ESA Graduate Trainee in Copernicus Benefits Assessment
Job Requisition ID: 19314
Date Posted: 29 October 2025
Closing Date: 19 November :59 CET/CEST
Publication: External Only
Type of Contract: ESA Graduate Trainee
Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes
Workplace:Frascati, IT
Grade Band: F1 - F1
Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
Our team and mission
Under the direct authority of the Director of Earth Observation programmes, the Copernicus Space Office is responsible for programmatic activities relevant to Copernicus and performs the lead role for the strategic and coordination activities related to Copernicus.
The Office acts as the formal interface with the European Commission for Copernicus, and is the interface for ESA's Copernicus activities within and outside ESA. It ensures their coordination by the implementing departments and the oversight of the Copernicus Space Component (CSC).
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website:
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
The Copernicus Space Office has set up a Sentinel Benefits Observatory that assesses and benchmarks the impacts of ESA Copernicus activities, with the objective to inform EOP programmatic planning, provide evidence to EU and ESA Member States of the benefits brought by the Programme and to feed Copernicus advocacy strategies.
The EGT will support the management and strategic planning of the Sentinel Benefits Observatory, in particular with regards to the following tasks:
* Management of industrial studies related to the assessment of the socio-economic impacts derived from the use of Copernicus Sentinels data, with particular emphasis to review the quality of the reports related to the application of EO for EU policy making and environmental sustainability;
* Design of new studies, in particular the ones intended to investigate the potential use impact of future missions (such as the Sentinel Expansion Missions) and technologies (such as the ESA Destination Earth);
* Benchmarking of the activities and findings of the Observatory with respect to similar activities in Europe and beyond;
* Participation to the activities of the international interdisciplinary group GEOValue, focusing in particular on the GEO Impact Assessment Toolkit which the group is building for the Group on Earth Observations.
The activity will require direct interface with other ESA EOP Departments, with the European Commission, as well as with other European partner agencies contributing to Copernicus (e.g. EEA, ECMWF, EMSA…).
Technical competencies
Knowledge of relevant technical/functional domains
Relevant experience gained during internships, project work and/or extracurricular or other activities
General knowledge of the space sector and relevant activities
Knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education
You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master' s degree in Environmental Engineering, Geography, Earth Sciences or Sustainable Development
Additional requirements
We are looking for young graduates with good knowledge about EO applications and their relevance for environmental policies and with a general understanding about the Copernicus programme. The ideal candidate would also be equipped with some academic background in socio-economic and environmental impact assessments and policy analyses. Hands-on experience with Sentinels data will be considered an asset.
You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.
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
Important Information and Disclaimer
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.
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, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
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 be given 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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