Intern in the Space Safety Programme Coordination Office
Paris
- Organization: ESA - European Space Agency
- Location: Paris
- Grade: Internship - Internship
-
Occupational Groups:
- Outer space and satellite technology
- Security and Safety
- Project and Programme Management
- Managerial positions
- Closing Date: 2025-11-30
Intern in the Space Safety Programme Coordination Office
Paris, FR
Location
ESA Headquarters, Paris, France
Our team and mission
The ESA Space Safety Programme Office takes care of all potential hazards from space or in space, which can impact human activities on Earth or again in space. The spectrum of tasks ranges from gathering the basic understanding of space hazards originating from our Sun, from man-made space debris, or from asteroids potentially colliding with the Earth. It also addresses basic approaches to mitigate these hazards and to implement space systems end-to-end in a sustainable and eco-compatible way. Moreover, several corner stone missions are underway to demonstrate basic methods of space weather forecasting, asteroid deflection and active space debris removal from orbit.
In execution of these tasks, the Space Safety Office has the following entities:
- Space Debris Office (OPS-SD).
- Frequency Management Office (OPS-SF).
- Space Safety Programme Missions Office (OPS-SM).
- Planetary Defence Office (OPS-SP).
- Space Weather Office (OPS-SW).
- Space Safety Programme Coordination Office (OPS-SX).
- Clean Space and Circular Economy Office (OPS-SY).
The Space Safety Programme Coordination Office is responsible for leading strategic and coordination activities relating to the ESA Space Safety Programme, in close cooperation with the Programme division and offices, including but not restricted to programme strategy, identification of future activities, managing the programme board, overseeing international and European relations, managing industry relations, managing the programme’s communication activities, etc.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
You can choose between the following topics:
Topic 1: Support to Space Safety Programme Coordination
You will work at the European Space Agency (ESA) Headquarters in Paris. During this 6-month internship, you will support the Head of the Space Safety Programme Coordination Office in numerous of their duties through the preparation of reports, briefs, background material and presentations for the coordinators’ interactions with the rest of the Agency, ESA Member States and other partners (e.g. foreign agencies, industry, EU). You will also be involved in the operations of the Protect Accelerator, especially on activities related to the Zero Debris Charter and space weather services.
Topic 2: Support to Space Safety Programme Communication and Outreach
During this 6-month internship, you will work at ESA Headquarters, Paris. You will be part of the Space Safety communication coordinator in promoting ESA’s Space Safety programme by supporting the preparation, development, implementation and maintenance of the communication strategy. This includes helping with the online presence of the programme, outreach activities and the events’ management.
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.
Academic and/or practical experience in both engineering/science and social science would be a strong 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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship 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
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, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.