Head of Ecosystem Development Section
JOB DETAIL
Vacancy in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
This post is classified A2–A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.
Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
Description
Head of the EO Services Ecosystem Section (EOP-GCE) in the Copernicus Ground Segment and Data Management Division (EOP-GC), Earth Observation Mission Management and Ground Segment Department (EOP-G), Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
Under the ESA Earth Observation Framework, ESA, together with its partners and the European Earth observation (EO) and IT industries, is developing an ecosystem of Copernicus and DestinE data management and modelling services to foster user exploitation activities as well as the growth of a sustainable industrial network of services.
ESA will contribute to the development of the ecosystem by procuring and supporting new projects and providing the necessary strategic development objectives.
Duties
To ensure that the relevant divisional objectives are achieved, you will be responsible for the management of the ESA Earth Observation Services Ecosystem development, including management of the ecosystem onboarding activities and the development of associated advanced services.
Your duties will be as follows:
- Managing and reporting on co-design activities involving the user communities in the framework of the Copernicus Ground Segment, DestinE and ESA DTE programmes;
- Managing and reporting on the implementation and onboarding of advanced operational services on the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem and on the DestinE Core Platform (DESP), including the implementation of future data processors to serve the operational needs of the CSC and DestinE ESA framework ecosystem services development;
- Reporting on the CSC and DestinE ESA framework ecosystem development status, performance and plans;
- Managing the implementation of the ESA DTE work plan, related service implementation and onboarding activities on the DestinE Core Platform;
- Identifying risks and mitigation actions relating to the CSC and DestinE ESA framework ecosystem sustainability;
- Supporting the ESA Earth observation quality system for the definition and maintenance of the Copernicus Ground Segment, DestinE and ESA DTE quality programme of work.
- Driving initiatives in the Section aimed at innovation and new operational paradigms, including collaboration with external entities;
- Providing support to the Head of the Copernicus Ground Segment and Data Management Division and contributing to short- and long-term organisational planning and strategy as a member of the management team.
You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A master’s degree is required for this post.
Additional requirements
The following are considered assets:
- A high level of motivation and dedication, with the ability to take ownership and be proactive
- Ten years of experience in large projects in an international context
- Co-design knowledge
You should also have:
- the potential to manage individuals or a team in a project setting;
- the ability to organise individual and team activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
- strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
- the ability to drive your team’s performance, developing your people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback;
- strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
- a strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
- the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer-focused.
People management experience is an asset, as is international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.
Other information
For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.
For further information please visit: Professionals, What we offer and FAQ
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.
At the Agency we value diversity and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further please contact us email [email protected].
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.
In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service.
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
