Our team and mission

The Project Control team supports the planning, monitoring, and reporting of programme resources. Its mission is to ensure timely and accurate financial and schedule oversight, enabling informed decision-making and successful programme delivery. The team plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of programme execution and supporting strategic objectives. The team operates in a collaborative, multicultural setting that values precision, initiative, and continuous learning. Interns are encouraged to engage actively, contribute ideas, and gain hands-on experience in programme management and data analysis.

Team Description
The Project Control team is composed of professionals who support the financial and schedule oversight of various Research and Development (R&D) space-related initiatives. The team works closely with the Programme Manager, technical officers, contracts officers and administrative units to ensure that programmes are delivered on time and within budget. Collaboration and coordination are central to the team’s approach, with a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability.

Mission
The mission of the Project Control team is to provide reliable and timely support in planning, monitoring, and controlling programme resources. This includes ensuring that financial and scheduling data are accurate, accessible, and effectively used to guide decision-making. The team plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of programme execution and supporting strategic objectives.

Activities

Team members contribute to a wide range of activities, including:

• strategic and Operational Support acting as a key advisor to the Programme Manager, contributing to programmatic decision-making by providing timely updates on milestones, delays, and achievements;
• financial Oversight and Fund Management coordinating with stakeholders ensuring compliance with budgetary constraints;
• interface and Coordination maintaining multiple interfaces across ESA departments and with industrial contractors, often participating in negotiations and ensuring programmatic and financial coherence;
• programme Planning and Control contributing to the planning and consolidation of resources, procurements, and schedules including risk management;
• governance and Reporting coordinating reporting activities to ESA bodies and external entities like the European Commission.

Working Environment
The team operates in a dynamic and multicultural setting, where precision and adaptability are valued. Interns are encouraged to take initiative, contribute ideas, and engage with various Directorates. The environment supports learning and development, with access to experienced mentors and opportunities to work on real-world challenges in programme management and data analysis.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Galileo and EGNOS Programme Management Support Office

We are seeking a motivated intern to support our Navigation Project Control team in enhancing data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency. In this role, you will be involved in analysing complex datasets to identify trends and insights that can drive strategic decisions at space project level as well as at programme level.

This internship provides practical experience in data science applications, business intelligence reporting, artificial intelligence, and process improvement within a dynamic space research and development programme environment. You will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects that contribute to the advancement of space technology and exploration. This role will involve collaborating with experienced professionals, utilising advanced analytical tools, and gaining insights into the latest trends and technologies in the field.

Key Responsibilities:

• assist in collecting, data validation, and organising programme-related data from various sources;
• contribute to the development and maintenance of dashboards using Power BI to visualise key performance indicators and project metrics;
• support the integration of Artificial Intelligence tools to enhance efficiency;
• support the automation of reporting workflows and contribute to process optimisation initiatives;
• collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify data gaps and propose solutions;
• document procedures and contribute to knowledge-sharing resources.

Learning Outcomes:

• gain practical experience in data management and visualisation;
• understand how data supports programme control and strategic planning;
• develop skills in process mapping and efficiency analysis.

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.

You should have:

• basic understanding of data science principles and statistical analysis;
• familiarity with Power BI or other data visualisation tools;
• familiarity with Artificial Intelligence tools;
• strong organisational skills and attention to detail;
• ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.

Interest in space programmes and project management is a plus.