Policy Officer

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 numerous international partners to advance space science and technology.

Job Overview:
The Policy Officer will play a crucial role within the Director General Support and Relations with Member States Section of ESA. This position involves managing institutional relations between ESA and assigned Member States, ensuring that these relationships are structured and productive. The officer will act as the primary interface for Member States, facilitating proactive engagement and structured dialogue. The role requires the ability to provide tailored briefings and strategic assessments that align with both Member State priorities and ESA’s strategic objectives. The Policy Officer will also be responsible for monitoring political developments and national space policies, analyzing program participation, and providing strategic intelligence to support high-level engagements with Member States. This position is essential for fostering cooperation and ensuring that ESA's initiatives are effectively communicated and aligned with the interests of its Member States.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Policy Officer will be responsible for orchestrating institutional relations between ESA and assigned Member States. Key duties include: acting as the first point of contact for Member States; ensuring proactive engagement and structured dialogue; coordinating timely responses to requests for information and policy support; providing tailored briefings and strategic assessments; engaging in strategic advocacy with national authorities; monitoring and reporting on political developments and national space policies; analyzing program participation and financial trends; preparing briefing notes and background documentation; drafting correspondence, speeches, and reports; coordinating internal preparatory meetings; implementing Council- and Board-related activities; and conducting ad hoc analyses and strategic assignments as requested by management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written. A high level of diplomatic awareness and political sensitivity is essential, along with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels. The candidate should demonstrate sound judgment, tact, and discretion, and have the capacity to work effectively in a team environment and under pressure. Proven experience in diplomatic engagement and lobbying activities is highly desirable, as is experience in protocol matters and high-level event coordination.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this position. This educational background should provide the candidate with the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to perform effectively in the role of Policy Officer.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should include work in structured relationship management and strategic development frameworks, as well as familiarity with multilateral decision-making processes and high-level diplomatic correspondence.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and French, which are the working languages of ESA, is mandatory. Knowledge of additional Member State languages would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time appointment for a duration of 4 years, with the possibility of extension to an indefinite term. Recruitment will be conducted within the advertised grade band (A2-A4), but candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for a lower grade. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo a basic screening process. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities.