Intern in the External Relations Department
Paris, FR
Location
ESA Headquarters, Paris, France
Our team and mission
The External Relations Department shapes and delivers ESA’s international engagement strategy with non-Member States, their institutions, and international organisations. It develops and coordinates cooperation frameworks, supports high-level exchanges and representation – including through ESA offices in Washington and Tokyo – and provides strategic, political and diplomatic advice on international relations to senior management.
By monitoring geopolitical developments, preparing key engagements and ensuring alignment with Agency priorities, the Department plays a central role in advancing ESA’s international partnerships and positioning the Agency as a trusted and influential global partner.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Topic of the internship: External Relations
As an intern in the External Relations Department, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute directly to the management of the Agency’s relations with its international partners.
This includes research on geopolitical and geostrategic developments of relevance to ESA and the space sector more broadly; foreign policy analysis; contribution to the formulation of internal positions and support to the implementation of ESA’s missions and programmes jointly carried out with international partners, in coordination with relevant programme directorates; and support to the handling of high-level meetings with international delegations.
In doing so, you will be fully integrated into the team, contribute to the practice of international relations in a dynamic period of global change, and gain insights into the functioning of an intergovernmental organisation at the heart of the space sector.
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 in your final or second-to-last year of university course 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 of the global space sector, relevant foreign policies or international relations is an asset.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).