Our team and mission

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

Europe is facing increasingly significant challenges including humanitarian crises, natural disasters as a result of extreme weather events (Fire, Floods, Earthquakes etc), and human-induced disasters (e.g. cybercrime and geopolitical instability). We need to act swiftly to protect European citizens and ensure prosperity. The Civil Security from Space Programme (CSS) (https://connectivity.esa.int/civil-security-space) supports industry active across Telecommunications, Earth Observation and Navigation disciplines, with the objective of developing the necessary integrated space systems and tools to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of crisis response efforts.

The CSS programme is multi-disciplined, i.e. bridges across Satellite Communications, Earth Observation and Navigation capabilities to bring the appropriate advanced satellite solutions, embedding in-space data processing, smart connectivity and data transfer solutions, autonomous operations and decision making using artificial intelligence, and the implementation of many applications to serve a long list of use-cases e.g. law enforcement, maritime safety, critical infrastructure monitoring (e.g. energy, transport, communications etc), protection of natural resources (e.g. food, water etc), emergency response, health (e.g. pandemics, humanitarian aid) and much more.

The CSS programme activities are a direct contribution to the ESA Accelerator vision on Rapid and Resilient Crisis Response.

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

https://vision.esa.int/category/ambition/accelerate-the-use-of-space/

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Crisis Response Projects Initiation

The CSS Programme focuses on harnessing space-based solutions to enable swift responses to humanitarian crises, cyber security, and emergency events. The goal is to leverage space assets (e.g. from Earth Observation, Navigation, Sensors, telecom sources), for the benefit of European citizens and institutions. We are seeking an enthusiastic and innovative individual who will support the buildup of new ideas, concepts and projects together with the CSS team, engaging with industry, civil security, crisis actors and end users, to shape new projects in response to the identified needs and priorities identified.

The projects can foster the buildup of new capabilities leveraging currently available space systems and technologies, while also bringing new advanced functionalities like Artificial Intelligence, in-space computing, new user communications devices, positioning and navigation solutions, sophisticated data management systems, new user applications and much more.

Your tasks will include:

• User needs assessment: Review the user needs from a wider range of priority civil security and crisis response usecases (e.g. maritime safety, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, humanitarian action, emergency response, law enforcement etc), in consultation with international organisations, industry, working groups and usecase specific stakeholders;
• System Concept: Assess state of the art EO, Satcom, Navigation systems (e.g review of previous and on-going activities) and identify adaptations/evolution of such solutions to accommodate the user needs, leveraging state of the art technologies including on-board computing, cloud solutions, AI capabilities, smart data handling and connectivity solutions, scalability and security considerations;
• Project Initiation: Support the buildup of new projects and initiatives in response to the system and technology roadmaps;
• Maintain a portfolio of opportunities: Build and maintain a portfolio of projects opportunities and support he coordination and follow-up to the list of potential projects and have a prominent role in bringing such projects to fruition.

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.

• Knowledge of either satcom, EO of Navigation satellite systems, applications and/or AI technologies is an asset;

• Natural curiosity and a passion for creativity with a can do attitude is considered very important;

• Good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multi- cultural environment as part of a team;
• A good proficiency in English is required