Contracts Officer

Join ESA as a Contracts Officer

About the Role

As a Contracts Officer in the Contracts Department within the Directorate of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness, you will focus on EU delegated tasks for Navigation programmes under FFPA/CA (Horizon Europe GNSS upstream activities, Galileo and/or EGNOS) within the EU and ESA Navigation contracts service.

Duties

• Preparing clear and comprehensive requests for quotations and invitations to tender, in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Contributing to the assessment of offers and tenders, ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance.
• Drafting, negotiating and finalising contracts, ensuring consistency with legal and operational requirements.
• Monitoring contract implementation, following up on deliverables and addressing any performance-related issues.
• Handling legal, contractual, administrative and industrial matters throughout the procurement process.
• Working closely with technical teams, providing advice on procurement strategies and ensuring alignment with project objectives.
• Supporting strategic procurement planning for future developments of the Galileo and EGNOS programmes.
• Liaising with European Commission and EUSPA representatives, contributing to the preparation of workplans and participating in procurement board meetings.
• Conducting two-stage tendering procedures in line with security requirements, in close coordination with security officers.
• Managing complex negotiations involving intellectual property regimes, phased contractual arrangements and penalty frameworks.

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of the procurement processes within international organisations
• Understanding of ESA’s institutional framework, programmes (ESA/EU-funded) and the space sector
• Proficiency in analysing, drafting and presenting complex contracts or international legal instruments
• Solid experience with ESA and EU procurement regulations, including security requirements
• Knowledge of cost structures and financial procedures
• Strong negotiation skills

Behavioural Competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in law, economics or from a business school is required for this post.

Additional Requirements

You should demonstrate the ability to:

• Engage with senior stakeholders
• Identify priorities and adjust them as required
• Understand and formulate contractual/legal texts in both official languages of the Agency (French and English)
• Foster cooperation with ESA and third party teams
• Understand issues of a technical nature

At least five years of professional experience in a public administration, international organisation or private industry is required.

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

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.

When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates.

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.