Chair of the Advisory Board of the European Space Agency

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 countries across Europe and collaborates with numerous international partners to advance space science and technology.

Job Overview:
The Chair of the Advisory Board at ESA is a pivotal role that involves overseeing an internal review body responsible for addressing employment-related disputes between ESA and its staff members, former staff members, or individuals entitled under them. The Chair will lead the Board in issuing recommendations to the Director General based on the cases presented. This position requires a high level of professionalism, independence, and impartiality, as the Chair will be expected to manage sensitive issues and provide fair assessments. The role is not considered an employment relationship with ESA, and the Chair will serve a five-year term, with the possibility of reappointment for an additional term. The position allows for remote work from an ESA member state, with occasional travel to various ESA establishments, primarily in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chair of the Advisory Board will be responsible for leading the Board in its review of employment-related disputes, ensuring that all cases are handled with the utmost integrity and professionalism. The Chair will facilitate discussions among Board members, guide the decision-making process, and ensure that recommendations are made in a timely manner. The role involves liaising with the Director General and the Chair of the Central Staff Committee to ensure that the Board's recommendations are aligned with ESA's policies and procedures. The Chair will also be responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information and ensuring that all Board members adhere to ethical standards. Additionally, the Chair may be involved in the selection of a Deputy Chair and will oversee the administrative support provided by the Secretariat.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be nationals of an ESA member state or cooperating state and must possess full citizenship rights. They should not be current or former staff members of ESA or any delegation of a member state or cooperating state. The ideal candidate will have a high moral character and recognized competence in law, demonstrating a strong understanding of employment relations and international civil service. A high degree of professionalism, independence, and impartiality is essential for this role. Candidates should also be available for a five-year term, with the possibility of reappointment.

Educational Background:
A recognized competence in law is mandatory for this position. Candidates should have a strong educational background in legal studies, with a focus on employment law, international law, or related fields. Advanced degrees such as a Master's or Doctorate in law would be advantageous, as they demonstrate a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex legal issues.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in areas related to employment relations, the international civil service, or the administration of international organizations. Experience in adjudication and/or arbitration, particularly as a judge or arbitrator, is highly desirable. This extensive experience will enable the Chair to effectively manage the Board's caseload and provide sound recommendations based on legal principles and best practices.

Languages:
A high proficiency in both English and French is required, as these are the working languages of ESA. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, both verbally and in writing. Additionally, having a good level of proficiency in another language spoken in an ESA member state is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Chair of the Advisory Board will be appointed under various agreements, and the role is governed by ESA's arrangements for expert and consultancy contracts. Remuneration will be based on a days-worked basis, reflecting the advisory and demand-led nature of the position. The Agency is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities, providing necessary support during the recruitment process. Candidates will undergo background screening, including reference checks, as part of the selection process. The closing date for applications is set for 4 weeks after the publication date.