Head of the Earth Observation Science, Applications and Climate Department

Description

Head of the Earth Observation Science, Applications and Climate Department in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

Duties

Under the direct authority of the Director of the Earth Observation Programmes, you will be responsible for providing scientific support to missions in preparation and operations, for the exploitation of data for all Earth observation (EO) missions involving ESA and its partners, and for the use of EO data for monitoring climate activities.

Your duties will include:

• conducting a structured dialogue with scientific, public and private sector user communities and thereby establishing  definitive requirements for future research and operational missions;
• interfacing with co-funding partners for the definition and consolidation of user needs and mission requirements (e.g. Member States, the European Commission, EUMETSAT, and international partners), including performing the necessary science studies and campaigns;
• running the EO Advisory Groups and the work within the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes, including the activities of the Advisory Committee for Earth Observation (ACEO);
• undertaking a broad spectrum of R&D activities, ranging from Earth system sciences, application, through to pre-commercial development of new EO-derived products;
• managing ESA activities relating to observing and understanding the Earth's climate system and fostering the use of EO data for the monitoring of climate change;
• supporting new EO initiatives with Member States, the European Commission, or international partners in order to promote the use of EO data for science, applications and climate (e.g. Grand Science Challenges, Digital Twin Earth);
• engaging with new users and pioneering new EO applications, including via the use of EO platforms, new digital technology, and artificial intelligence;
• leading new, cross-disciplinary thematic initiatives, and co-designing these with end-user communities and stakeholders, including the use of EO data for sustainable development and global development assistance (GDA);
• developing EO education, capacity-building and training activities, with Member States, the European Commission and international partners;
• representing ESA on the Board of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters;
• coordinating with the other Directorates from the ESA Applications Area (D/NAV, D/TIA) on topics of joint interest and ensuring the close interaction between the EOP and Multi Directorate Activities.

In this role you will liaise closely with other departments and offices within the Directorate, and coordinate with other Agency Directorates. You will form part of the senior management team of the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation 
Operational Efficiency 
Fostering Cooperation 
Relationship Management 
Continuous Improvement 
Forward Thinking

Education

A Master's degree or PhD in engineering, physics, Earth sciences, computer science, climate, or environment is required.

Additional requirements

You should have proven Earth Observation-based research experience and credibility. You should also have:

• the ability to provide strategic direction to individuals and teams and relate team objectives to the overall and evolving organisational goals and context;
• the ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context as well as to support others (team members, senior management and other stakeholders) in this process;
• previous experience of managing managers and of managing a large entity encompassing several teams;
• strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
• knowledge of the international scientific community;
• the ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation;
• a proven track record of representing the Agency's interests to external interfaces;
• the ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• the ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity as well as to support others (team members, upper management and other stakeholders) in this process;
• international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities are an asset.