Head of the Space Segment Section

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'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 various domains including Earth observation, human spaceflight, exploration, and telecommunications, and has established partnerships with numerous international space organizations.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Space Segment Section will oversee the development of telecommunication space segment technology and products within the Technology and Products Division of the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications. This role involves managing a team and coordinating activities related to satellite communication technology, ensuring that projects align with ESA's strategic objectives. The successful candidate will be responsible for initiating and implementing projects that enhance the satellite communication market, providing regular technical and financial reports to ESA management, and collaborating with various organizational units to support the development of innovative technologies. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying technology needs and establishing roadmaps for future satellite communication products, as well as fostering collaboration across departments to promote the ARTES Industrial Competitiveness programme.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Head of the Space Segment Section include: initiating, implementing, and managing activities related to satellite space segment technology and products; providing regular technical, programmatic, and financial reporting to ESA management and Member State delegations; managing the Section, including manpower planning and resource allocation; offering engineering support to projects with a focus on innovative technologies; identifying technology needs for future products and developing associated roadmaps; coordinating support from other ESA units; preparing yearly ARTES workplans; collaborating with other functional elements within the Directorate; promoting the ARTES IC programme; and developing dashboards for monitoring internal resources. The role also requires strong leadership and management skills to ensure a motivating work environment and effective team performance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant field, along with at least 8 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor's degree and an additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered. The position requires strong leadership capabilities, excellent relationship management and communication skills, and the ability to drive team performance through effective delegation and feedback. Candidates should also demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, operational efficiency, and a result-oriented mindset, with the ability to manage priorities and present practical solutions.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this position. Candidates with a bachelor's degree may be considered if they have an additional four years of relevant professional experience. The educational background should be aligned with the technical domains covered by the position, ensuring that candidates have the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to succeed in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in managing technology and product development activities, particularly in the satellite communication sector. Candidates should have experience interacting with the space industry, ESA Member State delegations, and stakeholders. Experience in managing complex research and development programmes, especially in telecommunications, is highly desirable. People management experience and international experience outside the home country are considered assets.

Languages:
The working languages of ESA are English and French. A good command 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 international partners.

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

• Recruitment will generally be within this grade band, but candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for an A1 level position. 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. ESA 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 agency values diversity and seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities in the workplace.