Our team and mission

This position is based at the ESA HQ - Paris, France

DG-5, known as the Strategy Department of ESA, holds a pivotal role in defining and steering the strategic course of ESA. This department is entrusted with the task of envisioning ESA's mid- and long-term programmatic direction. Its mandate involves orchestrating coordination efforts, strategic planning, and forward-looking activities, all in accordance with the ESA Agenda 2025.

One of DG-5's key attributes is its transversal approach. It collaborates extensively with other ESA directorates and services, fostering a cohesive approach both within the agency and in its external interactions. This collaboration ensures that strategic initiatives are harmonized across all facets of ESA's operations, maintaining a unified vision.

Furthermore, DG-5 acts as a strategic support pillar for ESA's Director General. It provides critical insights by offering foresight capabilities and spearheading initiatives that span ESA's diverse activities. This aids the Director General in making informed strategic decisions.

Council meetings at the ministerial level are a focal point of DG-5's responsibilities. The department oversees the meticulous preparation of these meetings, which are pivotal in deciding the future funding and programs of ESA. Additionally, DG-5 contributes to the formulation of the ESA Long-Term Plan, which outlines the agency's overarching objectives over an extended timeframe.

DG-5's influence extends to critical domains, including Safety and Security (both in space and from space) and climate. The department proposes specific actions and program proposals within these areas, demonstrating its proactive engagement in addressing pressing challenges.

For further information visit our web site: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You can choose between the following topics:

1) Topic 1: Civil society

One of the five priorities of Agenda 2025 is “Develop Space for Security and Safety”. In this regard, this safety and security priority aims at addressing international security challenges resorting to space-based capacities. With the rise of global challenges, the understanding and definition of safety and security have become much broader, extending beyond the military dimensions. Most risks to our society and economy require space to be properly involved. DG-5 is leading a transversal work with the other DG services and Directorates concerned. ESA is increasingly collaborating with organized civil society; exploring environmental and humanitarian applications using space data, together with the Member States.. 

2) Topic 2: Partnerships and Policy analysis

As an intern, your tasks will include:

• Support the Enhancement of the ESA Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) catalogue, integrating Member states projects and proposing new activities (htttps://sdg.esa.int)
• Update the Member States ‘Observatory, researching new orientations in Member states’ policies regarding various areas, such as Biodiversity, Climate , Energy, Transportation and Infrastructure, Water management etc.
• Provide overall support in the partnerships building with non-space organisations, using a space application or technology.

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3) Topic 3: Strategic analysis

As an intern, your tasks will include:

• Development of various analyses of the space sector as part of the agency's strategic thinking, including an assessment of the evolution of the European space sector in the global context, for the purpose of elaborating the next ESA Long Term Plan
• Update the work on KPI Observatory (benchmarking ESA and national space agencies’ reports on their performance) 
• Update the strategy process documents.

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

Education

You must have student status and be enrolled at university for the entire duration of the internship. You should preferably be in your final or second to last year of a university course at master’s level in a technical or scientific discipline.

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.