Head of Copernicus Ground Segment and Data Management Division

Description

Head of the Copernicus Ground Segment and Data Management Division in the Earth Observation Mission Management and Ground Segment Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

Copernicus is the most ambitious European Earth observation programme to date. It provides accurate, timely and easily accessible information to improve management of the environment, understand and mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure civil security.

Copernicus is led by the European Commission in partnership with ESA. ESA is developing the Copernicus satellites, specifically for the operational needs of the Copernicus programme. The Copernicus Space Component is managed by ESA and serves users with satellite data available through the Sentinels and the Copernicus Contributing Missions at national, European and international level.

To serve Copernicus optimally and ensure synergies with related programmes such as DestinE, ESA together with its partners and the European EO and IT industry is developing an ecosystem of ground segment services to secure seamless access to data.

Duties

To successfully achieve the Division’s objectives in line with the Copernicus Contribution Agreement, in particular in the areas of satellite planning, data acquisition, production, data preservation, data access and end-to-end monitoring and control, you will be responsible for the management and coordination activities for the Copernicus Ground Segment Operations (Sentinel Continuation Missions and Expansion Missions), for the related Copernicus programme interfaces, in particular with DestinE, for the management of the Copernicus Ground Segment operational services and systems, and for the coordination of the industrial procurement approach.

You will report to the Head of the Earth Observation Mission Management and Ground Segment Department, and will have delegated responsibility for:

• maintaining the operations concept and architecture for the CSC Operations ESA Framework;
• managing and reporting on the preparation, maintenance and execution of the CSC Ground Segment operations;
• managing and reporting on the preparation, maintenance and execution of the CSC Ground Segment development activities;
• managing the respective procurement plans and associated budget allocation;
• managing the establishment and maintenance of a coherent CSC Operations ESA Framework for the Copernicus ground segment operations in collaboration with Member States and external entities;
• coordinating interfaces and activities with EOP-P and EOP-GM to ensure the successful implementation and operations of Sentinel continuation and expansion missions as part of the EOP Mission System Authority;
• contributing to programme implementation and coordination with DestinE enabling synergies with Copernicus interfaces;
• supporting the ESA Earth observation quality system for the definition and maintenance of the Copernicus activities quality programme of work;
• contributing to the management and programmatic objectives of the Department, of the Directorate and of the Agency.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A PhD or master’s degree in engineering or science is required for this post.

Additional requirements

A good knowledge of both ESA and EC processes and working methods is an asset.

You should have 10 to 15 years of experience in the management, engineering and operations activities of space missions. You should also bring 10 to 15 years’ experience in managing large international projects.

You are highly motivated and dedicated, take ownership and act proactively.

As a leader, you should have:

• the potential to manage individuals or a team;
• the ability to organise their 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, constructive feedback;
• strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
• a strong results 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.