Job Advertisement

Position Title: Head of the Earth and Mission Sciences Division
Location: Noordwijk
Country: Netherlands
Deadline Date: 28 November 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Job Details

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 operates across various countries, focusing on space science, Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation, among other areas. ESA'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.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Earth and Mission Sciences Division will report directly to the Head of the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department. This role is pivotal in overseeing the scientific evaluation of proposed mission ideas and approved candidate mission concepts, ensuring their scientific maturity and integrity. The successful candidate will be responsible for reviewing the conformance of proposed or approved missions with scientific and user community requirements. This position involves convening mission-specific advisory groups and maintaining mission requirement documents and science support plans. The role also includes managing scientific studies and campaigns that support all mission phases, assigning dedicated scientists, and driving calibration and validation processes. The candidate will manage the Advisory Committee for Earth Observation (ACEO) Secretariat and organize its activities, ensuring alignment with the ESA Earth Observation Science Strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of the Earth and Mission Sciences Division include: managing mission science-related activities of the Earth Observation (EO) programmes; providing leadership and expertise for mission and campaign scientists; generating and maintaining mission requirements throughout all phases of mission development; developing and implementing science support plans for EO missions; conducting and supervising scientific studies to support EO mission implementation; managing international science and mission advisory groups; contributing to the elaboration of candidate EO mission documents; leading scientific evaluations and technical assessments of EO mission proposals; supervising geophysical algorithm research; leading measurement campaigns for calibration and validation of EO missions; contributing to outreach and communication efforts; supporting Young Graduate Trainees and Research Fellows; reporting on division activities; participating in the Department’s executive leadership team; representing ESA at international forums; and coordinating with other Directorates on common topics. Additionally, the candidate will identify, assess, manage, and report on health and Safety Risks in their area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD degree in physics, engineering, or a relevant Earth science and applications discipline. Previous experience working on multi-agency cooperative programmes is advantageous. The candidate should have solid experience as a team leader, with a comprehensive understanding of management and procurement processes. Personal credibility with leading scientific authorities in the field is essential. Proven experience in leading, motivating, and developing teams in a project environment is required, along with the ability to provide strategic direction and relate team objectives to organizational goals. Excellent leadership, relationship management, and communication skills are necessary, as well as strong cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning, and organizational skills. The ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues, and make timely decisions with integrity is crucial.

Educational Background:
A PhD degree in physics, engineering, or a relevant Earth science and applications discipline is required for this position. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to lead scientific evaluations and manage complex Earth observation missions effectively.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in managing and monitoring Research and Development activities, particularly in the field of Earth Observation. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading teams and projects, ideally in an international or multi-agency context. Experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities is also beneficial, as is familiarity with cooperative initiatives at international, European, and national levels.

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 Member State language would be considered an asset. This linguistic requirement is essential for effective communication within the agency and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is a permanent contract and is located at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands. ESA is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. The agency is transitioning to a Matrix setup, which may lead to organizational changes affecting this position. Applications can only be considered from nationals of specific ESA Member States, and priority will be given to internal candidates and those from under-represented Member States.