Description

The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is a programme directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Using a partnership between humans and robots, the Directorate is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working – or will live and work in the future – for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

Under the direct authority of the Director of Human and Robotic Exploration (D/HRE), as Communication Programme Officer (CPO) you will be responsible for defining, executing, monitoring and improving all communication activities falling under the responsibility of the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration (D/HRE). In fulfilling these tasks, you will interface with a team of communication experts.

Communication Programme Officers (CPOs) ensure that a directorate’s communication needs are met, at a consistently high standard across the Agency. As HRE CPO, you will lead all D/HRE communication activities and will be responsible for defining and implementing D/HRE’s communication goals and communication plan of activities, as well as related cross-ESA highlight campaigns.

As D/HRE CPO you will be the principal interface between the Directorate and ESA Communication Department and will ensure full coordination with corporate communication planning, as well as efficient implementation of ESA-wide communication priorities and narratives.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• managing and implementing the communication campaign to create public and political support for ESA’s exploration capabilities;
• leading the D/HRE communication team, including communication in relation to astronauts;
• training a group of spokespersons of the HRE directorate and supporting corporate media relations on exploration-related topics;
• supporting the implementation of news conferences, exhibition participation and public relations events in close cooperation with the Communication Department;
• ensuring the online presence of HRE activities including the ESA portal, ESA intranet, and social media channels, in accordance with the ESA Communication Policy, as well as the internal communication flow relevant for communications in the HRE directorate;
• managing and providing the content necessary for the production of video, graphics, animations to be published on ESA social media channels and ESA Web TV, as well as for the production of brochures, leaflets, posters, fact sheets and media kits on exploration;
• monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the communication activities implemented in close cooperation with the Communication Department;
• contributing to ESA’s Annual Communication Plan through the ESA Communication Planning Board (CPB) by establishing and implementing the annual communication plan of activities for the HRE directorate;
• contributing to Communication Department meetings in order to maintain an up-to-date, consolidated publishing and events agenda reflecting HRE communication interests while ensuring coherence on the high-level messages and briefings on HRE for the astronauts and D/HRE in line with the ESA narrative.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

A master’s degree in a relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• Significant experience in communication in an international environment.
• Knowledge of space science, space technology, space transportation and space engineering and operations, as well as proven experience in communication strategy and activities.