outside the Space Safety Programme, such as tasks assigned by the European Commission or national space weather initiatives. The role requires close collaboration with various teams, particularly in developing space weather capabilities for the Belgian defense sector, necessitating direct interaction with end users, including the Belgian Ministry of Defence.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Space Weather Project Manager include managing the entire project lifecycle for developing space weather capabilities for the Belgian defense sector. This encompasses preparing the Invitation to Tender (ITT), overseeing contract kick-off, implementation, review, and formal closure after delivering approved results. The manager will translate user roadmaps into contractual and technical requirements, develop clear project plans, timelines, and deliverables, and break down the project into manageable subprojects. Responsibilities also include preparing procurement for each subproject, managing the overall project scope, schedule, budget, risks, and quality of deliverables. The manager will act as the primary contact between ESA and end users, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and maintain project documentation in compliance with ESA standards. Additionally, the manager will support all project reviews and identify, assess, manage, and report health and safety risks within their area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in an engineering or scientific discipline. They should demonstrate the ability to summarize complex information clearly and concisely in reports, possess strong verbal and written communication skills, and be capable of working effectively in an international team environment. The role requires potential leadership capabilities to manage individuals or teams of experts in a project setting, along with strong organizational skills to ensure a motivating work environment. Candidates should also exhibit strong problem-solving skills to address operational challenges and have a results-oriented mindset with the ability to prioritize and present practical solutions.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in an engineering or scientific discipline is mandatory for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the technical complexities involved in space weather systems and project management.

Experience:
The position requires proven experience in managing space or ground project implementations, with a comprehensive understanding of space/ground system development, integration, verification, and testing. Experience in project risk management processes and familiarity with ESA procurement aspects are also necessary. Candidates should have a solid understanding of Space Weather systems and the specific features of defense and dual-use systems.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is required, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication within the international team and with various stakeholders.

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 based on performance and organizational needs. The position is classified within the grade band A2 - A4, and recruitment will generally occur within this band. However, candidates with less than four years of relevant professional 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 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.