Lead of the Centre of Sustainability and Resilience [f/m/x] - Full-time (40 hours/week)

The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), the leading European think-tank on space, is looking to employ a Lead of the Centre of Sustainability and Resilience at ESPI (CSR) at the premises of the Institute in Vienna (on-site), starting in Q3 2025 (please see all the details on the ESPI website).

About the role

In 2025, ESPI has created a Centre for Sustainability and Resilience at ESPI (CSR) to drive community engagement within and beyond the space sector on

a) The role of space in addressing sustainability and resilience challenges facing European societies and economies; and

b) Safety and sustainability challenges related to the space environment.

In line with the ambition set forth in Austrian Space Strategy 2030+ and leveraging the support of Austria’s Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure, the CESS will leverage  the ESPI2040 vision and ESPI agenda in research, engagement and education to the benefit of a growing network of stakeholders in Europe and globally.

 Can you read beyond the job description? Are you driven by purpose and passion and thrive in a pool of bright young minds? Do you cherish independence and can you stand up in open debate and advocate for impact? Can you build bridges in complex spheres of influence and power? Are you inspired by space? As the Lead of CSR, you will:

• manage the engagement with the growing stakeholder community in sustainability within and beyond the space sector and contribute to the policy debate in Europe;
• identify and further develop community leaders who can contribute to the objectives of the CESS and its growth, facilitate collaborative efforts and take a pro-active role in partnership and network creation;
• leverage ESPI’s research in Green & Sustainable Societies and Space as an Asset portfolios, including related security aspects;
• work in synergy with ESPI’s communications and engagement team and educational activities, including on events and capacity-building efforts;
• identify and help shape relevant future ESPI research topics in response to the community needs;
• ensure the quality of the work and manage projects within budget and schedule.

In this position at ESPI you will be joining a fast-paced growth environment, in a team with varied backgrounds and strong appreciation of impact-driven objectives, paired with a commitment to rigour and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• a Master’s degree that relates to the Institute’s work and mission (e.g. Political Science, Law, Engineering, Physics, Environmental Studies, Economics, Finance, Data Science, Technology & Innovation);
• at least 4 years of relevant work experience (Consultancy, NGO, Think Tank, Industry, Public Sector); with experience in green and sustainability-related matters considered as an asset;
• leadership skills to guide a community, proficiency in relationship building and management of partnerships and collaborations with diverse stakeholders;
• excellent organisational and representation skills, with inter-cultural and multistakeholder competence and a self-starting mindset;
• sound analytical thinking, attention to detail and ability to work in teams;
• project management experience, flexibility, and impact-oriented thinking;
• excellent command of English, written and oral.

Application Process

We accept applications by EU/EEA citizens as well as non-EU citizens. To apply for this position, please send:

• a copy of your CV in .pdf format,
• a motivation letter in .pdf format,

to [email protected] with the subject: “ESPI CSR Lead” before 25 May 2025, 23:59 CEST. Please do not submit educational records or certificates at this stage.

The position is full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible working conditions. The advertised salary is in the range of € 60,000 – € 65,000 gross per year (paid 14 times a year). In expectation of ESPI acquiring the status of a Quasi-International Organisation (QIO) later in 2025, under the provisions of QIO the salary of ESPI staff will be partially exempt from national taxation. An additional bonus payment is subject to the Management’s decision and the Institute’s overall performance.

Why work with us? Read more about benefits of working at ESPI here.