Very High Resolution (VHR) Data Solutions Coordinator

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 various countries in Europe and collaborates with numerous international partners. 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 involved in a wide range of activities, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation, and plays a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation in the field of space exploration.

Job Overview:
The Very High Resolution (VHR) Data Solutions Coordinator will play a pivotal role in the context of various European Union (EU) and ESA programmes, including Copernicus and Earthnet. This position is focused on driving innovation and supporting the definition and implementation of activities that ensure the seamless integration, exploitation, and management of Third Party Mission (TPM) data, particularly emphasizing commercial Earth observation (EO) data sources. The coordinator will be responsible for aligning the evolving European EO data service ecosystem with user needs, technological advancements, and European policy objectives. The role also involves supporting the coordination of Copernicus Contributing Mission (CCM) activities and contributing to the management and implementation of future Earthnet activities and new ESA Earth observation programme elements. The coordinator will engage with various stakeholders, including European institutions and commercial data providers, to foster collaboration and ensure effective programme delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties of the Very High Resolution (VHR) Data Solutions Coordinator include:

• Supporting innovation and programme development for Third Party Missions, focusing on the integration, management, and exploitation of commercial EO and VHR data within European EO data ecosystems.
• Coordinating and supporting the implementation, evolution, and strategic development of ESA’s CCM activities funded by the European Union.
• Contributing to the management, definition, preparation, and implementation of future Earthnet activities and new ESA Earth observation programme elements.
• Coordinating VHR data procurement activities and service solutions addressing ESA, Copernicus, and other European institutional user requirements.
• Monitoring evolving VHR EO data needs across European, national, and institutional users in ESA Member States, Participating States, and Cooperating States.
• Supporting flexible coordination, data brokerage, and user engagement functions tailored to diverse stakeholder communities and application domains.
• Fostering collaboration with ESA, the European Commission, commercial data providers, and the wider EO community to ensure effective programme delivery and alignment with user needs.
• Monitoring market trends, technological developments, and emerging commercial EO capabilities, identifying opportunities for innovation and enhanced data exploitation.
• Supporting the efficient implementation and evolution of ESA VHR data and service procurement, including the further development and operation of ESA's Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS).

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a master’s degree in Earth sciences or economics, along with five years of relevant professional experience. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of Earth observation missions and programmes, particularly the Copernicus Space Component Programme and the ESA Earthnet Programme. Knowledge of EO products, applications, and market sectors is essential, as well as familiarity with commercial aspects in the context of EO and NewSpace technologies. Additionally, candidates should have knowledge of procurement processes and service-based procurements.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in Earth sciences or economics is required for this position. This educational background is crucial as it provides the necessary theoretical foundation and practical knowledge needed to effectively manage and coordinate VHR data solutions within the context of ESA's Earth observation initiatives.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in the field of Earth observation or related areas. This experience should demonstrate a strong capability in managing and coordinating projects, particularly those involving Third Party Missions and commercial Earth observation data. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of working within European or international frameworks and will be familiar with the operational aspects of Earth observation programmes.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Additionally, knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and partners across Europe.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years, which may be extended up to a maximum of 8 years depending on performance and organizational needs. The position is classified within the grade band A2 - A

• Recruitment will primarily be within this advertised grade band; however, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level. The agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests during the recruitment process, and successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, conducted by an external background screening service 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 irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics.