ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) aims is to show that space is open for business and has the power to improve our everyday lives on Earth. This is done by helping companies in ESA’s member states in the development of innovative services and products which utilise data from existing space assets, such as Satellite Communication, Earth Observation, Satellite Navigation and Human Spaceflight technologies, in combination with terrestrial technologies, to deliver sustainable services for the benefit of user communities.
The program helps stakeholders in addressing commercial and technical risks throughout the development lifecycle, transforming commercially promising space‐based application concepts into operational, profitable and self‐sustaining applications. Working in close cooperation with stakeholders and user communities across a wide variety of markets, BASS enables innovative space-based applications that deliver a positive socio-economic and environmental impact.
Affected by a rapid digital transformation, policies and regulations around climate risk disclosures and targets as well as more extreme hazards to model and insure, finance and insurance present a significant growth opportunity for innovative services which integrate space technologies. With different sectors of the wider economy making use of services of Finance and Insurance, trends and challenges need to be considered from a wider point of view, especially when it comes to sustainability efforts. Over the past years, ESA BASS has set up and launched different Task Forces bringing together major stakeholders in a market to identify priority areas, increase the impact of space-based services in the sector, and generate positive green and economic results. Sustainability is a key theme across task forces.
Fields of activity/research for the traineeship
You will aim to build up a comprehensive understanding of the market opportunities in the financial and insurance sectors for downstream space applications to support the development of sustainable, green and innovative applications.
This will include the following tasks:
- Identifying and characterising commercial opportunities for innovative services and applications in the financial and insurance sectors exploiting space assets such as Satellite Communications, Satellite Navigation, and Earth Observation.
- Supporting the identification and engagement with champion industry stakeholders and public entities who may be the potential customers/users of the services identified.
- Supporting the gathering of user/market requirements from the stakeholders identified as well as the development of new initiatives in cooperation with external partners.
- Identifying the gaps with respect to the existing technology and services and support the identification of new developments both for terrestrial and space-based technologies.
- Identifying technical and commercial risks related to the implementation of such services and proposing mitigation actions
The Traineeship is expected to enable the successful candidate(s) to gain especially in the context of the finance and insurance environment the following:
- a comprehensive overview of innovative services based on integrated space-based data and terrestrial technologies
- an understanding of the future trends in the financial services industry and the emerging role of the space industry in the finance and insurance value chains
- experience with business development and an understanding of new business models
- experience with stakeholders’ engagement and program management.
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
Education
You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’s degree in a technical or scientific discipline.
Additional requirements
You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should 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.
Knowledge and background in finance or actuarial science, as well as a strong understanding of trends, technology and ecosystem of the sector would be considered a plus. Business education would be considered an advantage.
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.
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.
