Intern in the Contracts Department - Earth Observation Contracts Service

European Space Agency - ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 7,800 - 12,000; Part time

Job summary

European Space Agency (ESA) is seeking an Intern in the Earth Observation Contracts Service at ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands. You will observe and assist the full procurement cycle under ESA rules, from tender packages to contract placement, gaining exposure to EU co-funded missions and partnerships.

The role requires a university Master’s student with fluency in English and French; knowledge of another ESA language is an asset.

Qualifications

• Must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master’s level.
• Able to prove enrolment at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
• Working languages are English and French; knowledge of another ESA language is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Analyze ESA Contracting Regulations and ESA’s rules and context.
• Analyze procurement rules as adapted for EU-funded activities.
• Analyze ESA General Clauses and Conditions for ESA Contracts.
• Participate in the full procurement cycle from tender preparation to contract placement.

Skills

English

French

Education

University student, Master’s level

Job description

Intern in the Contracts Department - Earth Observation Contracts Service

Job Requisition ID: 21094

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

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

Publication Method: External Only

Type of Appointment (learn more):

Directorate: Controlling, Finance and Operational Procurement

Workplace:

Noordwijk, NL

Location

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The intern will join the Earth Observation Contracts Service team, in the Contracts Department. The Service is composed of a Head of Service (the Manager) and 15 team members. The Service is in charge of small to medium R&D procurements as well as large satellite procurements. Such procurements encompass ESA classical fully funded Mission, as well as Missions in partnership with the European Union (e.g. Copernicus) and EUMETSAT (e.g. Meteorological Missions).

As an intern you will have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the full procurement cycle under the Agency’s procurement rules and how the Agency’s rules are adapted for EU co-funded procurements.

This will give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the different public procurement rules (ESA, EU) and get a solid knowledge of the underlying public procurement principles.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

As an intern, you will be involved in the following activities:

• analysis of the ESA Contracting Regulations and ESA’s unique rules and context;
• analysis of the ESA procurement rules as adapted for activities funded by the EU;
• analysis of the ESA General Clauses and Conditions for ESA Contracts;
• participation in the full procurement cycle starting from the preparation of tender packages, issue of the tender, evaluation of the proposals and placement of the Contracts.

Through the participation in the above activities you will have a clear view of the main principles of public procurement applying to ESA procurements and at the same time you will have learnt the principles and international standards applicable to public procurement around the world which are mirrored in the ESA procurement rules.

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 the 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 and background in Contract and European Law 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).