Description

Head of the Future Programmes Office, Future Navigation Department, Directorate of Navigation.

Under the direct authority of the Head of the Future Navigation Department, as Head of the Future Programmes Office (NAV-FF), you will be responsible for the activities in preparation of future navigation programmes and missions. 

You will be in charge of the elaboration and preparation of future navigation missions, including research, development and innovation initiatives, pre-developments and cross-directorate coordination of all new navigation technologies and advanced studies. 

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• defining and implementing research, development and innovation (RDI) activities in the field of navigation infrastructure systems in cooperation with European industry, institutional stakeholders, universities and research centres and drawing on the expertise of other ESA directorates as required, for example by working with the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC) on Technology Development Element (TDE) and General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) activities;
• defining and implementing future navigation exploratory activities and new strategic programme lines, disruptive system concepts, such as those stemming from the use of optical and quantum technologies, simulation tools, test beds, ground and in-orbit demonstrators relating to innovative system infrastructure, space, ground and user segments, in close cooperation with private and/or public entities;
• implementing a market intelligence function across the institutional, research and commercial space PNT activities worldwide, including socioeconomic impact analysis;
• fostering the scientific utilisation of EGNOS, Galileo and the programmes managed by the Directorate and implementing GNSS-related activities for scientific purposes in close coordination with the relevant organisational units of the Directorates of Navigation and Science, including coordination of the ESA GNSS Scientific Advisory Committee (GSAC);
• elaborating ESA’s strategy in the field of navigation, acting as the focal point and ensuring the overall coherence and implementation of all navigation-related research and development activities performed in the Directorate and coordination with other directorates, such as D/TEC, in coherence with the overall ESA strategy and under the overall coordination of the Strategy, Programme and Coordination Office (NAV-C);
• preparing the programmatic files in support of obtaining ESA Member States’ approval of future ESA navigation programmes and missions, under the overall coordination of NAV-C.

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 in a relevant engineering discipline is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should, in addition, have:

• the potential to manage a team in a project or R&D setting; 
• the ability to organise 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.