Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) – Noordwijk, Netherlands

The Financial Operations Division (HIF-FO) is responsible for analysing, validating and approving all Agency payments to suppliers and carrying out related financial operations. It leads, jointly with the Procurement Department, the evolution and operational implementation of the Agency procure-to-pay process. It ensures that contracts/purchase orders are compliant with IPSAS and other financial requirements, interfacing with primarily with project controllers and contract officers. The Division is the focal point for all questions from industry regarding ESA payments. It contributes to the closure of the Agency’s accounts as regards accounts payable by ensuring accounts clearing and reconciliation and preparing notes to the Financial Statements. It ensures responses to all questions from auditors regarding accounts payable. With the objective of developing the digitalisation of financial operations, it proposes rules, procedures, methods and IT requirements aimed at increasing efficiency while mitigating financial risks. The Division manages the settlement of staff and non-staff travel claims in compliance with the ESA rules and travel policy. Finally, it creates and maintains the financial vendor master data.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Support to financial operations on Space contracts

You will contribute, under the supervision of the Head of HIF-FOT Section, to financial operations related to ESA contracts in the field of Space programs, encompassing the verification of payment-related contractual clauses and the validation of the payments. You will also investigate potential application of AI-based technologies to financial operations on contracts and will provide the internship tutor and the Head of HIF-FOT Section with a report presenting your analysis.

A training on the Procure-to-Pay process and the supporting IT system will be delivered to you.

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 a university course at Master’s level and you need to remain 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 Member State language would be an asset.

Background in Business Administration would be an asset.