Earth Observation Applications Scientist

Vacancy in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

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.

This post is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale .

Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy  

Earth Observation Applications Specialist in the Sustainable Initiatives Office of the Science, Applications and Climate Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

The Sustainable Initiatives Office is responsible for leading new, cross-disciplinary initiatives that aggregate capabilities from various Earth observation (EO) thematic domains and projects. The goal is to migrate these capabilities to large-scale, external programmes co-designed with and led by international user communities and stakeholders. The Sustainable Initiatives Office focuses on initiatives with the potential to significantly extend the scientific and societal impact of Earth observation.

The Sustainable Initiatives Office is actively building partnerships with organisations and entities interested in fostering the long-term uptake of Earth observation through knowledge-sharing, aligning resources or implementing dedicated actions. Examples include the partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization, cooperation with international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank under the Global Development Assistance programme, the Space for Green Future Accelerator and dedicated Contribution Agreements with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA).

You will report to the Head of the Sustainable Initiatives Office and will contribute to enabling and implementing cross-disciplinary initiatives co-designed and conducted in partnership with international user communities and stakeholders.

Your responsibilities will include the following:

• Co-designing, defining and implementing, in conjunction with key partners and end-user communities, dedicated cooperation and partnerships to expand significantly the uptake of EO-based information in a range of thematic areas and regions, in particular Africa;
• Working in close cooperation with key external stakeholders and user communities to capture and consolidate their main operational requirements for geospatial information with a view to establishing longer-term adoption and acceptance of EO-based information in large-scale operations;
• Developing, in particular, opportunities for new partnerships in the context of the green transition and on the African continent;
• Liaising with existing partners to ensure fruitful and growing cooperation following a cross-cutting approach that builds on relevant ESA programmes from research to mainstreaming;
• Supporting cross-cutting thematic or programmatic activities in the Department, such as the Global Development Assistance programme and similar initiatives;
• Leveraging and sharing expertise and knowledge available in ESA through external partnerships; 
• Supporting the communication of achievements using suitable communication and education channels.

Knowledge of ESA Earth observation policies and programmes, as well as the broad capabilities of the European and international EO service sector

Good understanding of the global sustainable development context (applications, capacity development and policy) and development cooperation principles

Detailed understanding of the Copernicus Space Segment and programme

Knowledge of the institutional, environmental and socioeconomic conditions in the African continent

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

A master's in remote sensing, geospatial sciences or international cooperation is required for this post.

You should have at least five years of professional experience, preferably in a relevant technical domain and including project management experience, obtained following completion of your master’s degree.

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework .

For further information please visit: Professionals ,What we offer  and FAQ    

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.     

The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.

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 email contact.human.resources@esa.int .

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Please note that applications are only 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.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States *.  

In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service. 

In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level. 

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.