Listed on Orbital Diplomat 7 Jul 2026
ESA's Earth Observation Directorate (EOP) operates some of the world's most consequential satellite programmes, including ESA's own Earth Explorers and the operational Copernicus programme — the world's largest Earth observation system — implemented as part of the EU Space Programme. This Policy Officer role is embedded within the ESA Brussels Office (EBO) and supports EOP's strategic engagement with European Union institutions, serving as the primary liaison between ESA's Earth Observation programmes and the EU legislative and policy environment. The postholder will develop and maintain contacts with relevant European Commission Directorates-General; monitor EU legislation of relevance to Earth observation programmes; foster relationships with Permanent Representations of Member States to the EU, Council working parties, rotating presidencies, and the European Parliament's relevant committees; and liaise with space industry associations and think tanks to develop common positions on European EO policy. This is a substantive space policy role at the interface of two of Europe's most powerful institutional actors — ESA and the EU — at a time when the EU Space Programme's political and budgetary profile is growing rapidly. Eight years of relevant professional experience are required; the post is fixed-term 4 years extendable to 8. ESA member state nationality required.
Master's degree in space policy, law, engineering, environmental science, or economics Minimum 8 years of relevant professional experience Thorough understanding of the Earth observation landscape including institutional, national, academic, and industrial stakeholder perspectives Thorough understanding of the functioning of the European Union and its institutions Knowledge of ESA Earth observation policies and programmes Ability to network in EU-related contexts and interact with a diverse range of actors Ability to work autonomously while maintaining effective internal coordination Experience in public speaking and presenting considered an asset Nationality of an ESA Member State required Good command of English or French; additional Member State language an asset