Science Education Scientist and Communication Coordinator

Job Requisition ID: 18834

Date Posted: 3 September 2024

Application Deadline: 24 September 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Science

Workplace: Villanueva de la Cañada, ES

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain

Description
The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Its mission is to 'Empower Europe to lead space science'.

The Science Communication and Education Section (SCI-EC) in the Office of Science Engagement and Oversight (SCI-E) is responsible for defining and implementing the Communication and Education Strategy for the Science Directorate of the European Space Agency. Leveraging the scientific output of all the Space Science missions with the aim to ensure that a range of stakeholders (ranging from advisory bodies, media, scientists, general public and future generations) are informed, engaged and inspired.

CESAR - Cooperation through Education in Science and Astronomy Research - is a joint initiative by ESA, the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA) and the Ingeniería de Sistemas para la Defensa de España, S.A. (ISDEFE) to promote and develop educational activities in Spain and Europe with a focus on exploration of the Solar System and the Universe, with a focus on ESA Science missions. Its activities are closely coordinated with the ESA Education Office.

In this role you will be responsible for coordinating and managing the CESAR education initiative. In particular, you will be in charge of the definition, execution, monitoring and evaluation of education activities. In addition, for up to 50% of your time, you will support the Head of the Science Communication and Education section in planning and implementing the optimal use of SCI resources dedicated to communication and education, including placing contracts, defining and preparing clear procedures to ensure the smooth functioning of the Section and integration of our science communication and education activities.

Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

Coordinating CESAR efforts with the main partners (INTA and ISDEFE) and the ESA Education Office on the following activities:

• coordination of school and university visits at ESAC;
• creating educational material for astronomy, heliophysics and planetary science, from primary and secondary schools through to universities, with a strong focus on accessibility and inclusion;
• managing and developing regular CESAR training opportunities for school teachers;
• overseeing and actively participating in other educational events, e.g., video-conferences to school and university students, and remote operations of CESAR educational telescopes;
• ensuring optimal access to educational resources via the continuous improvement of the CESAR educational website.

Up to 50% of your time will be spent supporting management in the best use of its resources related to communication and education. Examples include, managing and monitoring the existing contracts, as well as supporting the Head of the Science Communication & Education Section in setting up new contracts to strengthen the impact and reach of the available resources.

Technical competencies
Experience in space science and science communication

Experience in project management

Experience in managing contracts

Experience in designing, developing and delivering educational activities

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

Education
A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements
You should, in addition, have an advanced level in Spanish (for instance, equivalent to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages CEFR level of C1 or C2).

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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

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 [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

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.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

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, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

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 first be given to internal candidates and secondly 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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