Governance and Business Operations Specialist (Reserve list)

Information integrity, compliance and internal control:

Ensure that outputs, such as documentation, data, tender actions, payroll inputs and governance artefacts, meet applicable rules, standards and regulatory frameworks; Apply “need-to-know” principles in determining access to and dissemination of information, ensuring appropriate use and handling of sensitive and restricted data; Contribute to audit readiness, internal control and risk mitigation by ensuring compliance with institutional, financial and data protection requirements. . Process implementation, monitoring and improvement:

Contribute to the continuous improvement and digitalisation of communication, coordination and workflow processes, including the implementation and optimisation of digital tools, platforms and dashboards supporting operational efficiency and transparency; Coordinate and monitor the implementation of organisational processes across domains such as procurement, HR,  governance and industrial policy; Identify inefficiencies and contribute to the continuous improvement and harmonisation of procedures, tools and working methods. Contribute to the implementation and evolution of digital systems and tools, ensuring alignment with operational needs, translating operational requirements into structured inputs for process and system enhancements. 

Data management, reporting and decision support:

Ensure the quality, consistency and reliability of data supporting governance and operational processes, including financial, budgeting, Agency-level planning, HR and project data where relevant; Monitor timelines, deliverables and performance indicators, ensuring follow-up of actions and decisions; Produce structured reports and analyses to support management oversight and informed decision-making. 

Management support and coordination:

Coordinate and monitor the planning and execution of departmental activities, ensuring alignment of priorities, schedules and deliverables across organisational units; Facilitate the translation of strategic priorities into actionable activities, ensuring alignment of departmental objectives, plans and deliverables Act as a central coordination point across teams, management and service providers, ensuring coherence, prioritisation and effective flow of information across activities, including contractual, financial and operational aspects; Anticipate dependencies, risks and bottlenecks, supporting their resolution and ensuring continuity and consistency of operations; Oversee and ensure alignment of administrative and operational processes, relating for example to procurement, contracts and resource planning, contributing to their efficiency, traceability and compliance in coordination with the dedicated functions, such as controllers and procurement officers; Ensure structured follow-up of management decisions and actions, monitoring implementation and supporting escalation where required; Contribute to the optimisation and structuring of workflows, practices and coordination mechanisms. Technical competencies Knowledge of the Agency’s regulatory framework and governance processes relevant to the domain of assignment, such as programme/project governance, procurement and contracting, Agency-level planning and budgeting, industrial policy, corporate governance and administrative/financial frameworksGood knowledge of applicable rules, procedures and standards, such as financial regulations, procurement rules, HR frameworks and data protection, ensuring compliant execution of activitiesProficiency in the Agency’s information systems and digital tools supporting business processes relevant to the domain Ability to manage, validate and analyse structured data, for example financial, HR, project or operational data, ensuring quality, consistency and traceability to support decision-making Ability to translate operational needs into structured requirements for process and system enhancementsExperience in data handling, reporting and analysis, ensuring data quality, consistency and traceability to support governance and operational decision-makingBehavioural competencies Result OrientationOperational EfficiencyFostering CooperationRelationship ManagementContinuous ImprovementForward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebookEducation and professional experience Vocational qualification (EQF level 5) in a relevant discipline, and a minimum of 4 years of relevant, post-related professional experience is required.Additional requirements A minimum of four years of relevant, post-related professional experience. Depending on the area of assignment, knowledge in specific domains such as:•    procurement and contracting processes;•    HR administration and payroll frameworks;•    planning, budgeting and controlling;•    industrial policy and geo-return processes. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.Excellent spoken and written command of English and French. Knowledge of another Member State language, as well as relevant specialised education, advanced training, or certification, 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 DisclaimerDuring 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 are only 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, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.  According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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.