Legal and Institutional Affairs

The Legal and Institutional Affairs unit supports the Director General in a range of corporate level and policy activities, in particular: forging and maintaining ties with Member States and Host States; managing relations with International Organisations (UN, EU, ESA, CERN, etc.) and key European science policy bodies (ESFRI, EIROforum, etc.); representing ESO in global fora's on the protection of dark and quiet skies; centrally coordinating all aspects ESO's involvement with the EU Commission, and advising on protocol matters.

Through your involvement in various projects, and with our support, you will have the opportunity to understand and learn:

• About the mission of ESO and the role and responsibilities of the Legal and Institutional Affairs in its implementation;
• The real time operations of an international 'Big Science' organisations;
• The contributions of intergovernmental organisations in the evolution of key strategic areas such as science diplomacy and research security; and
• Global efforts on protection of dark and quiet skies for science and society;

Specific projects on which the successful intern may support includes, inter alia:

• Coordination of ESO's participation in activities of the UNCOPUOS and the International Astronomical Union Centre for Protection of Dark and Quiet Skies (IAU CPS);
• Developing ESO's long-term strategic approach to research security;
• Supporting the development of ESO stakeholder engagement, internal coordination amongst ESO units, and organisation of data with respect to Member State engagement;
• Supporting the organisation of a series of high-level events in the ESO Member States;

The above responsibilities are not exhaustive and a flexible approach and willingness to adapt to unexpected needs is required.

Reports to:

Institutional Affairs Officer.

Requirements:

We seek applicants who are keen to gain experience in government and European relations, bilateral and multilateral engagements with ESO Member States and UN Bodies, strategic partnerships and policy affairs in international science organisations. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in science policy in astronomy and space sciences, and/or in European science policy affairs, with a desire to build a career in government relations, space policy, and/or policy affairs in a scientific area. No previous work experience is required as on the job training is provided; however, knowledge of contemporary science policy issues and prior work experience in government and/or EU relations would be highly advantageous.

Key Competences and Experience:
• Strong policy research skills with the ability to conduct literature searches, analyse and synthesise diverse material, identify key issues, and draw evidence-based conclusions;
• An understanding of how political and legislative bodies operate;
• A highly professional attitude and ability to feel at ease communicating with senior people;
• Good knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint;
• Work under time pressure and deliver to agreed deadlines and standards;
• Work both on your own initiative and as part of a team;
• Build good collaborative working relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds and disciplines.
Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree in physics and astronomy, law, and/or political science (especially EU affairs, international relations and science diplomacy). A master's degree in a relevant field or nearing the completion of obtaining this qualification would be an asset.

Language skills:

Excellent command of written and spoken English is essential. Other European languages would be considered an asset.

Remuneration and Contract:

ESO offers a monthly allowance to cover some living expenses in combination with or without accommodation. For any questions, please contact vacancy@eso.org. The initial contract is for a fixed term duration of six months with the possibility of a fixed-term extension of an additional six months subject to individual performance and organisational requirements.

Duty Station:

Garching near Munich, Germany (initial remote working options can be explored).

Application:

If you are interested in working in areas of frontline science and technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit http://www.eso.org for further details. Applicants are invited to apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV.

Deadline for applications is 31 August 2026

Start date: as soon as possible.

Interviews are expected to start soon after the deadline date.

ESO Values

An important element in any successful employment relationship is harmony in values between an organisation and its people.

The ESO Values are:

ESO strives for excellence through innovation.

ESO provides outstanding services to its communities.

ESO fosters diversity & inclusion.

ESO believes in the key role of sustainability for its future.

Achieving the above are recognized as only possible on the basis of personal values and attitudes that we expect from our employees: respect, integrity, accountability, commitment, collaboration, and clear & open communication.

Applicants to any ESO role are asked to reflect on their affinity with these values and advised they may be asked about them if called for interview.

Diversity

ESO has established diversity as an important value of the Organisation, is committed to providing an equal opportunities environment and is actively seeking to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce.

Nationality

No nationality is in principle excluded from employment at ESO, however, recruitment preference will be given to nationals of our Member States, host states and strategic partners: Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Chile, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.