Future Preparation Group Leader
Porz-Wahn | Darmstadt
- Organization: ESA - European Space Agency
- Location: Porz-Wahn | Darmstadt
- Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
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Occupational Groups:
- Closing Date: Closed
Future Preparation Group Leader
Porz-Wahn, DE
Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany with a resident assignment to EAC, Porz-Wahn (Germany)
Description
The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is a programme directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Through 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.
As the Leader of the Future Preparation Group (HRE-F), you will work under the direct authority of the Director of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE).
Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- maintaining the Explore2040 strategy update and enabling its translation into an implementable programmatic roadmap;
- preparing Council meetings at ministerial level, including programme proposals;
- supporting D/HRE in ensuring the coherence of all documents submitted to the ESA Council and its relevant subordinate bodies for decision in coordination with the Director General and the Directorate’s services;
- building up and maintaining constructive cooperative relations with European and international stakeholders;
- sustaining relations with Member States and providing secretariat services for the Programme Board and any other relevant boards and committees;
- planning and implementing studies to prepare for future projects and implementing related technology de-risking;
- ensuring the proper utilisation of AI in all relevant project elements;
- promoting the commercialisation aspects at the various destinations, starting with LEO and related post-ISS utilisation.
You will be supported by the:
- European and International Stakeholder Relations Team (HRE-FP);
- Strategy Team (HRE-FS);
- Studies and Technologies (ExPeRT) Team (HRE-FE);
- Software and Artificial Intelligence Team (HRE-FI);
- Commercialisation and Innovation Team (HRE-FC).
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 science or engineering is required for this post.
Additional requirements
You should have:
- the potential to manage individuals or a team of experts in a project or R&D setting and to organise their activities;
- 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;
- the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and be customer-focused;
- the ability to represent the Agency in interfaces with industry and government agencies;
- proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team;
- the ability to provide strategic direction to individuals and teams 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, resolve 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, such as team members, upper management and other stakeholders, in this process.
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.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
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.
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 via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations.
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.
Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be 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.
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.