Our team and mission

Europe is facing increasingly significant challenges including natural disasters resulting from extreme weather events (fire, floods, earthquakes etc), and human-induced crises (e.g. cybercrime and geopolitical instability). We need to act swiftly to protect European citizens and businesses. The Civil Security from Space office supports a growing demand from public protection and disaster relief organisations for rapid, streamlined access to space-enabled data and connectivity, and for standardisation and interoperability of space-enabled solutions, to enable swifter and more effective anticipation of and response to civil security and crisis events.

The CSS office comprises a multi-disciplined team, bridging space domains (Satellite Communications, Earth Observation and Navigation capabilities) as well as backgrounds in civil security and disaster management. Working with end user stakeholders and European industry, the team supports projects which aim to put advanced satellite-enabled solutions into the hands of public protection and disaster management users. This includes developments across in-space data processing, smart connectivity and data transfer solutions, autonomous operations and decision making using artificial intelligence, and multiple applications serving needs across civil security and disaster management, with potential also for dual-use. 

CSS activities form part of a wider ESA initiative called European Resilience from Space, which comprises several interlinked elements across Earth Observation, Connectivity, and Navigation, aiming to transform Europe’s ability to act autonomously in matters of crisis response and civil security.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Space for Public Protection and Disaster Response 

Activities run by the CSS Office focus on harnessing space-based solutions to enable anticipation and mitigation as well as swift responses to civil security and crisis events. The goal is to leverage multiple space assets and systems (across both commercial and institutional Earth Observation, Navigation, and satcom), for the benefit of European citizens and institutions. CSS projects foster the development and standardisation of new capabilities leveraging space systems and technologies, together with new and disruptive innovations such as Artificial Intelligence, in-space edge computing, new user communications devices, advanced positioning and navigation solutions, sophisticated data management systems, and evolving human-machine interfaces.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and innovative individual who will support the build-up of new ideas, concepts and projects together with the CSS team, and by engaging with industry and end users to identify needs and priorities.

In particular, your tasks may include:

• context and user needs analysis: Support research into specific use cases and/or national contexts to understand the stakeholder landscape, needs, and opportunities for space solutions for public protection and disaster management;
• horizon scanning: Research and analysis into current and emerging technology that leverages or supports the use of space technology for public protection and disaster relief efforts – identifying promising opportunities.

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 and experience of at least some of the technical fields relevant to CSS projects, e.g.:

• satcom, EO, or Navigation satellite system;
• software applications engineering;
• database engineering, data science;
• AI and machine learning;
• GIS.

Natural curiosity, creativity, and a can-do attitude are very important. Moreover, although you will be part of a wider team, you should have the ability to work independently and take ownership and initiative in your tasks.