External Relations Officer (2 Posts)

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 multiple countries, focusing on various aspects of space exploration, satellite technology, and international cooperation in space science. ESA'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. The agency is headquartered in Paris, France, and has offices in several locations worldwide, including Washington and Tokyo, to facilitate international collaboration and engagement.

Job Overview:
The External Relations Officer will play a pivotal role in the External Relations Department, which is responsible for shaping and delivering ESA's international engagement strategy with non-Member States and international organizations. This position involves developing and managing relationships with various stakeholders, including government administrations and space agencies, to promote cooperation and information exchange. The officer will represent ESA in external interactions, ensuring that the agency's priorities align with international developments. The role requires a proactive approach to monitoring geopolitical trends, preparing key engagements, and providing strategic advice to senior management. The officer will also contribute to policy formulation and prepare high-level briefings and documentation for various agency bodies, ensuring that ESA maintains its position as a trusted global partner in space exploration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the External Relations Officer include:

• Developing and managing relations with non-Member States and international organizations, continuously monitoring their space-related policies, programs, and activities.
• Representing ESA externally in interactions with non-Member States, international organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Maintaining and expanding institutional networks with government administrations, space agencies, and partner organizations to ensure effective information exchange and cooperation.
• Identifying and promoting opportunities for cooperation with international partners, proposing priority themes, and ensuring coordination across the agency.
• Planning and coordinating engagements, including meetings, conferences, and official visits involving international partners.
• Contributing to international negotiations in close coordination with the agency's legal services and relevant program directorates.
• Providing timely insights on international and geopolitical developments by collecting, assessing, and synthesizing relevant information for effective dissemination within the agency.
• Supporting policy formulation by translating international developments into actionable recommendations, engaging with Member States' foreign services where appropriate.
• Preparing high-level briefings and documentation for the ESA Council, the International Relations Committee, and other agency bodies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in international relations, political science, economics, law, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in international relations, diplomacy, external stakeholder engagement, or project/program management is required. Specialized experience in areas such as multilateral cooperation, foreign and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security policy, economic diplomacy, or geopolitical analysis will be considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate proven ability to establish and manage high-level contacts in international environments, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in multicultural settings are essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires a master's degree in a relevant field such as international relations, political science, economics, or law. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of international relations and the dynamics of diplomacy and stakeholder engagement.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in fields related to international relations, diplomacy, or external stakeholder engagement. Experience in managing international networks and interfacing with various stakeholders is essential, as is a demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural and cross-functional environments.

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. This linguistic proficiency is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the agency and with external partners.

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

• Recruitment will be conducted within this advertised grade band, but candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for a lower grade. The agency is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or other characteristics. ESA also provides support for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment process and in the workplace. Candidates may be required to undergo selection tests and basic screening before appointment, in compliance with ESA's security procedures.