Intern in the Human and Robotic Exploration Programme Management Support Group
European Space Agency (ESA)
Intern Internship Close on 30 Nov 2025
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration is a Programme Directorate within ESA. Using a combination of human and robotic capabilities, the directorate explores destinations in space where humans are already living and working, or will be in the future, the aims being scientific and technological research, economic development, international cooperation, and public inspiration.
ESA’s Terrae Novae Programme consolidates ESA’s exploration activities structured around four areas: Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), Moon, Mars and Cross-Destination. These include building the European Service Modules for the Artemis missions to the Moon, providing major building blocks of the Lunar Gateway space station, developing the first European Moon Landing vehicle, developing the Rosalind Franklin mars Rover and being NASA’s partner for the first Mars Sample Return mission.
The Programme Management Support Group (HRE-P), within ESA’s Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes, is responsible for assisting the Project, Programme and Directorate Management team in operational aspects such as resource planning and control (financial, industrial, workforce, schedule). The Programme Management Support office duties include supporting the preparation of Programme proposals, preparing planning scenarios, managing geographical return reporting, generating financial and performance reporting, and monitoring project budgets.
You will support the activities of the HRE-P Digitalisation Steering Board. The goal of steering board is to identify, prioritize, direct resources and achieve the benefits of a portfolio of digitalization, reporting and business change initiatives that are aligned with HRE’s strategic priorities and support the mission of the HRE Business Control and Management Support Group. The objective is to ensure HRE-P business processes and systems are sufficiently agile and resilient to cope with evolving HRE business needs and the increased pace of change.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Topic of the internship: Management Control Systems and Business Process Improvement
You will support the activities of the HRE-P Digitalisation Steering Board, with a focus on:
You will have the opportunity to be involved in and learn about:
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
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.
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 or background in business administration, project management, and/or information systems, with coursework in areas like process analysis and management information systems would be an asset.
Experience with process mapping tools (e.g., Visio), workflow automation and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI) is highly desirable.
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
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.
