Senior Talent Management Expert

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 encompass 22 member states and employs over 7,700 professionals. 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 across various countries, with its headquarters located in Paris, France, and multiple establishments throughout Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The agency is committed to fostering international cooperation in space exploration and research, and it plays a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation in the field of space.

Job Overview:
As a Senior Talent Management Expert at ESA, you will be part of a dynamic and international team within the Talent and Culture Competence Centre, which is a division of the Human Resources Department. This division is responsible for delivering high-quality HR services to a diverse workforce of over 7,700 employees. Your role will involve shaping a skills-based talent strategy that aligns with ESA's missions and long-term workforce sustainability. You will be expected to design, implement, and review talent policies and frameworks that address current and future workforce needs, ensuring that they are informed by market trends. Collaboration with various stakeholders, both internal and external, will be essential to integrate feedback and align HR solutions with organizational needs. You will also lead strategic projects, prepare high-quality materials for stakeholders, and leverage people analytics to drive evidence-based solutions. Additionally, you will contribute to the HR digital agenda and embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into all talent management initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Senior Talent Management Expert, your primary duties will include: monitoring and identifying current and future workforce needs and gaps in relation to market trends; designing, reviewing, and implementing ESA talent policies, frameworks, and processes; collaborating with HR stakeholders and external partners to ensure alignment of HR policies with organizational needs; planning and leading strategic projects to ensure timely progress and high-quality outcomes; preparing comprehensive materials such as policies and communications for various stakeholders; utilizing people analytics and employee insights to inform strategic decisions; contributing to the HR digital agenda by exploring innovative methodologies; and embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into all talent management projects.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess extensive senior-level experience in managing HR policies and talent solutions within large, multicultural organizations. Proven expertise in change management, people analytics, and continuous improvement is essential. Candidates should have the ability to analyze and visualize data effectively and advise stakeholders on its implications. A sound knowledge of HR best practices, including current and emerging policies and trends, is required. Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills across various organizational levels are necessary, along with excellent drafting and communication abilities in English, enabling clear synthesis of complex information for diverse audiences, including senior management.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Engineering, Law, Psychology, or a related field is required for this position. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and an additional four years of relevant professional experience in HR policies and talent management may also be considered.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten years of senior and in-depth experience in HR policies and talent management solutions. Experience in conducting qualitative studies, including surveys and focus groups, is also required. Solid experience in sourcing strategies, selection processes, mobility frameworks, and employee listening initiatives is essential. Familiarity with the latest methodologies such as agile, design thinking, and lean management is advantageous.

Languages:
The working languages of ESA are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a four-year appointment, extendable to indefinite. The recruitment process may involve selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. The position may be subject to rotation in line with ESA’s mobility and workforce needs. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The agency values diversity and seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing necessary support in the workplace.