Very High Resolution (VHR) Data Solutions Coordinator

Very High Resolution (VHR) Data Solutions Coordinator Job Requisition ID: 20818 Date Posted: 31 July 2026 Closing Date: 31 August 2026 23:59 CET/CEST Publication: Internal & External Type of Appointment: Fixed-Term Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes Workplace: Frascati, IT Grade Band: A2 - A4 ​ This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years. Location ESRIN, Frascati, Italy Description In the context of various EU and ESA programmes, including Copernicus, Earthnet and emerging programme elements currently under definition, you will be responsible for driving innovation and supporting the definition and implementation of activities aimed at ensuring the seamless integration, exploitation and management of Third Party Mission (TPM) data, with a particular focus on commercial Earth observation (EO) data sources. Particular emphasis will be placed on the evolving European EO data service ecosystem and the increasing use of Very High Resolution (VHR) EO data. You will support the coordination of Copernicus Contributing Mission (CCM) activities implemented by ESA's Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes and funded under the EU Copernicus Programme. This includes contributing to the definition and implementation of future CCM evolutions, ensuring alignment with emerging user needs, technological developments and European policy objectives. In addition, you will support the coordination and definition of the next cycle of ESA’s Earthnet programme element, contributing to the preparation and implementation of future programme proposals and new EO-related initiatives in view of ESA’s next Council meeting at ministerial level and subsequent programme developments. Furthermore, you will support the definition, coordination and implementation of additional VHR data procurement and service solutions addressing both internal ESA needs and external programmatic initiatives, while fostering collaboration with European institutions, commercial data providers and the wider EO community.Duties You will report to the EO Third Party Missions Manager and to the Head of the EO Mission Management and Product Quality Division. Your main duties will include: • supporting innovation and programme development for Third Party Missions, with a focus on the integration, management and exploitation of commercial EO and VHR data within European EO data ecosystems; • coordinating and supporting the implementation, evolution and strategic development of ESA’s CCM activities funded by the European Union; • contributing to the management, definition, preparation and implementation of future Earthnet activities and new ESA Earth observation programme elements; • coordinating VHR data procurement activities and service solutions addressing ESA, Copernicus and other European institutional user requirements; • monitoring evolving VHR EO data needs across European, national and institutional users in ESA Member States, Participating States and Cooperating States; • supporting flexible coordination, data brokerage and user engagement functions tailored to diverse stakeholder communities and application domains; • fostering collaboration with ESA, the European Commission, commercial data providers and the wider EO community to ensure effective programme delivery and alignment with user needs; • monitoring market trends, technological developments and emerging commercial EO capabilities, identifying opportunities for innovation and enhanced data exploitation; • supporting the efficient implementation and evolution of ESA VHR data and service procurement, including the further development and operation of ESA's Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). Technical competencies Earth observation missions and programmes, in particular the Copernicus Space Component Programme (both space and ground segments) and the ESA Earthnet ProgrammeKnowledge of EO products, applications and market sectorscommercial aspects in the context of EO NewSpace technologies, methods and market trendsKnowledge of procurement processes and service-based procurements 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 and professional experience A master’s degree in Earth sciences or economics is required for this post, together with five years of relevant professional experience.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 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 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. Who we recruit » Recruitment Process » What we offer » Life at ESA » FAQ »