Head of EOP Security Office - European Space Agency (Noordwijk)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Space Agency on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Managing and coordinating the EOP Security Office
• Performing and overseeing security management and security risk management across the EOP Directorate
• Defining and maintaining effective and efficient implementing directives of applicable security directives for EOP
• Coordinating the EOP PSSO and security engineering function
• Ensuring harmonisation of security standards, methods and policies within the Directorate
• Ensuring proper Directorate security assurance function including dedicated audits and inspections
• Performing Directorate security risk management, including management and handling of security incidents
• Maintaining the security risk portfolio and coordinating mitigation actions

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: Master's in a relevant domain required; alternatively, bachelor's degree complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience may be considered
• Experience: 5 years relevant professional experience (or 4 additional years if bachelor's degree holder)
• Key skills: Knowledge of cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, In-depth experience in the protection of classified or sensitive information, In-depth experience in the governance of digital and physical security, In-depth knowledge of European and international security frameworks, Experience in institutional and multilateral projects, Familiarity with intergovernmental frameworks for information security, Knowledge of ESA EO policies and programmes, Excellent leadership and communication skills, Experience working under pressure and in politically sensitive environments, Ability to operate across technical, institutional and political levels
• Eligibility: Eligibility for personal security clearance by a national security authority

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: 4 years, extendable to indefinite.

Working arrangements: ESRIN, Frascati, Italy or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands; mobility is inherent to management functions and this position may be subject to rotation after approximately five years.

Hiring unit: Earth Observation Programmes Directorate.

Position details

Reference

1445735233

Last Verified

18 October 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Head of EOP Security Office at ESA based in Noordwijk (Other). The vacancy reference is 1445735233.

Job Requisition ID:20925

Date Posted:8 October 2026

Closing Date:29 October 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method:Internal & External

Type of Appointment (learn more):4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate:Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace: Frascati, IT Noordwijk, NL

This post is classified at grade A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale, with upgrade to A5 upon confirmation of the EOGS Programme to ESA.

Location ESRIN, Frascati, Italy or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Under the direct authority of the Director of Earth Observation Programmes, the EOP Security Office is responsible for providing the Directorate security functions. The EOP Security Office includes the ISO function of the EOP Directorate, responsible for providing assurance security functions at Directorate level, with a hierarchical reporting line to the Head of the ESA Security Office (ESO).

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

- managing and coordinating the EOP Security Office; - performing and overseeing security management and security risk management across the EOP Directorate in accordance with the ESA Security Framework and relevant EU Security policy; - defining and maintaining effective and efficient implementing directives of the applicable security directives for EOP; - coordinating the EOP PSSO and security engineering function ensuring proper security implementation of EOP security activities; - ensuring harmonisation of security standards, methods and policies within the Directorate in accordance with applicable ESA standards; - ensuring a proper Directorate security assurance function including dedicated audits and inspections at Directorate level, with ISO functional support, in close coordination with ESA Security Office; - performing Directorate security risk management, including management and handling of security incidents; - maintaining the security risk portfolio and coordinating mitigation actions in liaison with ESO, C-SOC and the EOP IT lead; - supporting EOP projects in the management of the interface with the security authorities; - ensuring and managing the security certification and accreditation processes and their maintenance leveraging ESO in Matrix; - defining the security awareness plan and performing dedicated security training and security awareness campaigns; - ensuring and managing the cybersecurity industrial audit process with the support of ESO; - as Directorate Export Control Liaison Officer (DELO), ensuring the implementation of the strategic trade control procedure within the Directorate; - as Directorate Cyber Security Manager, defining the D/EOP Cybersecurity Implementation Plan for the EOP information systems, and overseeing the security posture of all EOP Communication Information Systems; - ensuring adequate information protection, providing classified information management support; - whenever requested, representing the Directorate and contributing to ESA and EU security governance, including before the ESA Security Committee.

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical competencies

Knowledge of cybersecurity of critical infrastructure

In-depth experience in the protection of classified or sensitive information

In-depth experience in the governance of digital and physical security

In-depth knowledge of European and international security frameworks

Experience in institutional and multilateral projects

Familiarity with intergovernmental frameworks for information security

Knowledge of ESA EO policies and programmes

Behavioural competencies

Education and professional experience

A master’s in a relevant domain is required for this post together with 5 years relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s, complemented by an additional four (4) years of relevant professional experience may be considered.

Additional requirements

- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to represent ESA to external stakeholders; - Experience working under pressure and in politically sensitive environments; - Ability to operate across technical, institutional and political levels; - Strong credibility in networking and negotiation with high-level institutional actors; - Eligibility for personal security clearance by a national security authority; - Certification in crisis management, institutional communication or data protection will be considered an asset; - International experience and prior engagement with EU, ESA or NATO security structures would be a strong asset. - Proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team of experts; - The ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Office and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context; - The ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation; - Demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written; - A proven track record of representing the Agency’s interests to external interfaces; - Excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills; - The ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context; - The ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity as well as to support others (team members, upper management, other stakeholders) in this process.

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, starting after approximately five years in this role.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 18 October 2026, today.

The application deadline is 29 October 2026, 9 days from today. Late applications are not accepted, so submit through the official EU Careers portal well in advance.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 18 October 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at ESA see the ESA institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Noordwijk see our Noordwijk location page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.