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Secretary of JCB, (Joint Board on Communication Satellite Programmes), and Mgmt Support Coordinator

Job Requisition ID:  19571
Date Posted:  12 June 2025
Closing Date:  3 July 2025 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication:  Internal & External
Type of Contract Permanent
Directorate:  Connectivity and Secure Communications
Workplace: 

Paris, FR Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band A2 - A4

 

Location
ESA Headquarters, Paris, France or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Secretary of the JCB, (Joint Board on Communication Satellite Programmes), and Management Support Coordinator in the Programme Planning, Strategy and Management Coordination Office within the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications (D/CSC).

The Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications addresses satellite-based Connectivity and Secure Communications systems, taking into account the status of and evolutions in the worldwide market, the regulatory environment and the main private and public actors: space agencies, the manufacturing and service industry, private and institutional satellite operators, public and private financing organisations, other major stakeholders and potential partners, including non-space sectors, as well as the European Union as major partner in and co-funding entity of space-based Connectivity and Secure Communications programmes. 
This is a key role in the Directorate, supporting the decision-making process at the Programme Board as well as successful stakeholder management, in particular vis-a-vis ESA’s Member States.  The role requires the ability to successfully engage with stakeholders at various levels, as well as a very good understanding of the Directorate’s programmes. We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified person ready to play a critical role in the Directorate and work closely with the rest of the team.  

Duties

As JCB Secretary, you will report to the Head of the Programme Planning, Strategy and Management Coordination Office within the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications, with a functional reporting line to the Head of the Director General’s Cabinet. You will work closely with all entities of the Directorate and will also interact with the other Directorates of the Agency in the performance of your duties. Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
as JCB Secretary:

  • Ensuring the preparation and efficient and smooth functioning of the JCB and Advisory Committee meetings;
  • Supporting the relevant decision-making processes by consulting with Member State delegations. This includes preparing agendas and briefings, close collaboration with the JCB Chair, consistent and coherent documentation, timely issuing of documents, records of decisions and minutes, and follow-up of actions;  
  • Managing all the organisational matters relating to the Board’s meetings, including budgets, administration and logistics;
  • Coordinating any external reporting at or participation in JCB meetings with respect to the full spectrum of the Directorate’s activities;
  • Managing the Member States satisfaction survey and proposing improvements.

 

as Management Support Coordinator:

  • Supporting the coordination of the Directorate’s relations with Member States, industry and other partners;
  • Coordinating and overseeing cooperation activities with international partners for D/CSC; 
  • Coordinating and consolidating the Directorate’s input into relevant ESA internal and official documents and meetings, ensuring coherence and consistency in line with the Directorate’s strategic objectives and financial plans in cooperation with the team; 
  • Supporting the preparation of Council meetings at ministerial level;
  • Coordinating with other ESA Directorates on activities of common interest;
  • Representing the Office in coordination forums and ESA working groups as requested;
  • Implementing ad hoc tasks coming under the relevant area of competence, as requested by management, and representing the Directorate in Agency-level initiatives as necessary.

Technical competencies

Stakeholder management
Knowledge of the Directorate’s programmes and frameworks, as well as ESA policies
Experience of ESA’s Boards and Committees
Strong analytical and reporting skills
Understanding of the Directorate’s core business and relationships with key partners
Knowledge of Europe’s space industry and the global space economy

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

*(esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/ESA_Competency_Framework.pdf)

Education

A master’s degree in a relevant field is required for this post.

Additional requirements

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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

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
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working 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 and Languages 
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, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia. 

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*. 

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.  

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.