Head of the Copernicus Space Office

Description

The Head of the Copernicus Space Office reports to the Director of Earth Observation Programmes and performs the lead role for the strategic, coordination and managerial activities related to Copernicus. He acts as interface with the European Commission  for Copernicus.

The Copernicus Space Office is the visible interface for ESA’s Copernicus activities within and outside ESA, ensures their coordination by the implementing departments and, ultimately, ensures the oversight of the Copernicus Space Component (CSC). The Office also coordinates related activities with other ESA services and directorates and liaises with the Commission, national bodies, industry and other partners as required. It prepares all ESA programmatic documents for Copernicus and supports the negotiations necessary with ESA Member State delegations, the Commission, and other partners involved in the CSC.

Duties

Your duties will be:

• to monitor the Agency’s Copernicus activities and ensure their coordination; 
• to ensure cooperation with the Commission in the implementation of Copernicus by interfacing:

• with the DG DEFIS Earth Observation Unit and other Commission services;
• with the ESA Directorate of European, Legal & International Matters.

• to coordinate the implementation of the Agreements with the EU/Commission on Copernicus (Copernicus Agreement, EU-ESA FFPA and Contribution Agreement) via the ESA-EU matters Committee, including reporting obligations to the Commission and ESA Member States and support negotiations for any amendments conducted under the lead of the Director of European, Legal and International Matters;
• to initiate and coordinate ESA Copernicus Space Component Programme planning;
• to prepare Copernicus programmatic documents and support the necessary negotiations with ESA delegations, the Commission and other partners involved in the Copernicus Space Component;
• to coordinate the related reviews and monitor the implementation of recommendations;
• to make proposals for the use of resources allocated to the CSC Programme based on inputs from the departments, and prepare decisions for the Director of Earth Observation Programmes as required;
• to coordinate the implementation of Copernicus activities resulting from the European Space Policy and related programmatic decisions on Copernicus;
• to initiate Copernicus Outreach activities and support the implementation of Copernicus communication activities in the context of the EOP communication strategy prepared and managed by the EOP Strategy, Programme and Coordination Office;
• to contribute to the strategy, and preparation of the evolution of the CSC and its system architecture, as well as security aspects, in cooperation with the relevant EOP Architecture Office;
• to monitor the Copernicus services and in-situ components and identify issues relevant to the space component; 
• to execute socioeconomic benefit studies to evaluate the impact of Copernicus on a European and global scale;
• to interface with ESA internal services in other directorates, departments and offices as deemed 

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in an engineering or scientific discipline is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should have at least 10 to 15 years of experience in the EO space sector. Experience in the following domains will be an asset:

•    working with the European Commission, including having a sound understanding of their rules and procedures that are relevant for this post;
•    defining and implementing strategic roadmaps;
•    EO applications and business development.

You must be highly motivated and dedicated, take ownership and act proactively. As a leader, you should also 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 and constructive feedback;
•    strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
•    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.