4S Implementation Manager

Join ESA as a 4S Implementation Manager in the Safety and Security from Space Programme Office, within the Systems, Strategic Programme Lines and Technology Department, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

The 4S (Space Systems for Safety and Security) Strategic Programme Line (SPL) is one of the three strategic areas of ESA’s ARTES telecommunications programme. It focuses on next-generation satellite communications solutions serving sensitive governmental needs and supporting infrastructure and applications that are critical for our society, economy, security and international influence, with a strong emphasis on security, robustness, resilience and sovereignty in design, manufacturing, deployment and operations.

Specific attention is placed on increasing ESA Member States’ capabilities and portfolios of competitive technologies and solutions in all aspects relating to cyber security, protection and resilience of space-based systems, networks and services.

In this context, the 4S strategy is implemented both by partnering with industry to increase competitiveness and the ability to deliver world-leading 4S solutions in a timely manner, and by defining, setting up and implementing relevant additional ESA-initiated activities and projects.

Description

Reporting to the Head of the Safety and Security from Space Programme Office, who also fulfils the role of 4S Strategic Programme Line Manager, you will work in close collaboration with the 4S System Architect.

Duties

• Establish, oversee and report on the implementation of activities funded under the 4S Strategic Programme Line, ensuring compliance with applicable ESA rules, processes, procurement policies and ARTES requirements.
• Manage the procurement process for 4S activities, including the preparation and implementation of industrial activities, and ensure alignment with agreed objectives, budgets and schedules.
• Coordinate the teams involved in the implementation of 4S activities and projects, ensuring effective planning, execution, monitoring and internal reporting, including reporting to the JCB as required.
• Manage the implementation of GOVSATCOM tasks entrusted to ESA under the Contribution Agreement with the European Commission, including coordination with relevant ESA organisational units and preparation of reports required under the Agreement, in cooperation with project controllers.
• Ensure proactive coordination with colleagues across the units and departments of the Directorate of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity, the Security Office, the Directorate of Strategy, Legal and External Matters, the Directorate of Commercialisation and Industry Partnership, the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, and other relevant directorates and units, including for staffing support and the use of ESA laboratories and facilities.
• Maintain effective interfaces with industry, institutional bodies, national delegations and other external stakeholders as necessary to support the implementation of the 4S Strategic Programme Line strategy and related actions.
• Coordinate the activities of the 4S Advisory Committee, including liaising with the Chair and members, preparing meeting content and involving internal and external experts as required.
• Support the 4S Strategic Programme Line Manager in updating the 4S Strategic Plan and preparing future inputs relevant for the Council meeting at ministerial level, including the identification of new opportunities and the proposal of implementation options for major activities and projects.

Technical competencies

• Knowledge and/or experience of multi-disciplinary technical fields in your area of responsibility.
• Knowledge of and/or experience in governmental and commercial satcom markets, applications, solutions and technologies, with specific relevance to 4S domains, including space-based solutions designed to meet stringent security, resilience and sovereignty requirements.
• Knowledge of and/or experience in the management of industrial activities, implementing and driving R&D and/or industrial activities, as well as knowledge of ESA R&D programmes.
• Knowledge of ESA procurement processes, including experience in supporting industrial procurement activities.
• Experience in the implementation of multi-agency/-stakeholder cooperative programmes and activities.

Behavioural competencies

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

Education and professional experience

A master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline is required for this post together with 4 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional four years of relevant professional experience, can be considered.

Additional requirements

You should have experience in implementing projects or activities, preferably in telecommunications and especially in satellite communications. This includes setting up projects or activities using innovative approaches when required, and implementing them in accordance with performance objectives, schedules and budget.

The following will be considered assets for this position:

• Ability to foster team cohesion.
• Ability to organise yourself and help organise the team’s work.
• Negotiation skills, as well as proven relationship management and communication skills.
• Strong demonstrated planning and organisational skills.
• Strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing.

Important information

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations and be eligible to acquire the security clearance required by their national security administrations.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

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, 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.