About this role
Location EAC, Cologne, Germany Description The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is a programme directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Through a partnership between humans and robots, D/HRE is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working — or will live and work in the future — for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration. The Head of the Human Exploration Department is responsible for the European Astronaut Corps and the Agency's cross-cutting human spaceflight activities in support of all destinations.
Duties
- Manage the implementation of five different types of astronaut mission, including Artemis, ISS long-duration missions, EPIC, PAM and commercial missions to new stations; Provide leadership for the implementation of crew operations, including astronaut, training and medical activities, across all ESA exploration destinations; Provide leadership and direction for the European Astronaut Corps; Represent ESA in the ISS Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP), the Artemis Crew Operations Panel (ACOP) and their subordinate boards, working with international partners to secure high-visibility opportunities for ESA astronauts; Ensure the establishment of science requirements that enable human exploration, coordinating their implementation with the various destination leads; Lead and coordinate the LUNA and EAC Integrated Team; Take responsibility for ESA astronaut selection; Provide input to the Directorate and the Director General on astronaut flight assignments; Oversee the implementation and verification of human spaceflight safety requirements in the design, development, operations and decommissioning of human exploration missions; Lead the implementation of National Astronaut Missions in close coordination with the respective Member States, engaging at both operational and delegate level, up to Head of Delegation.
- You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.
Technical competencies In-depth knowledge of crew operations, including astronaut training, medical, in-flight and PR activities Ability to lead international collaboration Strong understanding of the astronaut experience, including training, long-duration spaceflight, public relations and engagement with senior political and institutional stakeholders Behavioural competencies Result Orientation Operational Efficiency Fostering Cooperation Relationship Management Continuous Improvement Forward Thinking For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook Education and professional experience A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with, in principle, 15 years of relevant professional experience.
Additional requirements 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 the ability to support others (team members, senior management and other stakeholders) in this process; Previous experience of managing managers and managing an entity encompassing several teams. You should also have the following: Proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team The ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Department and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context; The ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation; Demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written; A proven track record of representing the Agency’s interests to external interfaces; Excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills; 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, other stakeholders) in this process. People management experience is required and international experience would be an asset, including outside your home country, as would experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.
Mobility is inherent to management functions and this position may be subject to rotation. Therefore, mobility opportunities may be offered to you as part of your career evolution at ESA, starting after approximately five years in this role.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace.
The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [email protected] . Important Information and Disclaimer Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations. During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures. Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position. The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication.
It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have. Nationality and Languages Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States. 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.