Intern in the External Relations Department

European Space Agency - ESA; Paris; On-site; EUR 10,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency (ESA) invites applications for an Intern in the External Relations Department based in Paris. You will contribute directly to ESA’s international engagement efforts, researching geopolitical developments and supporting the preparation of internal positions and high-level meetings with international partners.

You will work closely with a dynamic team, gaining insights into international diplomacy within an intergovernmental organisation at the heart of the space sector.

Qualifications

• Must be a university student enrolled for the full duration of the internship.
• Knowledge of international relations or space sector context is a plus.
• Ability to conduct geopolitical and policy research with rigor.

Responsibilities

• Research geopolitical and geostrategic developments relevant to ESA and the space sector.
• Support formulation of internal positions and policies in collaboration with relevant directorates.
• Assist in the preparation and coordination of high-level meetings with international delegations.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team in a dynamic, international environment.

Skills

Geopolitical analysis

Foreign policy analysis

Research

Education

Master's degree candidate

Job description

Intern in the External Relations Department

Job Requisition ID: 20965

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

Closing Date: 30 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method: External Only

Type of Appointment (learn more):

Directorate: Strategy, Legal and External Matters

Workplace: Paris, FR

ESA Headquarters, Paris, France

Our team and mission

The External Relations Department shapes and delivers ESA’s international engagement strategy with non-Member States, their institutions, and international organisations. It develops and coordinates cooperation frameworks, supports high-level exchanges and representation – including through ESA offices in Washington and Tokyo – and provides strategic, political and diplomatic advice on international relations to senior management.

By monitoring geopolitical developments, preparing key engagements and ensuring alignment with Agency priorities, the Department plays a central role in advancing ESA’s international partnerships and positioning the Agency as a trusted and influential global partner.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: External Relations

As an intern in the External Relations Department, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute directly to the management of the Agency’s relations with its international partners.

This includes research on geopolitical and geostrategic developments of relevance to ESA and the space sector more broadly; foreign policy analysis; contribution to the formulation of internal positions and support to the implementation of ESA’s missions and programmes jointly carried out with international partners, in coordination with relevant programme directorates; and support to the handling of high-level meetings with international delegations.

In doing so, you will be fully integrated into the team, contribute to the practice of international relations in a dynamic period of global change, and gain insights into the functioning of an intergovernmental organisation at the heart of the space sector.

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

You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional Requirements

• The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
• During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
• Knowledge of the global space sector, relevant foreign policies or international relations is an asset.

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 [e-mail].

Important Information and Disclaimer

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship 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

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).