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, D/HRE 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 Programmes, the Leader of the Human Exploration Group manages the Agency’s cross-cutting human spaceflight activities in support of all destinations and is the Head of the European Astronaut Centre (EAC).

Duties

You will be required to:

• provide leadership for the implementation of crew operations (training, medical and astronauts) across all destinations;
• provide leadership for the European Astronaut Corps;
• represent ESA in the ISS Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP) and the Gateway Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (GMCOP), as well as their subordinated boards;
• provide leadership for the Life Sciences teams, ensure the definition of human exploration-enabling science requirements and coordinate implementation with the respective destination leads;
• provide leadership to the EAC Integrated Team;
• provide functional support to the Gateway Operations Lead (HRE-LGO) for the preparation and implementation of the Gateway crew operations;
• lead the European astronaut selection process;
• provide support for the human exploration projects in cooperation with NASA (ISS, Gateway and ESM) through the Houston Office.

The Leader of the Human Exploration Group is supported by the:

• Astronaut Corps and Crew Operations Team (HRE-HA);
• Space Medicine Team (HRE-HM);
• Space Training Team (HRE-HT);
• Human Exploration Enabling Science Team(HRE-HS);
• Houston Office Team (HRE-HH).

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

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

Extensive experience in the field of human spaceflight, preferably with experience in crew operations, astronaut training and mission planning.

Direct experience in managing or providing leadership for an astronaut corps, ensuring their readiness for missions.

Proven track record of working with international space organisations and participating in multilateral panels or boards such as MCOP and GMCOP.

Demonstrated experience in leading complex projects, particularly those related to human space exploration.

• Proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team
• The ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Group and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context;
• The ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation;
• Demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written;
• A proven track record of representing the Agency’s interests to external interfaces;
• Excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
• The ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• The ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity as well as to support others (team members, upper management or other stakeholders) in this process.

People management experience is required and international experience would be an asset, including outside your home country, as would experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.
Mobility is inherent to management functions and this position may be subject to rotation.
Mobility opportunities may therefore be offered to you as part of your career evolution at ESA, after approximately five years in this role.