Our team and mission

The Real Estate and Facility Management team at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne is responsible for creating, maintaining and continuously enhancing a safe, efficient and attractive working environment.

The team coordinates facility management services, workplace and accommodation activities, building-related projects and interfaces with a wide range of internal and external partners. The European Astronaut Centre provides a dynamic and international working environment that supports human spaceflight activities, astronaut operations, training, and research.

As part of the team, you will gain valuable insight into the day-to-day management and ongoing development of an operational European Space Agency site. You will collaborate closely with the Site Manager, facility management service providers, building users and a variety of technical and organisational stakeholders, contributing to the effective operation and continuous improvement of the Centre.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

During your internship, you will support the day-to-day facility, workplace and site management activities at the European Astronaut Centre.

Your responsibilities may include:

• supporting the coordination and follow-up of facility management services and service providers;
• assisting with workplace and accommodation management activities, including workplace allocation, occupancy planning and implementation measures;
• contributing to the coordination and monitoring of minor works, maintenance activities and site improvement projects;
• supporting the preparation and follow-up of meetings, action items, inspections and other operational site management activities;
• assisting in the collection, monitoring and analysis of workplace and facility management data;
• supporting communication and coordination with building users, service providers and other internal and external stakeholders;
• contributing to site development activities and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the workplace environment and operational efficiency.

Through this internship, you will gain practical experience in facility, workplace and site management within an international organisation. You will develop an understanding of how a complex operational site is managed, how diverse stakeholders are coordinated and how workplace needs are translated into effective and sustainable solutions. In addition, you will gain insight into the relationship between day-to-day operational activities and the planning and delivery of larger site development projects.

Behavioural competencies

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

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

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.

A background or academic knowledge in facility management, real estate management, architecture, civil engineering, industrial engineering, workplace management, or a related discipline would be considered an asset.

Strong organisational and communication skills, combined with an interest in working in an international and operational environment, would be advantageous.

Proficiency in standard office software applications, together with an interest in data analysis, digital workplace solutions and facility management technologies, would be beneficial.