Our team and mission

The Sustainable Initiatives Office in the Department of Science, Applications and Climate is responsible for leading new, cross-disciplinary initiatives that aggregate capabilities from various Earth Observation (EO) thematic domains and projects. The goal is to migrate these capabilities to large-scale, external programmes, co-designed with and led by international user communities and stakeholders. The focus is on initiatives with the potential to significantly increase the scientific and societal impact of Earth observation.

The thematic sector of sustainable development is being addressed in the Office through the Global Development Assistance (GDA) programme, which implements activities to demonstrate and facilitate mainstreaming of the benefits of EO-based information in support of development assistance projects financed by international financial institutions such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Thematic domains being addressed include Disaster Resilience, Climate Resilience, Urban Sustainability, Fragility/Conflict/Security, Marine Environment and Blue Economy, Agriculture, Clean Energy, Water Resources, Transport/Infrastructure, Health, and Forestry Management – complemented by cross-cutting activities on knowledge and capacity development as well as analytical environments and strategic communication. Find out more on the GDA web portal (https://gda.esa.int/about). 
 

You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

As a Young Graduate Trainee, you will contribute to the analysis, documentation and communication of the quantitative and qualitative benefits that EO-based data and derived information provide in support of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and specifically in the domain of international development assistance and finance. 

Areas to be investigated may include:

• EO to support the concept definition, planning, implementation and evaluation of development finance projects across various thematic domains;
• remote supervision, monitoring, and safeguards methodologies and policies;
• EO knowledge management and advancement, as well as capacity development support and impact-oriented communication.

The aim is to synthesise a wide range of existing information and support the narrative of the value proposition that EO can accelerate impact in the sustainable development and development assistance framework. This work will be done in interaction with partners in international financial institutions (e.g. World Bank, Asian Development Bank) and the European EO service sector in the context of the ESA GDA programme.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Education

You should have just completed or be in the final year of a master’s degree in a technical or scientific discipline.

Additional requirements

Applicants should be capable of working with large, multicultural organisations that execute complex, international development activities both globally and regionally.

You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

During the interview, your motivation and overall professional career goals will also be explored.