Our team and mission

The European Space Agency's Strategy Department is at the centre of the action when it comes to shaping the future of Europe in space. Its mission is to transform Strategy 2040 from a vision into reality – ensuring ESA not only anticipates global challenges but also leads in addressing them. By providing foresight, frameworks, and tools, the Department enables ESA to set long-term priorities, prepare bold initiatives, and align resources so that Europe remains a space leader on the world stage.

As an intern, you will be directly involved in this effort and gain unique insight into how strategic decisions are made at the highest level. You will have the chance to follow one of three paths, each playing a vital role in Europe's space future:

1) Foresight and Strategic Planning
Explore the trends and opportunities that will shape the next decades - from climate to security and digital infrastructure. You will help ESA anticipate possible futures and ensure resilience in its programmes and policies.

2) Strategic Initiatives & Sustainability
Work on innovation and cross-sector projects while contributing to ESA's Green Agenda. You will help embed sustainability across the Agency and support initiatives that strengthen ESA's role as a responsible space actor.

3) Strategic Coordination
Contribute to the preparation of the Long-Term Plan, ESA's Annual Report, and key high-level meetings such as Space Summits. You will be part of the team that ensures coherence across the Agency and tracks progress towards Europe's strategic goals.

Whichever path you take, you will find yourself at the crossroads of vision and execution, helping Europe's space sector look further ahead, act more decisively, and turn ambition into action. Joining the Strategy Department means contributing to one of the most important missions of all: making sure that Strategy 2040 is not just a plan on paper, but the lived reality of Europe's future in space.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Interns in the Strategy Department will contribute to the implementation of Strategy 2040, working at the heart of ESA’s efforts to shape the future of Europe in space. Depending on their path, interns may support activities in Strategic Coordinations, Sustainability and Strategic Initiatives, or Foresight.

You can choose between the following topics:

1) Topic 1: Strategic Coordination

You will contribute to ESA’s long-term strategic coordination and planning. Activities may include:

• supporting the preparation of reports and documents on ESA programmes and activities, including associated research and analysis;
• preparing intelligence briefings for key decision makers, synthesising information on programmatic, political, and industrial developments;
• assessing the evolution of the European space sector in the global context as input for the ESA Long-Term Plan (2025–2034);
• contributing to the update of ESA’s programmatic roadmaps in coordination with Programme Directorates.

2) Topic 2: Sustainability & Strategic Initiatives

You will contribute both to ESA’s Green Agenda and to the development of new initiatives that reinforce the Agency’s role as a responsible and innovative space actor. Activities may include:

• supporting the design and piloting of innovation accelerators that test cross-sector approaches and bring fresh ideas into ESA’s work;
• contributing to the identification and development of new transversal initiatives, in areas such as climate, security, and digital transformation, ensuring that ESA responds proactively to emerging challenges;
• helping integrate sustainability principles into ESA projects and directorates, embedding long-term responsibility in programmatic activities;
• assisting in stakeholder engagement activities and preparing communication material to promote new initiatives across ESA and with external partners.

In addition, you may choose to focus on one of three sustainability-oriented projects:

• Critical Raw Material (CRM) Strategy
  • review regulations and methodologies related to critical raw materials in the space sector;
  • propose a strategy that strengthens sustainable supply chains and economic resilience.
• Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Assessment
  • establish processes for updating emission factors used in ESA’s annual GHG assessment;
  • update selected emission factors based on life cycle assessments of space systems.
• Sustainability Reporting
  • support the implementation and measurement of sustainability KPIs in line with evolving reporting standards.

3) Topic 3: Foresight & Strategic Planning

You will help ESA anticipate long-term trends and prepare for future challenges. Activities may include:

• conducting research on emerging trends, disruptive technologies, and global challenges with potential impact on ESA;
• supporting the identification and assessment of key drivers of change (economic, geopolitical, environmental, technological);
• assisting in the drafting and refinement of future scenarios and alternative futures;
• contributing to foresight workshops, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional projects;
• preparing reports, presentations, and communication materials that translate foresight insights into policy recommendations;
• supporting the organisation and delivery of scenario-planning workshops.

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.

Other assets:

• strong research, analytical, and critical thinking abilities;
• knowledge and background in the space sector;
• strong interest in sustainable topics (like GHG= Greenhouse Gas);
• knowledge in strategic assessment and performance management;
• strong skills in researching, analysing, and synthesising complex information;
• proactive, excellent collaborative and autonomous working abilities;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate and report effectively in English and/or French;
• strong capacity to challenge one’s thinking;
• knowledge of MS Office tools (including PowerPoint);
• knowledge of CSRD is a plus.