This is a 4-year appointment, which can be extended for an indefinite duration depending on performance.
Location
ESEC, Redu, Belgium
ESEC Zone 5 Security Specialist, European Space Security and Education Centre (ESEC), Directorate of Strategy, Legal and External Matters.
You will assume the role of SZ5 Security Officer as described in the ESA Security Directives and will fulfil your tasks under the supervision, authority and responsibility of the ESEC Head of Centre.
You will be in charge of the implementation of security at the designated high-security areas of ESEC in Redu and the related classified sub-registries and COMSEC accounts.
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
1. implementing the security operational procedures for the protection of the classified information and COMSEC items hosted in the following ESEC Security Zone 5 (SZ5) Class II and Class I areas:
- ESEC High-Security Facility (EHSF) SZ5
- Galileo Sensoring Station (GSS) SZ5
- PRS Test Facility (PIF) SZ5
and as such, ensuring the registration of and accounting for the classified information hosted and accessed in these areas in the relevant classified sub-registries and COMSEC accounts;
2. reporting operationally to the Head of ESEC and functionally to the Head of the ESA Security Office;
3. ensuring that all the necessary measures in terms of physical security, information protection, personnel security, INFOSEC and COMSEC are taken to ascertain that the accreditation issued by the ESA Security Accreditation Authority for the aforementioned SZ5 Class I areas, the classified sub-registries and the COMSEC account(s) is maintained and in this scope, and to ensure the business continuity of the EHSF/GSS/PIF Class I areas and the classified sub-registries and COMSEC accounts hosted in them;
4. ensuring the correct implementation of the ESA Security Directives within the SZ5s for which you act as Security Zone 5 Security Officer on behalf of the Head of ESEC;
5. maintaining the security operational procedures for the EHSF SZ5, the GSS SZ5 and the PIF SZ5 and for the classified sub-registries and COMSEC accounts under your responsibility;
6. conducting the security risk assessment for the SZ5s you are responsible for and maintaining the related risk register;
7. ensuring completion of the security briefings for personnel being granted personnel security clearance in your area of responsibility and for personnel requiring access to the SZ5 Class I areas for which you are responsible;
8. ensuring availability after standard office hours to respond to incidents or emergencies and ensuring that you can reach the site within a reasonable amount of time when deemed necessary after the initial vetting of the incident or emergency;
9. ensuring that in the event of absence, your responsibilities are formally transferred to the appointed and endorsed ESEC SZ5 Alternate Security Officer;
10. liaising closely with the ESEC Site Security Officer, the EHSF Data Centre Manager, the ESEC Cyber Security Operations Centre Manager, the Directorate Information Security Officer and the Directorate CIS Project Systems Security Officer.
Knowledge and operational experience in physical security systems, including access control and intrusion detection systems.
Knowledge of classified information protection principles, including handling and safeguarding of classified material up to SECRET level.
Experience in the management of COMSEC/CRYPTO accounts and related cryptographic assets.
Knowledge of physical, personnel and information security principles, including INFOSEC fundamentals and security procedures.
Experience in security incident handling, reporting and follow-up activities.
Proficiency in the use of standard IT tools and applications, such as MS Office, Outlook and Teams, and the ability to work with security-related IT systems.
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 minimum of a vocational qualification (EQF level 5) in a relevant discipline is required for this post together with 4 years of relevant professional experience.
- Basic knowledge of TEMPEST principles and related security measures.
- Ability to conduct or support security briefings and security awareness activities.
- Familiarity with Request for Visit (RFV) procedures and access management for classified environments.
- Ability to work in a structured and confidential environment with a high degree of integrity and reliability.
- The incumbent is to have a solid knowledge of the English language. Good knowledge of the French language is considered an asset.
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
[email protected].
Important Information and Disclaimer
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.
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.
