Communication Programme Officer
Porz-Wahn, DE
Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany with a resident assignment to EAC, Porz-Wahn, Germany.
Description
The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is a programme directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Using a partnership between humans and robots, the Directorate 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.
Under the direct authority of the Director of Human and Robotic Exploration (D/HRE), as Communication Programme Officer (CPO) you will be responsible for defining, executing, monitoring and improving all communication activities falling under the responsibility of the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration (D/HRE). In fulfilling these tasks, you will interface with a team of communication experts.
Communication Programme Officers (CPOs) ensure that a directorate’s communication needs are met, at a consistently high standard across the Agency. As HRE CPO, you will lead all D/HRE communication activities and will be responsible for defining and implementing D/HRE’s communication goals and communication plan of activities, as well as related cross-ESA highlight campaigns.
As D/HRE CPO you will be the principal interface between the Directorate and ESA Communication Department and will ensure full coordination with corporate communication planning, as well as efficient implementation of ESA-wide communication priorities and narratives.
Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- managing and implementing the communication campaign to create public and political support for ESA’s exploration capabilities;
- leading the D/HRE communication team, including communication in relation to astronauts;
- training a group of spokespersons of the HRE directorate and supporting corporate media relations on exploration-related topics;
- supporting the implementation of news conferences, exhibition participation and public relations events in close cooperation with the Communication Department;
- ensuring the online presence of HRE activities including the ESA portal, ESA intranet, and social media channels, in accordance with the ESA Communication Policy, as well as the internal communication flow relevant for communications in the HRE directorate;
- managing and providing the content necessary for the production of video, graphics, animations to be published on ESA social media channels and ESA Web TV, as well as for the production of brochures, leaflets, posters, fact sheets and media kits on exploration;
- monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the communication activities implemented in close cooperation with the Communication Department;
- contributing to ESA’s Annual Communication Plan through the ESA Communication Planning Board (CPB) by establishing and implementing the annual communication plan of activities for the HRE directorate;
- contributing to Communication Department meetings in order to maintain an up-to-date, consolidated publishing and events agenda reflecting HRE communication interests while ensuring coherence on the high-level messages and briefings on HRE for the astronauts and D/HRE in line with the ESA narrative.
Technical competencies
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
A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post.
Additional requirements
- Significant experience in communication in an international environment.
- Knowledge of space science, space technology, space transportation and space engineering and operations, as well as proven experience in communication strategy and activities.
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.
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
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, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, 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.