JOB DESCRIPTION

Technology and Strategy Officer (ref VN138)

Administrator – TA 2(f) – AD7

The SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking has set up a selection procedure to establish a reserve list for the position of Technology and Strategy Officer (TA 2(f) – AD7). The duty station is in Brussels, Belgium where the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking has its headquarters and where the place of employment is.

1. INTRODUCTION
   • SESAR

SESAR is the technological pillar of the EU’s Single European Sky policy and a key enabler of the European Commission’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. SESAR defines, develops and deploys technologies to transform air traffic management in Europe.

• The SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking

The SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking (SESAR 3 JU) is established under Council Regulation (EU) 2021/2085 as an institutionalised European partnership between private and public sector partners to accelerate through research and innovation the delivery of the Digital European Sky. To do so, it is harnessing, developing and accelerating the take-up of the most cutting-edge technological solutions to manage conventional aircraft, drones, air taxis and vehicles flying at higher altitudes.

• Digital European Sky Programme

The SESAR 3 JU is responsible for implementation of the Digital European Sky Programme and operates an innovation pipeline towards deployment, by also demonstrating the viability of the technological and operational solutions, in larger and more operationally-integrated environments.

The Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) for the SESAR 3 JU presents the strategic research and innovation (R & I) roadmaps for the years 2021 to 2027 to deliver on the implementation of the Digital European Sky by delivery of a Programme of the same name (i.e. fully scalable services supported by a digital ecosystem minimising the environmental footprint of aviation), including the integration of drones, matching the ambitions of the ‘European Green Deal’ and the ‘Europe fit for the digital age’ initiative. The activities outlined in the SRIA to build a digitalised infrastructure are also critical for a post-COVID recovery, enabling aviation to become more scalable, economically sustainable, environmentally efficient and predictable.

To achieve the Digital European Sky (Phase D of the European ATM Master Plan), nine research and innovation flagships (referred to as “Destinations” in Horizon Europe) have been identified in the SRIA with their underlying R&I needs/challenges. These will be the basis for identifying future SESAR Solutions, and are the subject of the Digital European Sky Programme. The nine innovation flagships are: Connected and Automated ATM, Air-ground integration and autonomy, Capacity-on- demand and dynamic airspace, U-space and urban air mobility, Virtualisation and cyber-secure data sharing, Multimodality and passenger experience, Aviation Green Deal, Artificial intelligence (AI) for aviation, and Civil/Military interoperability and coordination.

With the Digital European Sky comes the promise of making Europe the most efficient and environmentally-friendly sky to fly in the world. For more information, see: www.sesarju.eu

 

1. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES About the role

The Technology and Strategy Officer will play a central role in closing the gap between strategy and execution. Ensuring that the strategic priorities of the European Union, as captured in the European ATM Master Plan, are transformed into concrete development and deployment activities. Working in the Technology and Master Planning team, you will connect vision with delivery, aligning innovation with operational realities, and ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of global air traffic management transformation. You will report to the Head of Unit “Technology and Strategy” and work closely with programme managers, partners, and international organisations.

Your impact

As Technology and Strategy Officer, you will:

• Drive the evolution of the European ATM Master Plan, leading updates and annual strategic monitoring reports that reflect both long-term ambition and tangible progress.
• In close coordination with the Programme Managers, monitor the execution of the SESAR 3 JU work programme in order to ensure strategic alignment with the strategy defined in the European ATM Master Plan.
• Represent SESAR’s strategic leadership in partnerships with EASA, ICAO, and other international bodies, helping to place European priorities firmly on the global aviation agenda.
• Translate complexity into clarity, making technical concepts accessible for decision­makers, stakeholders, and the public, strengthening SESAR’s visibility and impact.
• Be SESAR’s ambassador in European and international forums, showcasing achievements, building alliances, and projecting Europe’s vision for the future of aviation.

Why join us?

This is your opportunity to:

• Shape Europe’s aviation future by connecting strategic priorities with real-world results.
• Gain European and international visibility by engaging with decision-makers, industry leaders, and institutions.
• Work at the crossroads of technology, strategy, and policy, influencing how Europe modernises its air traffic management system.
• Join a passionate team committed to ensuring SESAR delivers innovation with impact.

2. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA REQUIRED

Candidates will be considered for the selection phase based on the following criteria to be fulfilled by the deadline for submission of applications.

• Minimum Qualifications Required

A level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma when the normal period of university education is four years or more,

or a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma and appropriate professional experience of at least one year when the normal period of university education is at least three years,

or where justified in the interests of the service, appropriate professional training of an equivalent level.

• Minimum Professional experience

At least 6 years of proven professional experience gained after obtaining the minimum qualifications required in a field related to the nature of the key accountabilities, preferably in an international research environment.

• Minimum Language Skills Required

Thorough knowledge as well as command of English and a satisfactory knowledge of another language of the European Union to the extent necessary for the performance of his/her duties are mandatory.

• In addition in order to be eligible, the candidate must:

• Be a national of a Member State of the European Union
• Have fulfilled any obligation imposed by the      laws on military service
• Be entitled to full rights as citizen^[1]
• Be physically fit to perform the duties      linked                            to the post^[2].

2. SELECTION CRITERIA

The successful candidate shall have sense of initiative and professionalism. He/She shall be a team player, flexible, highly motivated, proactive, and able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines in a matrix organisation.

• Essential Selection Criteria

In addition to the requirements on minimum qualification and professional experience set out in heading 3, the successful candidate shall have:

• Education: a university degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) or an ATC licence or a Pilot licence
• Knowledge: solid understanding of Air Traffic Management in Europe, the objectives of the European ATM Master Plan and the evolution of ATM operational concepts and architectures. Strong awareness of the challenges posed by higher levels of automation in ATC and their impact on systems, operations and aviation safety.
• Experience: hands-on experience with ATM operations or ATM systems. Proven ability to analyse complex technical issues, anticipate implications for strategy and support the definition and monitoring of implementation pathways.
• Professional skills: analytical and forward-looking, with a bold “can-do” mindset and genuine curiosity for innovation. Committed to the highest ethical standards and to aviation safety. Able to move seamlessly from technical depth to strategic clarity, work across disciplines and stakeholders and deliver results under pressure with pragmatism, diplomacy and resilience.
• Communication skills: excellent ability to communicate in English complex technical and strategic topics in a clear, concise and compelling way, both orally and in writing. Capable of engaging with diverse audiences (from engineers to executives) and of influencing decisions through evidence-based arguments.
  • Advantageous Selection Criteria
• Hands-on experience in innovation in ATM
• A good knowledge of a third official European language