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.