Intern in the Commercialisation Department - Ventures and Finance 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 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 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 internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position in the Commercialisation Department - Ventures and Finance Office at ESA is designed for university students who are eager to gain practical experience in the space sector. The intern will work within the Access to Finance, Ventures and Analytics Office, which focuses on facilitating access to finance for space entities and commercial projects. The role involves supporting venture capital investments, securing loans, and providing business analytics expertise. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in various projects, including process automation, communication with industry stakeholders, and conducting market research. The position aims to enhance the intern's understanding of the financial ecosystem and the investment lifecycle within the European space sector, while also contributing to the operational efficiency of the office.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have the opportunity to choose from several topics of activity, including: 1) Process Automation and Digital Tools: Identifying opportunities for automating repetitive tasks, contributing to the design of internal tools, and supporting the integration of document repositories. 2) Communication and Relationship with Industry: Providing support to companies during their application processes, creating marketing materials, and assisting in organizing industry events. 3) Space Market Research and Business Analysis: Conducting research on potential companies in the space sector, analyzing business plans, and monitoring industry trends. Interns will also be expected to demonstrate behavioral competencies such as result orientation, operational efficiency, and fostering cooperation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master's program. They should be enrolled at their university for the entire duration of the internship. A good command of English or French is required, and knowledge of another ESA Member State language is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should possess strong analytical and organizational skills, be proactive and autonomous, and have a good understanding of the financial ecosystem and the European space economy.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a university student, ideally pursuing a Master's degree. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their enrollment in a university program for the entire duration of the internship, which is crucial for eligibility.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, candidates with practical experience in a space start-up or familiarity with the financial ecosystem will be at an advantage. Experience with Microsoft 365 tools, particularly advanced Excel functions, Power BI, and Power Automate, is also beneficial for this role.

Languages:
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of another ESA Member State language is considered a valuable asset.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position based in Paris, France, and is open to nationals of specific ESA member states. The closing date for applications is 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. 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. The internship conditions are subject to change, and candidates may be required to undergo selection tests during the recruitment process.