Intern in Strategy for Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness

Our team and mission

We are a small, dynamic team working on a diverse portfolio of topics within the commercial space ecosystem, directly supporting the Director of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness (CIC). The Strategy, Coordination and Management Support Office reports to the Director of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness. In close collaboration with the four CIC departments, it supports the Directorate for matters related to Strategy, including the evolution of the Directorate's programmatic activities, for matters related to the Coordination of inter-department and inter-directorate activities, and for ad-hoc support to the CIC Management.

Our tasks range from external strategic communication to internal support for commercialisation practices. While our core focus is within the CIC directorate, we also contribute to agency-wide initiatives, and often lead and develop our own ideas. Some days are dedicated to strategic thinking, where we explore new frameworks and concepts through research-driven approaches. Other days, we respond to last-minute requests, requiring agility and creative problem-solving.

You don’t need a traditional space background. If you're ready to learn something new every day, take on exciting challenges, and be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team, we’d love to hear from you.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

We’re looking for someone curious, proactive, and eager to contribute to one of the following focus areas while also supporting our daily activities. You can choose between the following topics:

• Topic 1: Strategic Communication and Policy Research for the CIC Directorate
  • Support internal and external messaging around ESA’s commercialisation efforts
  • Contribute to content creation and stakeholder engagement
  • Help shape ESA’s narrative on innovation, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness
  • Conduct research on market instruments like public-private partnerships in context of the European space industry
  • Support the development of new frameworks and strategic initiatives around the competitiveness and commercialisation of the European space industry
• Topic 2: Internal Innovation and Data-driven project support
  • Support the ESA internal ideation and incubation programme and the innovation mindset in ESA
  • Contribute to knowledge transfer
  • Help shape ESA’s narrative on innovation, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness
  • Work on the digitalization of the directorate
  • Support the implementation of tracking tools and development of dashboards
• Topic 3: Project-driven

  If you believe that you can bring value to this team with your background and experience through a specific project, we look forward to reading about it in your application.

This internship is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in the space sector and understand the intricacies of strategic planning, international relations, and interdepartmental collaboration.

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

• The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
• During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
• Knowledge and background (for example through projects, volunteer work or internships) in political sciences, entrepreneurship, economics, strategy, business and/or project management is an asset.
• Knowledge in the field of aerospace is beneficial but not mandatory.
• You can autonomously perform background tasks such as drafting documents and presentations, researching inputs and/or preparing decisions.
• You value evidence-based decisions and pragmatism and you are curious to learn.

Important Information and Disclaimer

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations. The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship 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

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, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.