Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) – Noordwijk, Netherlands

The Head of the Contracts Department, who reports to the Director of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness, is responsible for defining contracting (procurement and partnership) policies, supporting the implementation of the Agency’s industrial policy through ESA’s contractual activities and the execution all procurement actions in accordance with the applicable ESA framework, in close cooperation with the initiators/project managers.

In particular, the Department is in charge of:

• defining and ensuring the coherent implementation of the Agency’s contracting policies, methods and procedures in coordination with the Legal Department, including the designing of contractual tools towards accelerated procurement process and commercialisation;
• defining and maintaining the necessary processes including defining IT system requirements in support of the optimal implementation of the Agency’s contracting activities, in coordination with the Information Technology Department;
• preparing and implementing the contractual aspects of all contracting activities for ESA and Third Parties (in particular EU delegated programmes) including contract negotiations and management;
• implementing the Agency’s industrial policy through its contracting activities in close coordination with the Industrial Policy and Audits Department and initiating Directorates;
• acting as the focal point for contacts with the ESA Industrial Ombudsperson;
• coordinating procurement policies with Member States and external bodies;
• defining, establishing and implementing a coherent contractual approach for manpower support contracts for all ESA establishments, in cooperation with the Human Resources Department and user Directorates;
• implementing in close cooperation with the relevant Directorates, proposal preparation and contractual aspects of third-party activities concerning the sale or loan of equipment, satellite systems, products and services to third parties.

The Head of the Contracts Department is the Chair of the Adjudication Committee. In the execution of these functions, the Head of Department is supported by the following Divisions:

• Earth Observation and Connectivity Contracts Division (CIC-CE)
• Space Transportation and Headquarters Contracts Division (CIC-CL)
• Operations and Ground Segment Contracts Division (CIC-CO)
• Navigation and EU Contracts Division (CIC-CP)
• General Procurement and Support Contracts Division (CIC-CS)
• Commercialisation and Technology Contracts Division (CIC-CT)
• Science and Exploration Contracts Division (CIC-CX)
• Responsible Contracting and Management Support Office (CIC-CM)

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Space technology tenders and contracts

In the division of commercialisation and technology contracts, you will be exposed to the end-to-end tender process resulting to the signature of R&D contracts and commercial (near-to-market) initiatives of the Agency. You will participate in tender evaluation boards, experience the preparation of tenders and calls for proposals, engaging in a diverse range of contractual activities. Here’s a detailed overview of their potential fields of activity:

• Supporting Contract Drafting, and more specifically assisting in the drafting and review of tenders and contracts related to the commercialisation and/or technology related to ESA projects, programmes, missions. This involves understanding terms and conditions of both the tender process and the contract, ensure for example the protection of intellectual property, in compliance with ESA’s policies. You will also learn what are the objectives pursued by the Agency when procuring space technology, analyzing market trends to help tailor contracts that support ESA technology developments and commercial strategies. You will also participate in the meetings with industry and stakeholders, assisting where possible in the negotiation of the contractual terms and agreements.

• Contract Management: Assisting in the management of R&D contracts, including monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and addressing any issues that arise. Documentation and Reporting: Preparing and organizing documentation related to R&D contracts, including compliance checks.

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

You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of a university course at Master’s level and you need to remain enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

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.