Our team and mission

This internship is offered in the ESA Actionable Climate Information Section, which is part of the Climate and Long-Term Action Division, situated in the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department, in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

ESA’s Actionable Climate Information Section in the Earth Observation Programmes Directorate is the focal point of the Agency’s climate-related activities. It is based at the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT), Harwell in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.

The Section aims to increase the availability and use of global, satellite-based Earth observation data for decision-making. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is driving international efforts to combat climate change by limiting the rise in global temperatures to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, as set out in the Paris Agreement. In response to the UNFCCC requirements for the systematic monitoring of the climate system, ESA launched the Climate Change Initiative (CCI; https://climate.esa.int/en/about-us-new/climate-change-initiative) research programme in 2008.

Through the CCI, ESA is developing a suite of global data records of key components of the climate system, known as Essential Climate Variables (ECVs). The climate-quality datasets produced by the CCI are a major contribution to the evidence base used to understand climate change, which drives international action. Climate modellers use the ECVs to study drivers, interactions and feedbacks due to climate change, as well as reservoirs, teleconnections, tipping points and fluxes of energy, water and carbon, while predicting future change. More recently, this initiative is exploring how earth observation is used and can be further enhanced to support climate change adaptation.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Climate Change Adaptation

You will be working primarily looking at how earth observation can support climate change adaptation. Activities you may be involved with include:

• monitoring and researching global policy activities such as the Global Goal on Adaptation;
• mapping adaptation projects that feature earth observation data;
• following ESA activities and projects on this topic.

In addition, you may be involved with some outreach and communication activities depending on the timing of your internship.

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 must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

Knowledge of climate change and experience in computer coding and data analytics is an asset.