Intern in the Director General's Cabinet - Protocol Office - European Space Agency (Paris)

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:

• Support preparation of official visits by ministers, ambassadors, heads of agencies and other high-level stakeholders
• Assist in preparation of briefing material, guest profiles and protocol documentation
• Contribute to maintenance of VIP and diplomatic contact databases
• Support research on protocol practices, diplomatic etiquette and international protocol standards
• Assist in planning and execution of high-level ESA events, receptions, inaugurations and official ceremonies
• Support guest registration and accreditation processes
• Assist with seating plans, order of precedence, flag arrangements and ceremonial aspects of events
• Contribute to coordination of VIP participation in ESA launch campaigns and mission milestone events

Are you eligible?

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

• Education: University student, preferably in final or second-to-last year of Master's level course
• Languages: English, French
• Key skills: International and institutional protocol, Stakeholder and VIP relationship management, Event and project coordination, Guest operations for major international space events and launch campaigns, Working within a multicultural and international environment

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Internship (duration not specified).

Working arrangements: ESA Headquarters, Paris, France.

Hiring unit: Protocol Office, Director General's Cabinet.

Position details

Reference

1452917933

Last Verified

10 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Director General's Cabinet - Protocol Office at ESA based in Paris (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452917933.

Job Requisition ID:20936

Date Posted:1 November 2026

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

Publication Method:External Only

Directorate:Director General's Services

Location ESA Headquarters, Paris, France

Our team and mission

The Protocol Office is part of the Director General's Cabinet and supports the Director General's engagement with ESA Member States, institutional partners, industry representatives, diplomatic missions and other high-level stakeholders. The office is responsible for coordinating protocol activities across ESA, ensuring consistency in the application of protocol rules and standards, and promoting best practices throughout the Agency.

Under the leadership of the Head of Protocol, the team manages the protocol aspects of official visits, high-level meetings and events at ESA Headquarters and ESA establishments. It also coordinates guest operations for major launch campaigns and mission milestone events, ensuring a professional experience for VIP guests and stakeholders while safeguarding ESA's institutional image and reputation.

The Protocol Office works closely with ESA Directorates and Establishments, Member States' delegations, diplomatic missions, launch service providers, communication teams and external partners to facilitate high-level interactions and represent ESA on protocol-related matters.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You will support the Head of Protocol in a broad range of activities related to protocol coordination, VIP relations, event management and guest operations. Depending on operational priorities, tasks may include:

- Protocol and VIP Relations - supporting the preparation of official visits by ministers, ambassadors, heads of agencies and other high-level stakeholders; - assisting in the preparation of briefing material, guest profiles and protocol documentation. - contributing to the maintenance of VIP and diplomatic contact databases. - supporting research on protocol practices, diplomatic etiquette and international protocol standards.

- Events and Guest Operations - assisting in the planning and execution of high-level ESA events, receptions, inaugurations and official ceremonies; - supporting guest registration and accreditation processes; - assisting with seating plans, order of precedence, flag arrangements and ceremonial aspects of events; - contributing to the coordination of VIP participation in ESA launch campaigns and mission milestone events; - supporting the coordination and management of protocol gifts for high-level guests, official visits and institutional events.

- Coordination and Communication - liaising with ESA establishments, directorates and external partners on protocol-related matters; - supporting the coordination of invitations, guest correspondence and event logistics; - assisting in the preparation of protocol guidelines, presentations and internal communication material.

- Policy and Knowledge Management - contributing to the continuous development of the ESA Protocol and Guest Operations Handbook and related guidance material; - supporting the ESA-wide protocol network by gathering and sharing best practices; - assisting in the preparation of reports, statistics and lessons learned from events and launch campaigns.

Learning Opportunities: through this internship, you will gain practical experience in:

- international and institutional protocol; - stakeholder and VIP relationship management; - event and project coordination; - guest operations for major international space events and launch campaigns; - working within a multicultural and international environment at the European Space Agency.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the preparation and delivery of high-visibility ESA activities involving senior government representatives, diplomats, industry leaders and international partners.

Behavioural competencies

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 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.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 10 November 2026, today.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026, 19 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 10 November 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 Paris see our Paris 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.