Description

The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is a programme directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Through a partnership between humans and robots, the Directorate is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working – or will live and work in the future – for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

The Mars and Beyond Science Team Leader works very closely with the Office of the Chief Exploration Scientist (HRE-S) and the Mars and Beyond Projects Group (HRE-M). 

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• acting as the primary scientific advisor on Mars Science to the Chief Exploration Scientist, the Mars and Beyond Projects Group Leader and relevant Agency bodies;
• defining, within Explore2040 and under the guidance of HRE-S, the priorities for Mars and Beyond Science and its related implementation plan in coordination with HRE-S, the other Science Teams, the ExPeRT team (HRE-FE) and Future Preparation (HRE-F);
• defining scientific objectives and requirements to be applied to Mars and Beyond ground-based and flight activities;
• leading the definition and selection of scientific activities and payloads for Mars and Beyond missions under the guidance of the Chief Exploration Scientist and the Mars and Beyond Projects Group Leader;
• selecting and managing science teams required to support and implement Mars and Beyond Science activities;
• managing the preparation and dissemination of science data products;
• engaging with the science community, ESA’s science advisory structure and Member States for Mars and Beyond Science topics;
• supporting other teams within the Directorate in engaging with international partners to prepare and coordinate cooperative activities;
• managing the delegated budget from HRE-S assigned to Mars and Beyond Science activities;
• defining the Mars and Beyond-specific science benefits and messaging in coordination with HRE-S, HRE-F, and ESA Corporate Communication;
• providing executive secretariat services to the relevant working group(s) of the ESA science advisory structure, if applicable.

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical competencies

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

A PhD in a relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• An understanding of ESA’s exploration roadmap and strategic priorities;
• Experience in science communication and public outreach;
• Proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team;
• The ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within a team;
• Demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
• The ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• The ability to make solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity and to support others, such as team members, upper management and other stakeholders, in this process;
• The potential to manage individuals or a team of experts;
• The ability to organise individual and team activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
• Strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
• The ability to drive your team’s performance, developing your people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback;
• Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
• A strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
• The ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer-focused.

People management experience is an asset, as is international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.