Research Fellow in the Strategic Foresight Office

Our team and mission

The Internal Research Fellow will be based in Strategic Foresight.
The Strategic Foresight Office supports the Director General’s decision-making on the future positioning of ESA and associated actions. It looks beyond current expectations and develops a variety of plausible futures and scenarios, in order to increase ESA’s resilience and readiness throughout ESA’s strategy planning. The Office was recently created and is developing capacities and methodologies, and spreading a foresight culture throughout the Agency.
Candidates are encouraged to visit the ESA website: www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

You will be working for the Strategic Foresight Office (DG-5F) in the Director General’s Services and will be reporting to the Head of Office. You will participate in the development of ESA’s Strategic Foresight capacity, in particular of specific Strategic Foresight methodologies, as well as in the preparation, supervision and exploitation of inter-disciplinary research on a broad range of subjects. This will require in-depth studies on various aspects of ESA as an organisation, developing study requirements, horizon scanning, scenario development, consultations, etc..
Technical competencies
Strong analytical and research skills
Excellent writing and drafting skills
Ability to understand and cover a wide range of interdisciplinary issuess
Ability to transfer complex analytical content into short, simplified policy briefings
Ability to understand and conduct qualitative and quantitative research
Ability to conduct research autonomously
Ability to gather and share relevant information
Behavioural competencies

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

You should have recently completed, or be close to completion of, a PhD in a related technical or scientific discipline. Preference will be given to applications submitted by candidates within five years of receiving their PhD. The following is required for this position:
PhD or equivalent qualification in a field that is relevant to the above activities.

Additional requirements

You must have been exposed to interdisciplinary issues.
Knowledge of Strategic Foresight would be an asset.
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.