Luxembourgish National Graduate Trainee in Country Capability Development

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 operates across various countries in Europe. 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 employs thousands of professionals and collaborates with numerous international partners to advance space science, technology, and applications.

Job Overview:
The Luxembourgish National Graduate Trainee (NGT) Programme at ESA offers recent Master’s graduates a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in the space sector. This specific position is focused on Country Capability Development, where the trainee will work closely with the Country Capability and Development Division at ESA's ESTEC facility in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The role involves supporting the preparation of calls for proposals, assisting in the tender evaluation process, and monitoring technology development activities for New Member States and Associate Members. The trainee will also engage with the LuxIMPULSE Programme, which is a collaborative initiative between the Luxembourg Space Agency and ESA aimed at fostering research and development in the space domain. This position is designed to provide hands-on experience in managing projects and initiatives that enhance the capabilities of the space sector in Luxembourg and other European nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Luxembourgish National Graduate Trainee, the individual will be responsible for a variety of tasks including:

• Assisting in the preparation of calls for proposals related to technology development activities.
• Supporting the tender evaluation process by collaborating with ESA programme and technical experts.
• Monitoring and following up on technology development activities for New Member States and Associate Members.
• Providing support to the LuxIMPULSE Programme Manager, including performance metrics analysis and database maintenance.
• Organizing and supporting training courses in collaboration with ESA staff.
• Cooperating with auditors to prepare for specific audits related to LuxIMPULSE.
• Organizing events to foster networking between Luxembourg industry and European space firms.
• Contributing to the assessment of proposals and providing insights based on technical knowledge and experience.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. A background in scientific, technical, or business disciplines is essential, along with a demonstrated interest in the space sector. Previous experience in international teams is advantageous. The selection process will also evaluate the candidate's motivation and career aspirations, ensuring alignment with ESA's mission and values.

Educational Background:
Applicants should have recently completed or be in the final year of a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, technology, or business. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the space sector and contributing effectively to the various projects and initiatives at ESA.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience, which can be gained through internships, project work, or extracurricular activities. This experience should ideally relate to the space sector or similar technical fields, providing a foundation for the responsibilities of the trainee role.

Languages:
The working languages at 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 linguistic proficiency is essential for effective communication within the agency and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Luxembourgish National Graduate Trainee position is a full-time appointment under the ESA Graduate Trainee Programme. The role is specifically targeted at nationals of Luxembourg or permanent residents of Luxembourg with the nationality of an ESA Member State, Associate Member, or Cooperating State. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo a basic screening process prior to appointment. 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 strives to accommodate individuals with disabilities in the workplace.