Earth Observation Data Service 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 encompass 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 multiple countries across Europe and collaborates with various international partners to advance space science and technology.

Job Overview:
The Earth Observation Data Service Manager will play a crucial role in the Common Services Section of the ESA Ground Segment and Data Management Division. This position involves overseeing the operational provisioning of Earth Observation (EO) data services, particularly focusing on the interface with Copernicus services. The selected candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the service meets user expectations and operational requirements. The role requires a blend of technical expertise and management skills, as the manager will gradually take on responsibilities for additional EO data generation and management services. The position is integral to the success of ESA's Earth Observation missions, which include both institutional and commercial missions, and aims to provide timely access to EO data for authorized users.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Earth Observation Data Service Manager include supporting the management of the industrial service to ensure continuity and compliance with performance levels, maintaining effective technical interfaces with Copernicus services, monitoring data consumption, and assisting users in line with programmatic objectives. The manager will also be responsible for resolving operational anomalies, contributing to innovative technological solutions, defining service requirements based on user needs, managing service implementation, and providing regular reporting on technical, operational, and financial matters. Additionally, the manager will assist in maintaining the Earth Observation Framework and support the Head of the Common Services Section in various tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant engineering subject and have at least four years of relevant professional experience. A PMP or ITIL certification is considered an asset. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a strong capability to work autonomously within an international and interdisciplinary team, possess a high level of motivation, and have experience in designing scalable ICT cloud-based solutions. Knowledge of innovative technologies and operational approaches for scientific payload data processing is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline is required for this position. This educational background should provide the candidate with a solid foundation in engineering principles, particularly as they relate to Earth Observation and data management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master's degree. This experience should include a proven track record in the design, implementation, and operations of EO data services, particularly those relying on large-scale data infrastructures and cloud architectures.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency 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. This multilingual requirement reflects the diverse nature of the agency's workforce and its international collaborations.

Additional Notes:
The position is a four-year appointment, extendable to indefinite, and falls within the grade band A2 - A

• Recruitment will primarily be within this advertised grade band, but candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for a lower grade (A1). The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening in compliance with ESA's security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security procedures. 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. ESA also values individuals with disabilities and seeks to provide necessary support in the workplace.