ERS-EO Downstream & Applications Manager

Description

Downstream and Applications Manager in the ERS-EO Programme (European Resilience from Space – Earth Observation Programme). Reporting to the Head of the Earth Observation Mission Management and Ground Segment Department, you will be responsible for the coherent management and strategic integration of the ERS-EO Downstream, End-to-end Proof of Concepts and Space Resilience Nodes activities.

The overall objective of the ERS-EO Programme is to prepare and accelerate the future implementation of EOGS — the EU Earth Observation Governmental Service — in close partnership with the EU and to bring together initiatives relating to dual-use Earth observation surveillance systems among ESA Member States.
The EOGS includes the EOGS-SM, a potential EU-owned constellation providing dedicated observation capacity to the EOGS.

The following three complementary classes of activities, falling under the scope of the position of ERS-EO Downstream and Applications Manager, jointly contribute to the unified delivery of the ERS-EO Programme:

• The ERS-EO Downstream activities, including the definition and implementation of the EOGS‑SM ground segment framework, as well as the ground system architecture and associated functionalities, enabling interoperability across all ERS‑EO downstream components;
• The ERS-EO End-to-end Proof of Concept activities, focusing on the identification, deployment and testing of representative downstream applications to demonstrate their operational relevance and performance;
• The Space Resilience Nodes activities, addressing the implementation of digital, physical and human components to deliver space‑based products and services to national authorities for public safety, disaster relief, and overall European resilience.

While the position is part of the Earth Observation Mission Management and Ground Segment Department, you will report functionally to the ERS-EO Programme Manager.

Duties

Your duties will include:

• ensuring the coherent definition and implementation of the ERS-EO Downstream, End‑to‑End Proof of Concept/Applications and Space Resilience Nodes activities, delivering all components in accordance with cost, schedule and security requirements;
• establishing and maintaining effective coordination with the ERS-EO Architecture and Upstream Manager to guarantee continuous alignment and technical coherence between upstream and downstream system evolution throughout the EOGS-SM project life cycle;
• steering the overarching downstream architecture vision, endorsing major architectural choices, interoperability approaches and interface strategies across all components, preventing fragmentation within the ERS-EO Downstream and Applications domain;
• establishing and maintaining strategic collaboration with SatCen, ensuring oversight of all end‑to‑end proof of concept/application activities, including their prioritisation, strategic alignment, and the systematic integration of results into the ERS‑EO downstream activities;
• establishing and maintaining effective interactions with relevant national authorities and stakeholders, ensuring overarching coordination of Space Resilience Nodes activity implementation, guaranteeing that digital, physical and organisational elements evolve coherently and support national and European resilience needs;
• representing ERS-EO Downstream and Applications vis-a-vis ESA’s technical authorities and external stakeholders, ensuring consistent communication with a view to stakeholder alignment;
• managing the ESA multifunctional team and associated support, ensuring that all necessary information, including security-related constraints and operational dependencies, is available for efficient execution of responsibilities within the agreed framework;
• ensuring that all ERS-EO Downstream and Applications activities are implemented in full compliance with the applicable security requirements, including the identification of security constraints, the coordination of security‑driven design considerations, and the oversight of adherence to ESA, EU and national security frameworks as required.

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.

Education and professional experience

A master’s degree in engineering is required for this post together with 12 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience can be considered.

Additional requirements

• International experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities, is an asset.
• Proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team in a project environment;
• The ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Division and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context;
• The ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation;
• Demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written;
• A proven track record of representing the Agency’s interests to external interfaces;
• Excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
• The ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• The ability to make solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity as well as to support others, such as team members, upper management and other stakeholders, in this process.

People management experience is required.

Mobility is inherent to management functions and this position may be subject to rotation.
Therefore, mobility opportunities may be offered to you as part of your career evolution at ESA, beginning after approximately five years in this role.