ESA Graduate Trainee in Earth Observation in Support of International Development Assistance
Frascati | Rome
- Organization: ESA - European Space Agency
- Location: Frascati | Rome
- Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
-
Occupational Groups:
- Development Cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals
- Environment
- Outer space and satellite technology
- Closing Date: 2025-02-28
ESA Graduate Trainee in Earth Observation in Support of International Development Assistance
Frascati, IT
Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
Our team and mission
The EGT will be located under the direct authority of the Head of the Long-term Action Section (EOP-SCI) in the Department of Climate Action, Sustainability & Science Department. The Long-term Action Section is responsible for leading new, cross-disciplinary initiatives that aggregate capabilities coming from different EO thematic domains and projects. The goal is to migrate these capabilities into large-scale, external programmes, co-designed with and lead by international user communities and stakeholders.
The focus is on initiatives with potential to significantly enlarge the scientific and societal impact of Earth Observation following the Earth Action vision as described in the EO Science Strategy 2024 https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/ESA_releases_new_strategy_for_Earth_observation .
The thematic sector of International Development Cooperation is being addressed in the LA Section, a.o., 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 World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development as well as more recent engagement with large climate and environment funds such as the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility etc. Thematic domains that are 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, Forestry Management, and Climate Adaptation & Finance – 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
You will contribute to the analysis, documentation, and communication of the quantitative and qualitative benefits that EObased data and derived information bring in support of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and specifically the domain of international development assistance and finance.
Areas to be investigated can include:
- EO to support development finance projects concept definition, planning, implementation, and evaluation across various thematic domains;
- remote supervision, monitoring, and safeguards methodologies & policies;
- EO knowledge management and advancement as well as capacity development support, and finally 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 finance framework. This work will be done interacting with partners in International Financial Institutions (e.g., World Bank, Asian Development Bank), large climate and environment funds (e.g., Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility) and the European EO service sector in the context of the ESA GDA programme and the broader Earth Action vision.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education
You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’ s degree in technical or scientific discipline
Additional requirements
Specific competence in one of the following disciplines shall be considered an asset: Applicants should be capable of working with large, multi-cultural 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. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.
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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
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.
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 can only be 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, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will be given to external candidates from under-represented 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.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.