ESA Graduate Trainee in Science Programme Strategy Support
Grade: Internship - F1 - Graduate Trainee
Closing Date: Feb 28, 2026
Location: Paris (France) | Noordwijk (Netherlands)
Occupational Groups: Operations and Administrations, Outer space and satellite technology, Scientist and Researcher, Project and Programme Management

ESA Graduate Trainee in Science Programme Strategy Support

Job Requisition ID:  20190
Date Posted:  1 February 2026
Closing Date:  28 February 2026 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication:  External Only
Type of Appointment ESA Graduate Trainee
Directorate:  Science
Workplace: 

Paris, FR Noordwijk, NL

 

Location

ESA Headquarters, Paris, France or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The Science Programme is responsible for studying, developing, implementing, and operating all science missions which are part of ESA’s portfolio.
Within the Directorate of Science, the Director and Programme Strategy Support Office is responsible, in particular, for supporting the Director in the strategic planning and implementation of the programme. To this aim the Office plays a pivotal interface role in establishing and maintaining relations with key stakeholders such as Member States, international partners, scientific institutions, and other entities external and internal to the Directorate.

 

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

Under the direct authority of the Head of the Director and Programme Strategy Support Office, within the Directorate of Science, you will:

  • Support the coordination of the selection and adoption of future Scientific Programme missions;
  • Prepare and maintain briefing notes and dossiers on Member States, international partners and Directorate activities;
  • Draft and review documents and correspondence for ESA delegate bodies, Member States, and other stakeholders;
  • Contribute to strategic communication, including content creation and event support;
  • Assist in organising and following up on meetings, including minute-taking, and follow-up on action items;
  • Prepare analytical summaries and reports in support of Directorate activities;
  • Collaborate proactively with team members and other offices to support cross-functional projects and process improvements.

Technical competencies

Knowledge of relevant technical/functional domains
Relevant experience gained during internships, project work and/or extracurricular or other activities
General knowledge of the space sector and relevant activities
Knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects

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 should have recently completed or be in the final year of your master’s degree in science disciplines, engineering, legal or political science.

Additional requirements

You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.

 

Previous experience with or proven interest in science and/or diplomatic management activities would be an asset.

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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. 

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
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.

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 can only be 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, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia  as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

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 be given 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.

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