Vacatures in Drachten

The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting a Senior Talent Management Expert to join a dynamic, international team in the Talent and Culture Competence Centre, a Division within the Human Resources Department comprising over 100 internal and external professionals delivering high-quality HR services to a workforce of more than 7,700 across the Agency.

The Division develops HR policies, processes and solutions across a broad range of fields, including talent acquisition, employer branding, internal and external mobility, performance management, promotions, feedback, talent reviews and succession planning, on and offboarding, leadership assessment and development, employee engagement and experience, organisational culture and employee listening.

In this role, you will make a tangible impact in shaping a skills-based talent strategy, and in delivering, in one or more fields, solutions that directly support ESA’s missions and long‑term workforce sustainability

• monitor, identify and address current and future ESA workforce needs and gaps against market trends to inform and shape the Agency’s talent strategies;
• be responsible for the end‑to‑end design, review and implementation of ESA talent policies, frameworks, solutions and processes;
• collaborate with and advise stakeholders in HR, across the Agency and with external partners, maintaining continuous dialogue to integrate feedback, and ensure that HR policies and solutions align with the needs of the organisation and the business areas.
• plan, lead and deliver strategic projects, ensuring alignment with key stakeholders, timely progress and high‑quality outcomes;
• prepare high‑quality and synthetic materials, such as policies, frameworks and communications, to key stakeholders ranging from end users to top management;
• leverage people analytics, metrics and employee insights such as surveys and KPIs to enable strategic and evidence‑based solutions and integrate continuous improvement in the life cycle of all talent management products;
• contribute to the HR digital agenda through the exploration of innovative methodologies and emerging technologies;
• embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion dimensions in all talent projects and solutions.

Extensive senior‑level experience of managing HR policies and talent solutions in large and multicultural organisations

Proven expertise in change management, people analytics and continuous improvement

Proven ability to analyse and visualise data and advise peers and stakeholders on their impact and benefits for target audiences

Sound knowledge of HR best practices, including current and emerging policies, trends and methodologies

Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills across various organisational levels and experience of serving as a central source of expertise

Excellent English drafting and communication abilities, enabling clear synthesis of complex information for a diverse range of audiences, including senior management and the Executive Board

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

A master’s degree in e.g. Human Resources, Business Administration, Engineering, Law or Psychology is required for this post with at least ten years of senior and in-depth experience in HR policies and talent management solutions. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional 4 years of relevant professional experience in the above‑mentioned domains can be considered.

• Experience in carrying out qualitative studies, including surveys and focus groups, and reviewing literature.
• Solid experience in one or more of the following areas: sourcing strategies, selection processes and toolkits, mobility frameworks, employee listening initiatives (from design and communication to implementation and follow‑up actions).
• Strong digital and data savviness and experience.
• Experience of latest methodologies such as agile, design thinking and lean management.

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Nationality and Languages

Applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.

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.