What are the responsibilities and job description for the ESA Graduate Trainee in U.S. and Canadian Space Policy position at European Space Agency?
ESA Graduate Trainee in U.S. and Canadian Space Policy
Job Requisition ID: 19240
Date Posted: 1 February 2025
Closing Date: 28 February 2025 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication: External Only
Type of Contract: ESA Graduate Trainee
Directorate: Strategy, Legal and External Affairs
Workplace:
Washington, US
Grade Band: F1 - F1
Location
EWO, Washington DC, USA
Our team and mission
The ESA Washington Office monitors, analyses, and reports on developments in the space sector of the United States and Canada. It serves as the liaison for the Agency’s contacts in those countries, supports the establishment of such contacts, and promotes the Agency’s programmes and activities. It is subordinate to the European and External Relations Department in the Directorate of Strategy, Legal and External matters and it supports all directorates of the Agency. The Office operates with one ESA staff and one local employee.
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
Under the direct authority of the Head of the ESA Washington Office, as an ESA Graduate Trainee you will contribute to:
- Support the search, collection, and analysis of information regarding U.S. and Canadian space-related policy and programmatic developments. As part of that task, the EGT will attend and analyse relevant events primarily in the Washington area as instructed (e.g. conferences, hearings, meetings, etc.) and prepare related notes and reports in view of the Office’s reporting task.
- Contribute to the daily operation of the Office as well as any other ad hoc tasks within the scope of the Office.
- Contribute to the preparation of Agency events in the United States of America (USA) and Canada.
- Work on a dedicated study/project (to be defined in coordination with the EGT) with relevance for the tasks of the Office.
Technical competencies
Knowledge of relevant technical/functional domains
Relevant experience gained during internships, project work and/or extracurricular or other activities
General knowledge of the space sector and relevant activities
Knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects
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 should have recently completed or be in the final year of your master’s degree in a technical or scientific discipline. Applicants with political sciences, economic or legal background will also be considered. Knowledge of the space domain and the U.S. political system is desirable.
Additional requirements
You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
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.
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.
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 via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
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 be given to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.
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.
- Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
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