Vacancy in the Directorate of Science.
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
ESAC, Villanueva de la Caรฑada, Spain
Description
The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Its mission is to 'Empower Europe to lead space science'.
The Department for Science and Operations (SCI-S), within ESA's Directorate for Science, host the scientists and engineers that oversee the space missions from study to end of operations; it develops the science operation systems for the missions and operates the missions in space; it archives and curates their data during operations and beyond. Our main objective is to maximise the scientific output of the missions for the benefit of humankind.
We are opening a position of Mission Manager under the direct responsibility of the Head of the Mission Operations Division (SCI-SO) in Science and Operations Department, with initial assignment to the Solar Orbiter mission (SCI-SOL).
The Mission Operations Division (SCI-SO) is responsible for the mission management of all Science Directorate missions from end of the commissioning phase to end of the post-operations phase.
The Solar Orbiter Mission Manager will, in the mid-term, also manage the ESA contributions to Solar and Heliosphere Mission of Opportunities (e.g. Solar-C) and collaborative missions with partner Agencies (e.g. SMILE) in their operations and post-operations phases.
Duties
If selected for this post, you will report to the Head of the Mission Operations Division, and have delegated responsibility for all operations aspects of the assigned mission during both the exploitation phase and post-operations phase.
As Mission Manager, the main duties will entail:
- managing all operations aspects of the exploitation phase (E2) and post-operations phase (Phase F) of the mission, within given programmatic and financial constraints, through the preparation and implementation of related project, budget and contractual plans, and the coordination and management of tasks delegated to other ESA Divisions, Departments and Directorates or outside ESA;
- managing the mission's science operations team and center at ESA;
- overseeing the Science Ground Segment and the association of cooperating centres involved in the science operations of the mission with the overall aim of maximising the scientific return;
- understanding the continuously evolving data user needs and tuning the mission operations scenario accordingly to maximise the return on the mission;
- liaising with relevant programmatic, controlling, technical and scientific interfaces, including the Project Scientist, with the overall aim of ensuring the scientific productivity of the mission;
- actively support transverse department activities where relevant for missions in operations;
- reporting to the Member States on all matters related to the mission's exploitation phase;
- as relevant, and operational workload permitting, pursuing personal scientific research.
As head of section, you will be responsible for the preparation of the transition of future Solar and Heliosphere Mission of Opportunities and collaborative missions to your section after the missionโs launch, in close collaboration with the other ESA stakeholders of these missions (Project Scientist, Development Manager), addressing in particular:
โข The exploitation of synergies across science operations both in-flight and on ground.
โข The definition of staff work assignments to avoid operational conflicts among the missions while establishing stable workloads.
โข The simplification of external and internal interfaces, in particular with cross-mission groups within the SCI-S structure.
โข The definition of a coherent approach within the section as input for the development and maintenance of the services and operational infrastructure serving the missions;
โข The maximisation of science return by fostering cross-mission data exploitation.The required managerial duties include:
- taking responsibility for delivering team results;
- providing direction, including the planning and distribution of team members' activities;
- reviewing individual performance against set objectives through the annual assessment exercise and by providing timely and regular constructive feedback;
- creating a motivating work environment and promoting good team spirit;
- supporting team members with ongoing professional development by encouraging learning and
- delegating responsibilities.
- identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.
The postholder will further assist the Head of Division with other activities as required.
You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.Technical competencies Experience in project and technical managementKnowledge of the technical and programmatic requirements of ESA programmes/projectsExperience in managing multiple interfaces (including Principle Investigator teams, scientific consortium, project, industry)Experience in science operations, preferably in the context of ESA missionsExperience in managing technical and scientific teams
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward ThinkingEducation
A Master's degree is required for this post.
Additional requirements
You should further have:
- The potential to manage individuals or a team of scientists and engineers;
- The ability to organise their 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.
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.
Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations.
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.