Head

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Head of the Earth Observation Projects Department

Job Requisition ID: 21152

Date Posted: 23 October 2026

Closing Date: 20 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method: Internal & External

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace:

Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A6 - A6

Location

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Reporting directly to the Director of Earth Observation Programmes, the Head of the Earth Observation Projects Department is responsible for the overall system definition and management of approved ESA Earth observation programmes up to and including launch and in-orbit verification.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• leading the teams responsible for the design and implementation of the space segment of approved Earth observation missions undertaken by ESA (including Earth Explorer, Scout, Earth Watch, meteorological, Copernicus, ERS-EO and national programmes) up to and including launch and in-orbit commissioning;
• directing, planning, distributing and monitoring projects;
• ensuring and endorsing the consolidation of the final programmatic framework of the future missions to be implemented (cost at completion, schedule, procurement and geo-return);
• ensuring that the approved mission requirements are implemented within the agreed schedule and established cost at completion;
• interfacing with industry, as needed, to support project teams;
• interfacing on technical and programmatic issues with Member States and partner organisations, for example EUMETSAT for meteorological missions and the European Commission for Copernicus missions;
• implementing ESA industrial policy for the elements under your responsibility;
• developing and motivating departmental staff members by assessing performance, encouraging learning and development, delegating responsibilities and providing regular and constructive feedback;
• encouraging synergy across project teams and creating a sense of unity and purpose between teams and across ESA, recognising team success and supporting any relevant ESA corporate activities;
• dealing effectively with sensitive or difficult situations, liaising with Human Resources as required;
• ensuring that a long-term, strategic view is taken for the Department and effectively communicating that strategy and vision;
• maintaining close cooperation with all EOP departments: Future Missions and Architecture (EOP-F) for the preparation of future missions; EO Mission Management and Ground Segment (EOP-G) for ground segment aspects; and Science, Applications and Climate (EOP-S) for science aspects and commercialisation.

You will be assisted by programme managers and project managers, as well as by the Project Control and Management Support and System Support functions. In carrying out your duties, you will liaise closely with other departments and offices within the Directorate, and draw on the support of other Agency directorates.

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

Technical competencies

Experience in the management and development of complex space systems

Interaction with European space industry at the highest level, including contract negotiation

Project and technical management

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Education and professional experience

A master's in engineering or physics is required for this post, together with 15 years of relevant professional experience.