Under the direct authority of the CDIO, the Head of the Digital Strategy and Enablement Office plays a critical role in shaping and orchestrating ESA’s Digital, Data and IT (DDIT) agenda across the Agency.
The Office supports the CDIO in translating strategic direction into Agency-wide priorities, governance and execution, providing an integrated view across strategy, portfolio, enterprise architecture, performance and the federated Digital, Data and IT operating model. It acts as the key orchestration function connecting the DDIT Department, ESA directorates and key corporate stakeholders.
The Head of Office leads this function, drives strategic alignment and cross-cutting transformation, and enables the CDIO in steering the evolution of Digital, Data and IT as a strategic Agency capability.
Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
translating the CDIO’s strategic direction into integrated roadmaps, priorities and management frameworks, driving alignment and tracking implementation across the federated DDIT organisation;
building and evolving the integrated management system required to run DDIT as a strategic Agency capability, connecting strategy, portfolio, investments, resources, performance and delivery;
coordinating cross-unit governance across the federated DDIT organisation to ensure the transparency, consistency and integrated perspective required for effective decision-making, while delivery accountability remains with the respective organisational units;
establishing and operating integrated portfolio, programme, project and demand management, enabling strategic prioritisation, value tracking and effective allocation of resources;
shaping and continuously improving the governance of DDIT delivery, including service management, sourcing strategy, vendor, contract and asset management, quality and audit management, and operational excellence;
leading the evolution of ESA’s enterprise architecture management framework, providing an integrated view across business, data, application and technology architecture, technology roadmaps and lifecycle management;
creating the environment required for innovation to shift from exploration to adoption, through technology scouting, innovation management and digital product incubation;
providing integrated strategic and management support to the CDIO, including strategic analysis, performance insight, preparation of decision options and executive-level material, coordination of cross-cutting priorities and systematic follow-through.
You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.
Technical competencies
Strong understanding of digital, data and IT strategy, operating models and governance frameworks in large and complex organisations
Strong knowledge of IT portfolio, demand, investment and performance management, including prioritisation and value realisation
Experience in designing and implementing integrated IT management and delivery governance frameworks, including service management, sourcing and vendor governance
Strong understanding of enterprise architecture management and its role in strategic planning, investment decisions and technology lifecycle management
Experience in translating strategy into executable roadmaps, management frameworks and measurable outcomes
Strong understanding of organisational transformation and federated operating models, including cross-organisational governance and orchestration
Understanding of technology and innovation management, including the assessment and adoption of emerging technologies
Experience in executive-level decision support, integrating complex strategic, financial, portfolio, performance and delivery information into clear management insights
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education and professional experience
A master’s degree in information technology, engineering, business administration, economics or another relevant discipline is required.
You should have substantial professional experience in digital, data and IT strategy, transformation or management in a large and complex organisation, including experience in several of the following areas: IT strategy and operating models; portfolio, demand and performance management; enterprise architecture; delivery governance; sourcing and vendor management; and innovation.
You should have demonstrated experience in translating strategic direction into executable roadmaps and management frameworks, and in driving cross-organisational initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and organisational boundaries.
Experience working with senior executives and governance bodies, preparing complex decisions and providing integrated management insight is essential.
Proven management experience, including leading, developing and motivating multidisciplinary teams, is required.
Additional requirements
Proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and build alignment across organisational boundaries
Strong strategic and analytical thinking, with the ability to synthesise complex information and translate it into clear priorities and decision options
Excellent influencing and communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders
High degree of initiative, judgement and pragmatism, with the ability to work effectively amid ambiguity and changing priorities
Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams and foster collaboration across organisational boundaries
Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain a coherent overview of multiple strategic and operational priorities
People management experience is required. International experience is an asset, including outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.
Mobility is inherent to management functions and this position may be subject to rotation.
Therefore, mobility opportunities may be offered to you as part of your career evolution at ESA, beginning after approximately five years in this role.
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 .
Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.
Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.
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.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that 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.
Strategy
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Senior
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Management
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