Earth Observation Applications Specialist

Earth Observation Applications Specialist

Job Requisition

Date Posted: 2 February 2026

Closing Date: 23 February 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Directorate:
Earth Observation Programmes

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.

The Earth Observation Applications Specialist will report directly to the Head of the Long-term Action Section (EOP-SCI) in the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department. The Long-term Action Section is responsible for leading new, cross-disciplinary initiatives that aggregate capabilities from various EO thematic domains and projects. The goal is to migrate these capabilities into large-scale, external programmes, co-designed with and led by international user communities and stakeholders.

The focus is on initiatives with potential to significantly enlarge the scientific and societal impact of Earth observation in accordance with the Earth Action vision described in the EO Science Strategy 2024.

In the framework of its cooperation with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), at the end of 2025, ESA signed the Contribution Agreement on implementing the initiative on Support to Disaster Risk Reduction through Earth Observation and climate services in South Asia, which is part of the Global Gateway strategy of the European Commission.

The objective of this initiative is to mitigate the impact of climate change and natural hazards in the South Asia region through the uptake of Earth observation. The main activities will focus on strengthening institutional capacities, enhancing regional coordination, and promoting the generation, delivery and use of Earth observation and climate services applications. It is intended to directly support the implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) across South Asia by providing reliable data, analytical tools and evidence to inform decision-making processes.

The initiative will involve seven countries:
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

You will report to the Head of the Long-term Action Section and will contribute to the implementation of cross-disciplinary initiatives co-designed and conducted in partnership with international user communities and stakeholders.

The activities to be performed form part of the cooperation between ESA and DG INTPA, in particular regarding the implementation of the Support to Disaster Risk Reduction through Earth Observation and climate services in South Asia initiative.

Your responsibilities will include the following:

• Working in close cooperation with key external stakeholders and user communities in the South Asia region to capture and consolidate their main operational requirements for geospatial information with a view to establishing longer-term adoption and acceptance and EO-based information in large-scale operations;
• Together with the key partners and end-user communities of the South Asia initiative, co-designing, defining and implementing dedicated activities to expand significantly the uptake of EO-based information for climate adaptation and in particular for disaster risk management;
• Managing and supporting ESA activities to implement the main tasks of the South Asia initiative:
  • User engagement and requirement consolidation;
  • Development and demonstration of pre-operational public EO services;
  • Knowledge and skills transfer to national stakeholders;
• Supporting the communication of achievements using suitable communication and education channels.

Knowledge of the capabilities of the European and international EO service sector in general, and in particular for disaster risk management

Knowledge of ESA Earth observation policies and programmes

Understanding of the global sustainable development context (applications, capacity development and policy) and development cooperation principles

Detailed understanding of the Copernicus Space Segment and programme

Knowledge of the environmental, institutional and socioeconomic conditions in the South Asia region

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

A master’s degree in remote sensing, geospatial sciences or international cooperation is required for this post.

You should have at least five years of professional experience, preferably in a relevant technical domain and including project management experience, obtained following completion of your master’s degree.

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…