Latvian National Graduate Trainee in Strategic Initiatives

Latvian National Graduate Trainee in Strategic Initiatives

Job Requisition ID: 20570

Date Posted: 22 May 2026

Closing Date: 19 June :59 CET/CEST

Publication: External Only

Type of Appointment: National Graduate Trainee

Directorate: Strategy, Legal and External Matters

Location

ESA Headquarters, Paris, France

Team and Mission

Within the ESA Strategy Department, the Strategic Initiatives Team supports the implementation of ESA Strategy 2040 by identifying, defining and coordinating new, cross‑cutting initiatives that advance ESA's strategic goals and priorities. The Team analyses strategic gaps and opportunities for the European space sector and accelerates the definition and early implementation of high‑impact initiatives to address them. For this purpose, the Team works in close cooperation with ESA directorates and strategic partners through collaborative frameworks, processes and campaigns.

In addition, the Team leads the development of new concepts, methodologies and tools for strategic innovation and organises collaborative and competitive events, such as innovation sprints, in support of the development of strategic initiatives. Finally, the Team supports the broader work of the Strategy Department and contributes to high‑level engagements with ESA Member States, as required.

Responsibilities

• Conducting strategy research and gap analyses for the identification of priority areas relevant to ESA Strategy 2040.
• Defining high‑potential strategic initiatives and evaluating their value, feasibility and expected impact.
• Engaging with ESA directorates and key stakeholders (including Member States, European Commission, strategic partners, user communities, industry and academia) through collaborative frameworks and processes.
• Supporting the development and early implementation of selected strategic initiatives.
• Planning and organising events, including strategy conferences, targeted workshops, innovation sprints, etc.
• Developing new concepts, methodologies and tools to support strategic innovation at ESA.
• Monitoring progress and preparing reports for ESA management and governing bodies.

As part of the ESA Strategy Team, you will also contribute to the broader work of the Strategy Department, as required.

Key Learning Objectives

• Acquiring a broad knowledge of space technologies and applications as well as key trends shaping the sector.
• Gaining a good understanding of ESA’s organization, governance and programmes.
• Strengthening capabilities in applied strategy research and analysis, particularly the definition and evaluation of actionable strategic options.
• Building a capacity to engage a wide range of experts and stakeholders and support effective collaborative processes.
• Enhancing written, visual and oral communication skills, with a focus on producing concise, persuasive reports and presentations.
• Developing the ability to design and deliver high‑quality events, including innovative and unconventional events.

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

Education

You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’s degree in a relevant technical or functional area, with a focus on strategy or innovation.

Additional Requirements

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 may be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional prospects 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 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

Nationality and Languages

Applications can only be considered from nationals of Latvia or permanent residents of Latvia with the nationality of an ESA Member State, Associate Member or Cooperating State.

Working languages: English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

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.