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Contracts Officer (Reserve list)

Job Requisition ID: 20302

Date Posted: 12 February 2026

Closing Date: 14 May 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment : Reserve List

Workplace:

Noordwijk, NL

This job opening is for the purposes of Reserve list recruitment on multiple positions.

ESA is initiating a Reserve list recruitment process to meet the consistently high demand for Contracts Officers in support of the Agency's cutting-edge space projects and programmes. This Reserve list will comprise of candidates who have been pre-assessed and pre-approved by the ESA hiring team and who have already undergone a basic background screening. If selected, you will remain on the Reserve list for a period of 24 months, during which you will be fast-tracked for positions in upcoming projects. When a relevant position arises, your candidacy will be reviewed. In that context, you may be invited to a brief follow-up interview and, if successful, an offer will be made. No action is required on your part if you are placed on a Reserve list; ESA will contact you directly about relevant opportunities.

Location

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

This job requisition within the Contracts Department is intended to build a reserve pool of Contracts Officers, potentially to fill a number of positions, at ESTEC, to be confirmed during the course of 2026 or 2027. The Contracts Department is part of the Directorate of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness and is organised into various divisions and services in support of ESA's programme directorates. The selected Contract Officer may be appointed to those located at ESTEC, namely Earth Observation, Connectivity and Secure Communications, Navigation, Human and Robotic Exploration, Science, Technology, Engineering and Quality, or work in General Procurement.

You will be entrusted with procurement activities, which you will implement autonomously in direct collaboration with the relevant initiating services. To ensure the appropriate level of independence, impartiality, transparency and compliance with the procurement tendering and contracting process, you will report directly and in an independent manner to the Head of the relevant Contracts Service.

Duties

The elements below highlight the types of responsibilities and tasks that a [Name of the Reserve List] can carry out when supporting space projects and programmes at ESA. Your specific duties will be further defined depending on the final appointment.

Technical competencies

Extensive knowledge of contract, public procurement and international business law

Understanding of intellectual property issues

Experience with public tendering and contracting

Ability to assess tender documents and draft tailored conditions

Knowledge of European and international business environments, ideally in the space sector

Understanding of financial aspects of contracts

Strong negotiation skills

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Education

A master's or equivalent qualification in law or economics is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• completed advanced studies with a specialisation in (public) contract law;
• at least six years of relevant professional experience in contracts and/or public procurement gained in a public administration setting or in an international organisation,
• business, or a specialised law firm;
• excellent communication skills, both oral and written;
• a customer focus, with sound judgement in solving problems;
• discretion and integrity;
• the ability to interact with multiple international actors and to work collaboratively in a team to achieve organisational goals;
• operational efficiency, including excellent planning and organisational skills and the ability to manage several tasks efficiently in parallel;
• openness to change and flexibility in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to reflect on experience and adapt your approach accordingly;
• the ability to perform consistently, even under pressure;
• the ability to grasp new and large-scale/complex concepts quickly;
• the ability to understand and formulate contractual and legal texts in English;
• the ability to understand issues of a technical and management nature.

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 .

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.