Head of the Strategic Initiatives and Sustainability Office

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 Head of the Strategic Initiatives and Sustainability Office will play a pivotal role in the Strategy Department of ESA, focusing on the development and implementation of strategic initiatives that align with the agency's long-term goals. This position involves leading the office responsible for identifying and structuring new strategic initiatives, particularly in the context of sustainability and engagement with non-traditional partners. The successful candidate will be tasked with translating the objectives of Strategy 2040 into actionable priorities, overseeing cross-sector initiatives, and managing the Sustainability Fund. This role requires a strategic thinker who can navigate complex institutional environments and foster collaboration across various stakeholders, including public authorities and industry partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and shape the Strategic Initiatives and Sustainability Office, ensuring the development of early-stage concepts and strategic preparation for future initiatives.
• Actively contribute to the implementation and updating of Strategy 2040, translating long-term objectives into divisional priorities.
• Identify, design, and oversee cross-sector initiatives with non-traditional partners to explore new mission domains.
• Coordinate across ESA directorates to transition validated initiatives into operational programs and prepare for Council meetings.
• Define and steer ESA's Green Agenda, managing the Sustainability Fund and embedding sustainability across programs.
• Represent ESA in engagements with the European Commission, Member State institutions, and industry.
• Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess extensive experience in strategic planning and program development within large institutional or international organizations, ideally in the space sector. A strong understanding of the European space sector, ESA programs, and the institutional environment involving Member States and European institutions is essential. Proven experience in incubating new initiatives from concept to operational implementation, including partnership development, is required. Candidates should also have solid knowledge of sustainability policies and financial management skills, including budgeting and resource planning. Strong leadership, negotiation, and cross-organizational coordination capabilities are critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in aerospace engineering is required for this position. This educational background should be complemented by extensive professional experience in relevant fields, particularly those that intersect with the strategic initiatives and sustainability agendas of ESA.

Experience:
A minimum of 15 years of professional experience is required, with a focus on both public and private organizations. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading and developing multidisciplinary teams, as well as experience in the end-to-end development and execution of strategic initiatives across multiple domains relevant to ESA. International experience and mobility are considered assets, as this role may involve rotation opportunities within ESA after approximately five years.

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 is considered an asset. This requirement ensures effective communication within the agency and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a four-year appointment, extendable to indefinite, and is based at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France. The role involves significant responsibilities, including people management and strategic oversight, and is classified under Grade Band A

• The agency is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. Candidates may be required to undergo selection tests and basic screening before appointment.