Head of the Talent Management and Culture Division

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 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 additional facilities in the Netherlands and other member states. The agency is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, promoting equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Talent Management and Culture Division at ESA will play a pivotal role in shaping the agency's talent strategy and organizational culture. This position involves leading a dynamic team within the Human Resources Department, which is responsible for delivering high-quality HR services to a diverse workforce. The role encompasses overseeing two key sections: Talent Development and Culture, which focuses on career frameworks, performance management, and employee engagement, and Talent Acquisition, which manages recruitment strategies and employer branding. The successful candidate will be instrumental in developing and implementing talent management policies that align with ESA's mission and ensure workforce sustainability. This position requires a strategic mindset to foster a skills-based talent strategy and a strong organizational culture that supports the agency's long-term goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Head of the Talent Management and Culture Division include: supporting the implementation of the ESA People Strategy; providing leadership and coordination for talent development and organizational culture activities; developing talent management frameworks that enhance workforce mobility and retention; defining talent acquisition strategies aligned with current skills needs; ensuring strategic oversight of workforce planning; leading a diverse team of experts; advising management on talent and organizational culture matters; embedding data-driven practices across HR activities; and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the agency. The role also involves analyzing workforce data to inform strategic decisions and ensuring effective communication of complex information to various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant field such as human resources, business administration, engineering, law, or psychology. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree with an additional four years of relevant experience may be considered. A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in HR and talent management is required, with a strong focus on strategy, policy, and solution design. Proven experience in conducting qualitative studies, developing sourcing strategies, and leading multinational teams is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership, relationship management, and communication skills, along with a track record of representing organizational interests externally.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in human resources, business administration, engineering, law, or psychology is required. Candidates with a bachelor's degree and additional relevant experience may also be considered. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in the principles of human resources and organizational management, equipping the candidate with the necessary skills to navigate complex HR challenges.

Experience:
At least 15 years of professional experience in HR and talent management is required, including significant experience in talent development and acquisition. Candidates should have at least 10 years of leadership experience, with a minimum of five years in a managerial role overseeing other managers or team leads. International experience and exposure to diverse functional areas relevant to ESA's activities are considered assets, as mobility is inherent to management functions within the agency.

Languages:
The working languages of ESA are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of another language from a Member State is considered an asset. Proficiency in English is particularly important for effective communication within the agency and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a four-year appointment, extendable to indefinite. The role is based at the ESA Headquarters in Paris, France, or at the ESTEC facility in Noordwijk, Netherlands. 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. The recruitment process may involve selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. Mobility opportunities may be offered as part of career evolution at ESA.