Industrial Policy Officer

Join ESA as an Industrial Policy Officer

Description

Industrial Policy Officer in the Industrial Return and Analytics Office, Industrial Policy and Auditing Department, Directorate of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness.

The Office plays a strategic role in shaping ESA’s industrial policy through data-driven insights and engagement, ensuring a fair and balanced geo-return by analysing and monitoring the distribution of contracts across Member States in line with programme goals and industrial development priorities. It also develops advanced analytics tools and dashboards to support decision-making across the Agency, and manages the registration and profiling of ESA suppliers. By connecting industrial intelligence, data and processes, the Office helps drive transparency, efficiency and informed policy-making across ESA.

Duties

You will report to the Head of the Industrial Return and Analytics Office and will be responsible for supporting the implementation of ESA’s geographical return policy and related analytical activities. Your main duties will include:

• Geo-return management and coordination:
  • Supporting the consistent implementation, monitoring, and reporting of geographical return across all ESA programmes, in coordination with internal stakeholders, delegations, and industry;
  • Ensuring data quality and transparency through ongoing validation, forecasting, and analysis of geo-return figures at programme, domain, and Agency level;
  • Preparing documentation and presentations on geo-return topics for internal use, delegations, IPC meetings, and external events;
  • Contributing to the identification of risks and mitigation strategies, and supporting interim and formal reviews of ESA geo-return statistics;
  • Assisting in the preparation of periodic IPC reports and contributing to the evolution of the Agency’s industrial policy framework.
• Tools, systems, and process evolution:
  • Supporting the governance, effective use, and continuous improvement of corporate tools and systems relating to industrial return, such as EROS and AETHER;
  • Monitoring tool usage, analysing trends, and proposing improvements to address evolving requirements;
  • Contributing to the maintenance and evolution of the regulatory framework and certified processes for geo-return.
• Data analytics and business intelligence:
  • Designing and implementing dashboards and reports to support informed decision-making;
  • Ensuring data consistency and quality through robust validation and integration processes;
  • Collaborating with digital transformation teams to align analytics tools with broader Agency initiatives.
• Other collaborative activities:
  • Promoting knowledge-sharing and best practices in the use of corporate systems, including preparing training materials and delivering training sessions;
  • Collaborating with other Services within the Department, across the Directorate, and with key functions such as Legal and programmatic areas to ensure effective coordination and information exchange.

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of the European and international space sector (institutional, commercial and/or industrial)
• Knowledge of the ESA institutional framework, policies and programmes, covering technology, science, launchers, human space and/or applications
• Knowledge of ESA’s internal operations and management frameworks
• Experience in corporate/legacy management tools and working methods
• Experience in the development and evolution of information systems

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in engineering, business administration or a related discipline is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and reporting capabilities
• Effective planning and self-organisation skills, with the ability to coordinate team activities where required
• A proven sense of ownership and accountability for tasks and issues, ensuring they are managed through to resolution
• The ability to communicate tasks, challenges and solutions clearly and concisely
• Capacity to work independently with sustained focus and reliability
• A customer-oriented approach, committed to delivering high-quality service and ensuring client satisfaction
• Strong interpersonal skills to enable seamless collaboration within diverse teams
• A commitment to continuous professional development, with a genuine interest in developments within the space sector, particularly industrial policy

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer

In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

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, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

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 first be given to internal candidates and secondly 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.