Earth Observation Green Transition Data Application Scientists

Description

Earth Observation Green Transition Data Application Scientist in the Data Applications Division of the Science Applications and Climate Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (EOP). 

The two posts are linked to the international policy reforms supporting the green transition and the growth of a green economy, defined as one that is low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive. This is one of the key goals set by the ESA, Accelerator “Space for Green Future” for which the posts will be closely associated with. Given the urgency of protecting Earth’s increasingly critical environmental conditions, there is a need to accelerate the exploitation of Earth Observation (EO) data and digital technologies fully integrated in operational services enabling the green transition and taking account of the many interdependencies that exist in respect of the climate, ecosystem responses and societal activities. The tasks are aimed at delivering actionable information and tailored services for European decision-makers, policy implementers and citizens at large in order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and address the complex and intertwined social/environmental/economic dynamics. This shall also be achieved by leveraging existing and planned activities by other stakeholders to maximise impacts and to raise awareness of effective uses of space-based solutions. The process will unlock synergies with sectors such as energy, manufacturing, transport or health, thus fostering the transformation of a wide range of economic sectors throughout their global value chains and establishing global leadership for Europe in the rapidly emerging green economy. 

Duties

Reporting to the Head of the Data Applications Division, you will be in charge of interfacing with various stakeholders and communities across different sectors and will be responsible for the development and deployment of integrated solutions addressing the green transition. You will be involved in developing innovative EO application activities across S4GF elements and will also support the S4GF accelerator process generally under the overall coordination of the Head of the Accelerator Office.

Your main tasks will include:

• engaging in dialogue with key end-user entities and stakeholders (including national, regional and local public institutions responsible for policy implementation) through workshops and consultation meetings to capture user needs, consolidating policy requirements;
• establishing partnership agreements with entities from various relevant sectors such as energy, manufacturing, transport, health and environmental protection, and fostering the integration of the EO-developed solutions into operational services;
• leading the preparation of a Green Transition R&D roadmap based on community consultations and continuous dialogue with ESA Member States, the European Union and key stakeholders involved in the ESA Space for a Green Future Accelerator;
• managing innovative projects with downstream industry and academia to develop tools and innovative applications for effective policy implementation monitoring and management. Such tools, also known as Green Transition Information Factories (GTIF), shall deliver actionable and timely information to be used by relevant stakeholders engaged in the implementation of the green transition policies and their monitoring;
• supporting the activities of the ESA Space for a Green Future Accelerator, in particular:

• setting targets and monitoring progress against high-level deliverables;
• developing the Accelerator itself, including the creation and assembly of building blocks;
• supporting relevant transversal Accelerator issues (e.g. engagement with the private sector);

• the GTIF shall integrate EO information products with data coming from other data collection networks and leverage on cutting-edge digital platform technology;
• cooperating with EOP colleagues engaged in related thematic activities;
• ensuring full coordination with key implementation partners at European, international and national level;
• contributing to further R&D activities in the context of FutureEO-1 Block 4 https://eo4society.esa.int/;
• fostering communication and contributing to publications on project achievements;
• supervising and supporting the work of Young Graduate Trainees and Research Fellows.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in a relevant discipline such as engineering, Earth science, computer science, environment, ecology, ecosystem science or data science is required for this post.

A PhD degree would be an asset.

Additional requirements

Experience in the management and monitoring of research and development activities as well as knowledge of international societal and environmental policies would be an asset. At least four years of experience in related remote sensing applications development and/or relevant research will be considered an asset.

You should also have:

• the potential to manage/supervise trainees (interns/young graduate trainees) and the ability to organise their activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
• effective relationship management, including customer focus and ambassadorship skills;
• excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day challenges;
• a strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions;
• the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively, with demonstrated planning and organisational skills.

International experience, outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities is an asset.