ESA Academy Training Administrator

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 across various domains, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation, and collaborates with numerous international partners to advance space science and technology.

Job Overview:
The ESA Academy Training Administrator will play a crucial role within the ESA Academy Unit of the ESA Education Office, which is part of the Human Resources Department. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about education and training in the space sector. The ESA Academy serves as a flagship program aimed at university students and early-career professionals, providing them with training, project experience, and engagement activities that enhance their readiness for careers in the space industry. The administrator will be responsible for managing and coordinating the ESA Academy training program, ensuring that it meets the needs of participants while continuously evolving to incorporate new learning methodologies and technologies. This role requires a proactive approach to developing training content and managing relationships with various stakeholders, including universities, industry partners, and internal experts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the ESA Academy Training Administrator include managing the planning, coordination, implementation, and continuous improvement of ESA Academy training activities. This involves overseeing the end-to-end preparation, delivery, and follow-up of training sessions, ensuring that all aspects of the training portfolio are developed and maintained to high standards. The administrator will coordinate the development and quality assurance of training content, manage trainers, lecturers, and subject matter experts, and oversee digital learning resources and e-learning activities. Additionally, the role includes coordinating services, contracts, trainees, and early-career professionals, supporting training infrastructure and learning platforms, maintaining relationships with universities and research organizations, contributing to outreach and communication efforts, monitoring program performance, preparing reports, and supporting budget preparation and procurement activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master’s degree in a relevant domain, along with eight years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and an additional four years of relevant professional experience may also be considered. Practical experience in managing training, educational, or professional development programs in an international environment is essential. Familiarity with digital learning solutions, online training delivery, and coordination of training activities involving multiple stakeholders is highly desirable. Candidates should also have experience with learning management systems, data analysis, and reporting tools, including Power BI, as well as the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously and ensure high-quality service delivery.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in a relevant field is required for this position. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may be considered if they have additional relevant professional experience. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training related to education, training management, or a field pertinent to the space sector.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a master’s degree. For those with a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of four additional years of relevant experience is necessary. Experience in managing training programs, particularly in an international context, is crucial, as is familiarity with digital learning environments and modern learning technologies.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset. This requirement reflects the agency's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of four years, which may be extended up to a maximum of eight years based on performance and organizational needs. The position is classified within the grade band A2-A4, and recruitment will typically occur within this band. However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of their master’s degree, the position may be filled at the A1 level. Candidates may be required to undergo selection tests during the recruitment process, and successful candidates will need to complete a basic screening before appointment. The agency 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.