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 Organisationsโ salary scale.
Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
Description
Head of the Copernicus Mission Operations Management Section (EOP-GCM) in the Copernicus Ground Segment and Data Management Division (EOP-GC), Earth Observation Mission Management and Ground Segment Department (EOP-G), Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
Copernicus is the most ambitious European Earth observation (EO) programme to date. It provides accurate, timely and easily accessible information to improve management of the environment, understand and mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure civil security.
Copernicus is led by the European Commission in partnership with ESA. ESA is developing the Copernicus satellites to meet the specific operational needs of the Copernicus programme. The Copernicus Space Component is managed by ESA and serves users with satellite data available through the Sentinels and the Copernicus Contributing Missions at national, European and international level. As part of the ESA Earth Observation Framework, ESA provides the ground segment and data management operations for the flying Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, Sentinel-3 and Sentinel-5P satellites and prepares the operations for the future Copernicus Expansion missions and Next Generation missions.
To optimally serve Copernicus and ensure synergies with related programmes such as DestinE, ESA, together with its partners and the European EO and IT industries, is developing an ecosystem of ground segment services to secure seamless access to data and to all related services and resources.
Duties
To ensure that the relevant divisional objectives are achieved, you will be responsible for the management and coordination activities for operations relating to the Copernicus Ground Segment mission, including management of the mission operations for the flying Copernicus Sentinel satellites and the activities to prepare the operations for the future Copernicus satellites, including the Expansion missions and the Sentinel Next Generation missions.
Your duties will be as follows:
- Managing the CSC Ground Segment mission-related operations in line with the Copernicus Contribution Agreement;
- Managing the preparation, maintenance and evolution of the mission-specific Ground Segment technical baseline, including the flying Copernicus satellites and the future Copernicus Expansion and Next Generation missions;
- Reporting on the CSC Ground Segment mission-related operations status, performance, and plans;
- Identifying risks and mitigation actions relating to Copernicus Ground Segment mission-related operations;
- Managing and coordinating the interfaces with EOP-P, EOP-GM and D/OPS to ensure the successful execution of the CSC Ground Segment mission operations for the flying Copernicus satellites and the successful operations preparation for the future Copernicus Expansion and Next Generation missions as part of the EOP Mission System Authority;
- Driving initiatives in the Section aimed at delivering innovation and initiating new operational paradigms, including collaboration with external entities;
- Supporting the ESA Earth observation quality system for the definition and maintenance of the Copernicus Ground Segment quality programme of work;
- Providing support to the Head of the Copernicus Ground Segment and Data Management Division and contributing to short- and long-term organisational planning and strategy as a member of the management team.
You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.
Technical competencies Sound knowledge of the Copernicus programme and related EO initiatives Sound knowledge of Sentinel missions and EO mission operationsExperience in EO mission operations managementExperience of interfacing with external parties, including institutional entities, industry and user communities Project Management experience
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A master' s degree is required for this post
Additional requirements
The following are considered assets:
- A high level of motivation and dedication, with the ability to take ownership and be proactive
- Ten years of experience in large projects in an international context
- Experience in EO data management, processing algorithms and data processors
You should also have:
- the potential to manage individuals or a team in a project setting;
- the ability to organise individual and team activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
- strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
- the ability to drive your teamโs performance, developing your people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback;
- strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
- a strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
- the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer-focused.
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.
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.
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 Agencyโs 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 masterโs degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.