Policy Officer

Policy Officer

Job Requisition ID: 20736

Date Posted: 30 June 2026

Closing Date: 21 July 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment: Fixed-Term

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace:

Bruxelles, BE

Grade Band: A2 - A4

This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.

Location

EBO, Brussels, Belgium

Description

Under the direct authority of the Head of the Strategy, Programme and Coordination Office of the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (EOP), you will be embedded in the ESA Brussels Office (EBO) team to support Earth Observation (EO)-relevant reflections and activities that are ongoing or developing in the European Union (EU) context.

Duties

To provide a service to EOP, in full cooperation with and transparency toward the EBO team, you will be responsible for:

• supporting the Directorate in developing and maintaining contact with the European Commission’s Directorates-General involved in space R&I and/or whose policy objectives can benefit from the use of Earth Observation satellite assets and data in order to identify new areas in which cooperation would benefit ESA and its EO programmes;
• maintaining awareness of legislation under development of relevance for Earth Observation programmes and initiatives and communicating this within the Directorate when relevant;
• fostering contact with Permanent Representations of the Member States to the EU, the working parties and the rotating presidencies of the Council of the EU, as well as with the relevant committees in the European Parliament;
• maintaining close contact with relevant professional space associations and space industry representatives represented in Brussels with the goal of defining and promoting common positions with respect to the development and use of European Earth Observation assets;
• promoting space policy debate in Brussels in cooperation with think tanks and through involvement in the development and organisation of conferences and dedicated events relating to Earth Observation;
• supporting EOP staff seconded to EU institutions by keeping them informed of relevant developments within the Directorate and its programmes;
• when called upon, supporting EOP colleagues responsible for implementation of the Earth Observation components of the EU Space Programme in liaison with EU institutions.

Technical competencies

A thorough understanding of the EO landscape, including the perspectives of institutional, national, academic, and industrial stakeholders

Thorough understanding of the functioning of the European Union and its institutions

Knowledge of ESA Earth observation policies and programmes

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 And Professional Experience

A Master's degree in space policy, law, engineering, environmental science or economics is required together with 8 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work autonomously and take initiative while maintaining effective internal cooperation and coordination.
• Ability to network in various environments, particularly EU-related contexts, and interact with a diverse range of actors, such as ESA staff, national representatives of EU and ESA Member States and EU officials.
• Experience in public speaking and presenting would be an asset.

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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

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 [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer

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.

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.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

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 are only 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, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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.

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