Intern in the Contract Department, Commercialisation and Technology Contracts Division

Internship Opportunity in the Contract Department, Commercialisation and Technology Contracts Division

Our team and mission

Within the Contract Department, the Commercialisation and Technology Contract Division is responsible for procurement and contract implementation supporting Technology Research and Development, Satcom Technology, and Commercialisation, including Business Applications. The contracts managed by the Division cover a wide range of complexity, from €75k for business applications, €100k for R&D, to large-satellite projects. The Division implements all related procurement tasks, ranging from tendering, planning, and issuing invitations to tender, to evaluation of proposals, negotiation of contracts, their signature, and monitoring.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Space technology tenders and contracts

As an intern in the contract department at the European Space Agency (ESA) – in the division of commercialisation and technology contracts, you will be exposed to the end-to-end tender process resulting in the signature of R&D contracts and commercial (near-to-market) initiatives of the Agency. You will participate in tender evaluation boards, experience the preparation of tenders and calls for proposals, and engage in a diverse range of contractual activities. Here’s a detailed overview of your potential fields of activity:

1. Support the introduction of AI in the procurement process: you will be requested to support the contracts officer responsible for introducing AI in the procurement process and collaborate in applying AI solutions to contract drafting.
2. Documentation and Reporting: preparing and organizing documentation related to R&D contracts, including compliance checks. You will also assist in the redesign of the procurement repository.
3. Supporting Contract Drafting: assist in the drafting and review of tenders and contracts related to the commercialisation and/or technology aspects of ESA projects, programmes, and missions. This involves understanding terms and conditions of both the tender process and the contract, ensuring, for example, the protection of intellectual property in compliance with ESA's policies. You will also learn about the objectives pursued by the Agency when procuring space technology, analyze market trends to help tailor contracts that support ESA technology developments and commercial strategies, and participate in meetings with industry and stakeholders, assisting where possible in the negotiation of contractual terms and agreements.
4. Contract Management: assisting in the management of R&D contracts, including monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and addressing any issues that arise.

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.

You will demonstrate:

• A strong interest in the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into procurement processes. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the digital transformation of procurement and legal workflows, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency and compliance, and combining legal knowledge with innovative spirit.
• Understanding of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs): basic knowledge of AI concepts and practical applications, particularly in the drafting of legal documents and automation of contract processing.
• Technical skills:
  • required: proficiency in SharePoint Online and Copilot Studio;
  • desirable: familiarity with Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Availability: a commitment of six months with the earliest start date 01/02/2026 is preferred, depending on the candidate’s availability.

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.