Intern in the Strategy and Transformation Office, Innovation Support

Innovation Support

You will work at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC): the main mission control centre for the European Space Agency (ESA). ESOC’s primary function is to operate unmanned spacecraft on behalf of ESA as well as launch and early orbit phases. Moreover, ESOC plays a role of sole service provider and its resources are dedicated to mission operations. However, the current strategy is to remain at the forefront of innovation in mission operations and space safety to enable European space industry competitiveness on the global market. You will deliver 6 month project/s supporting this goal, whose aims will be defined depending on your skills.

• Under the direct authority of the Director of Operations, the Strategy and Transformation Office is responsible for preparing and formulating strategies in collaboration with the Director and the management team, and providing the Directorate’s overarching coordination function.
• The main responsibilities of the Strategy and Transformation Office, which works directly with the Director of Operations are:
• Preparing and formulating strategies in collaboration with the Director and the Operations Directorate (D/OPS) Management Team. This includes:
• formulating, communicating and evolving the Directorate’s overall strategy. Leading the Directorate’s strategy evolution.
• establishing and leading the Directorate Innovation Governance e.g. through D/OPS-wide innovation cups.
• coordinating the strategic planning and implementation of the Directorate Research and Technology (R&T) activities, in close cooperation with the relevant other ESA actors.
• fostering the development and supporting the establishment of the Directorate’s strategic partnerships. Coordinating and fostering cooperation and exchange with academia, other space agencies, and industry.
• developing the Directorate’s Business Intelligence, by monitoring and analysing the external and internal environment and overlooking the socio-economic impact of the Directorate’s business.
• economic impact of the Directorate’s business.
• Managing the Directorate’s governance process with respect to the Mission Operations Infrastructure (the overall system infrastructure that is required to operate space missions):
• investment and Core Technical Expertise strategic planning and budget management.

• Behavioural competencies
• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking
• For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
• Education
• You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.
• Additional requirements
• The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
• During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
• Engineering background is not essential for this position, as such, MBA students are more than welcome to apply. A STEM background is an asset.