Our team and mission

Within the ESA Strategy Department, the Strategic Initiatives Team supports the implementation of ESA Strategy 2040 by identifying, defining and coordinating new, cross-cutting initiatives that advance ESA's strategic goals and priorities.

The Team analyses strategic gaps and opportunities for the European space sector and accelerates the definition and early implementation of high-impact initiatives to address them. For this purpose, the Team works in close cooperation with ESA directorates and strategic partners through collaborative frameworks, processes and campaigns.

In addition, the Team leads the development of new concepts, methodologies and tools for strategic innovation and organises collaborative and competitive events, such as innovation sprints, in support of the development of strategic initiatives. Finally, the Team supports the broader work of the Strategy Department and contributes to high-level engagements with ESA Member States, as required.

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

As a National Graduate Trainee within the Strategic Initiatives Team, you will contribute to:

• conducting strategy research and gap analyses for the identification of priority areas relevant to ESA Strategy 2040;
• defining high-potential strategic initiatives and evaluating their value, feasibility and expected impact;
• engaging with ESA directorates and key stakeholders (including Member States, European Commission, strategic partners, user communities, industry and academia) through collaborative frameworks and processes;
• supporting the development and early implementation of selected strategic initiatives;
• planning and organising events, including strategy conferences, targeted workshops, innovation sprints, etc.;
• developing new concepts, methodologies and tools to support strategic innovation at ESA;
• monitoring progress and preparing reports for ESA management and governing bodies;

As part of the ESA Strategy Team, you will also contribute to the broader work of the Strategy Department, as required. You will also have the opportunity of participating more widely in training, development and leadership opportunities as one of the National Graduate Trainees based at ESA HQ in Paris.

Key learning objectives for this position include:

• acquiring a broad knowledge of space technologies and applications as well as key trends shaping the sector;
• gaining a good understanding of ESA’s organisation, governance, and programmes;
• strengthening capabilities in applied strategy research and analysis, in particular the definition and evaluation of actionable strategic options;
• building a capacity to engage a wide range of experts and stakeholders and to support effective collaborative processes;
• enhancing written, visual, and oral communication skills, with a focus on producing concise, persuasive reports and presentations;
• developing the ability to design and deliver high-quality events, including innovative and unconventional events.

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

You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’ s degree in a relevant technical or functional area, with a focus on strategy or innovation.

Additional requirements

You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams may be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional prospects and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.