European Space Agency (ESA)
ESA's Strategy Department sits at the heart of the agency's long-term direction, responsible for developing and implementing ESA Strategy 2040 — the framework guiding European space ambitions across exploration, climate, security, and competitiveness. The Strategic Initiatives Team within this department identifies cross-cutting gaps and opportunities across the European space sector and accelerates the definition and early implementation of high-impact initiatives in coordination with ESA directorates, Member States, the European Commission, industry, and academia. This National Graduate Trainee position is open exclusively to Latvian nationals (or permanent residents of Latvia holding the nationality of an ESA Member State). The traineeship is based at ESA Headquarters in Paris and offers deep exposure to strategy research, stakeholder engagement, and the governance of European space policy at the highest institutional level. The postholder will contribute to strategic gap analyses, define and evaluate potential initiatives aligned with ESA Strategy 2040, support collaborative engagement with Member State delegations and strategic partners, plan strategy conferences and innovation sprints, and prepare reports for ESA management and governing bodies. For early-career professionals from Latvia interested in European space governance, this traineeship represents a rare and direct entry point into the institutional machinery shaping Europe's space future.
Latvian nationality, or permanent residency in Latvia with the nationality of an ESA Member State, Associate Member, or Cooperating State Master's degree recently completed or in final year, in a relevant technical or functional area with a focus on strategy or innovation Good knowledge of English or French (ESA working languages); knowledge of another Member State language an asset Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work in a multicultural environment independently and as part of a team General knowledge of the space sector and ESA's programmes Previous experience in international teams considered an asset