Our team and mission

Using a partnership between humans and robots, the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working – or will live and work in the future – for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

The Exploration Strategy Office shapes the Directorate’s strategy and policy in line with guidance from ESA leadership, Member States and advisory bodies. It defines future directions for exploration in low Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond, maintains the long-term implementation roadmap, and translates strategic priorities into programme proposals for ESA Council meetings at ministerial level. The Office also develops the Directorate’s benefits plan and leads engagement in international exploration coordination fora. In parallel, it coordinates internal and external communication, manages exhibition assets and visual identities, and acts as the interface with central ESA services on strategy, policy and communication matters.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

​​Working with the Strategy team, you will help strengthen awareness of space exploration, ESA’s Human and Robotic Exploration programme and its benefits among decision-makers, space and non-space professional communities, and the public. You will contribute to:

• ​translating the directorate’s strategy and objectives into a coherent visual identity and brand;
• ​using the running and planned exploration missions (e.g. Astronaut missions, International Space Station, European Service Modules for Orion, Argonaut, Rosalind Franklin Mission) as a teaser to develop communication content to promote the exploration benefits and strategy narrative;
• ​initiatives to enlarge the evidence base of and communicate about exploration and socioeconomic, cooperation, political and science benefits;
• ​designing and implementing innovative ways to make the directorate’s activities more visible and accessible to the public and decision-makers;
• ​developing communication strategies, campaign concepts, plans, content and briefing materials;
• ​supporting the preparatory work to set up a communication strategy and plan for ESA's next Council meeting at Ministerial level, including defining objectives, key messages, target audiences and suitable channels.

Behavioural competencies

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

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

Education

You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course 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.

Specific competence in one of the following disciplines is essential: Communication sciences, Science communication, Journalism and multimedia or similar.