Description

Copernicus Operations Framework Service Manager in the Copernicus Ground Segment Services Section, Copernicus Ground Segment and Data Management Division, Mission Management and Ground Segment Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

Copernicus is the Earth observation component of the European Space Programme. It offers accurate, accessible data for environmental management, climate change mitigation and civil security. 

ESA manages, amongst other things, the Copernicus ground segment operations to provide users with timely access to high-quality data from Copernicus satellite missions (such as Sentinels and future Expansion Missions). A cost-effective and flexible service-based approach is required to address the challenges facing Copernicus missions, such as evolving user needs and growing data volumes.

The  Copernicus Ground Segment Services Section is responsible overall for the operations of the Copernicus Space Component (Copernicus Operations), which include: 

• the preparation, procurement and management of Copernicus ground segment industrial operational services contract(s) for the following services, guaranteeing that the required level of performance for Copernicus is achieved within budget and schedule:

• data acquisition service
• data preservation/long-term archive service
• mission planning service
• data production service
• Copernicus operations end-to-end monitoring service

• the preparation, procurement and management of Copernicus and DestinE Ecosystem’s advanced operational services, guaranteeing that the required level of performance is achieved within budget and schedule;
• the definition and implementation of strategies for continuous improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of the operational services of the Copernicus and DestinE Ecosystem.

To achieve the above objectives, the Copernicus Operations Framework Service Managers are responsible for the management of Copernicus and DestinE Ecosystem operational service(s), particularly the Copernicus ground segment industrial service(s).

Duties

As Copernicus Operations Framework Service Manager, your tasks and responsibilities will include:

•    defining and maintaining the technical and service requirements and their evolution, including the service level requirements and cost model design for the operations, management, availability, environmental sustainability and security of the service(s) under your responsibility;
•    managing the procurement of new (or to be renewed, or enhanced implementation) Copernicus ground segment and/or DestinE services under your responsibility, including:

• service definition (including service level requirements and cost model design);
• procurement preparation and implementation (including preparation of tender documentation and evaluation of industrial proposals);
• contract negotiation.

•    managing the operational industrial services and contracts under your responsibility (including service level performance management, verifying industrial outputs, reviews and acceptance) in coordination with the other relevant interfaces within the division and the department;
•    contributing to the strategic definition and enhancement of Copernicus ground segment services and DestinE advance operational services;
•    contributing to the identification and assessment of emerging technologies, methodologies, innovative solutions or best practices that could enhance the performance, reliability, capabilities, environmental sustainability and/or cost-effectiveness of the Copernicus and DestinE Ecosystem operations;
•    contributing to the risk management definition, mitigation actions and analysis and reporting on the operations in relation to the service(s) under your responsibility;
•    supporting Copernicus and DestinE project reviews;
•    providing expert support to Copernicus ground segment and DestinE teams;
•    monitoring applicable technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
•    contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and to the transfer of knowledge and lessons learned within ESA.

This position will provide exposure to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies in the field of Earth observation, Cloud computing and space programmes, while contributing to the continuous improvement of DestinE and Copernicus ground segment services, making it possible to address and anticipate the future challenges facing the Programmes.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

Education

A master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field such as aerospace engineering, Earth observation, space system engineering, satellite communication, computer science, informatics or data management is required for this post.

Additional requirements

The following would be considered an asset: 

•    at least three years of relevant professional experience.

You should also have:

• a high level of motivation and dedication, with the ability to take ownership and adopt a proactive approach;
• the proven ability to effectively work within a team and across teams in an international environment;
• strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
• strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing.
• effective negotiation skills.
• the flexibility required to work on different topics.