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Head of EOP Security Office

Job Requisition ID: 20925

Date Posted: 8 October 2026

Closing Date: 29 October 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method: Internal & External

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace:

Frascati, IT Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A4 - A4

This post is classified at grade A4 on the Coordinated Organisations' salary scale, with upgrade to A5 upon confirmation of the EOGS Programme to ESA.

Location

ESRIN, Frascati, Italy or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Under the direct authority of the Director of Earth Observation Programmes, the EOP Security Office is responsible for providing the Directorate's security functions. The postholder reports hierarchically to the Director of Earth Observation Programmes. The EOP Security Office includes the ISO function of the EOP Directorate, responsible for providing assurance security functions at Directorate level; the EOP ISO functionally reports to the head of the EOP Security Office and hierarchically to the Head of the ESA Security Office.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• managing and coordinating the EOP Security Office;
• performing and overseeing security management and security risk management across the EOP Directorate in accordance with the ESA Security Framework and relevant EU Security policy;
• defining and maintaining effective and efficient implementing directives of the applicable security directives for EOP;
• coordinating the EOP PSSO and security engineering function ensuring proper security implementation of EOP security activities;
• ensuring harmonisation of security standards, methods and policies within the Directorate in accordance with applicable ESA standards;
• ensuring a proper Directorate security assurance function including dedicated audits and inspections at Directorate level, with ISO functional support, in close coordination with ESA Security Office;
• performing Directorate security risk management, including management and handling of security incidents;
• maintaining the security risk portfolio and coordinating mitigation actions in liaison with ESO, C-SOC and the EOP lead;
• supporting EOP projects in the management of the interface with the security authorities;
• ensuring and managing the security certification and accreditation processes and their maintenance leveraging ESO in Matrix;
• defining the security awareness plan and performing dedicated security training and security awareness campaigns;
• ensuring and managing the cybersecurity industrial audit process with the support of ESO;
• as Directorate Export Control Liaison Officer (DELO), ensuring the implementation of the strategic trade control procedure within the Directorate;
• as Directorate Cyber Security Manager, defining the D/EOP Cybersecurity Implementation Plan for the EOP information systems, and overseeing the security posture of all EOP Communication Information Systems;
• ensuring adequate information protection, providing classified information management support;
• whenever requested, representing the Directorate and contributing to ESA and EU security governance, including before the ESA Security Committee.

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

Technical competencies

Knowledge of cybersecurity of critical infrastructure

In-depth experience in the protection of classified or sensitive information

In-depth experience in the governance of digital and physical security

In-depth knowledge of European and international security frameworks

Experience in institutional and multilateral projects

Familiarity with intergovernmental frameworks for information security

Knowledge of ESA EO policies and programmes

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Education and professional experience

A master's in a relevant domain is required for this post together with 5 years relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor's, complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience may be considered.

Additional requirements

Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to represent ESA to external stakeholders;

Experience working under pressure and in politically sensitive environments;

Ability to operate across technical, institutional and political levels;

Strong credibility in networking and negotiation with high-level institutional actors;

Eligibility for personal security clearance by a national security authority;

Certification in crisis management, institutional communication or data protection will be considered an asset;

International experience and prior engagement with EU, ESA or NATO security structures would be a strong asset.

Proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team of experts;

The ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Office and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context;