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.

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.