The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department, Applications Section, at ESRIN in Frascati, Italy. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST, and university students from ESA's participating states can apply to turn a global cocoa map into an operational monitoring tool. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy and set out every task and requirement below.
The Internship at a Glance
The internship sits in ESA's Earth Observation Programmes Directorate. These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21173
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes
🏢 Department: Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department, Applications Section
📍 Workplace: Frascati, IT
🗺️ Location: ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
📣 Publication method: External Only
📅 Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Where You Will Be Based: ESRIN, Frascati
The internship is located at ESRIN in Frascati, Italy. The vacancy lists Frascati, IT as the workplace for the role within the Earth Observation Programmes Directorate.
Our Team and Mission: The Applications Section
The Applications Section is primarily engaged in research and development (R&D) for Earth observation-based solutions that address both European and global environmental and development agendas.
Its projects typically involve key stakeholders throughout the design, development, and validation phases to ensure that the innovative EO-based solutions are effectively integrated into end-users' operational systems and practices.
The Applications Section, based at the ESRIN site of ESA, comprises several EO experts, each overseeing specific domains where EO data is utilised, including marine, carbon, and agriculture, among others. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the ESA website, which is listed in the Links section below.
The Internship Topic: Cocoa from Space
The topic of the internship is Cocoa from Space: Operationalising Cocoa Monitoring.
The Research This Internship Builds On
This internship will build upon a recently developed global cocoa map, currently under review, with open-source code available through ESA. The map provides a 10-metre resolution baseline of this important cash crop worldwide. It shows two findings:
🌳 nearly two-thirds of global cocoa is grown under agroforestry
🗺️ 28–53% of cocoa areas are misclassified as natural forest in existing baselines, a critical challenge for deforestation-free supply chain regulations
The Gap You Will Bridge
While the scientific algorithm is established, it has not yet been translated into a tool accessible to cocoa technicians, certification bodies, and national agencies. You will bridge this gap by transforming the research workflow into a user-friendly pipeline and developing interactive demonstrations for ESA's Application Propagation Environments (APEx) platform.
Your Tasks as an Intern
Your tasks will include:
📦 package the existing deep learning workflow into a streamlined pipeline that generates cocoa maps for selected regions with minimal user intervention
🧪 test the pipeline with case studies from two cocoa-producing countries, documenting performance and limitations
📊 create simple visualisation and reporting tools, such as area statistics, confidence maps, and basic change indicators
🖥️ develop interactive demonstrations on the APEx platform to showcase the tool's capabilities to the broader community
📘 prepare clear documentation and a step-by-step user guide for cocoa monitoring agencies
What You Will Learn
The vacancy lists the following learning objectives. You will gain hands-on experience in:
🛰️ large-scale satellite image processing and time-series analysis
☁️ cloud-based Earth observation workflows
🔄 translating scientific research code into user-facing tools
🧰 software packaging
🌐 preparing Earth observation applications for community showcase on APEx
📜 understanding cocoa supply chain policy
What You Will Deliver
By the end of the internship you will deliver:
⚙️ a working pipeline
📖 a user manual
🗂️ demonstration maps for selected countries
🎬 APEx-ready interactive demonstrations
────────────────────────────────────────
🌍 All opportunities in Italy →
────────────────────────────────────────
How Long the Internship Lasts and When It Starts
The vacancy states that the preferred duration for this internship is six months. According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an internship lasts between 3 and 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
Education Requirement
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.
Language 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.
Skills and Experience ESA Values
The vacancy lists the following additional requirements and assets:
🔭 knowledge of and background in Earth observation, image analysis, and data processing are assets
🐍 strong programming skills in Python and experience using geospatial libraries (e.g., rasterio, xarray, GDAL) are highly desirable
💻 familiarity with cloud computing platforms for Earth observation applications is an asset
📈 experience with time-series analysis of satellite data is an asset
Behavioural Competencies
The vacancy lists six ESA core behavioural competencies. For more information, the vacancy refers applicants to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook:
🏆 Result Orientation
⚡ Operational Efficiency
👥 Fostering Cooperation
💬 Relationship Management
🔁 Continuous Improvement
🔮 Forward Thinking
Which Nationalities Can Apply
Applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
🍁 Cooperating State: applicants from Canada can apply as well
🇪🇺 European Cooperating States (ECS): applicants from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta can apply as well
Selection Process
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored. During the recruitment process, the Agency may also request applicants to undergo selection tests.
Application Limit
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, one candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 vacancies.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. It welcomes applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
At the Agency, diversity is valued and people with disabilities are welcome. Whenever possible, ESA seeks 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, and you can contact ESA by email using the address in the Links section below.
Important Information
The information published on ESA's careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have. You can find more opportunities like this in the internships and traineeships section of Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the ESA Applications Section internship based?
The internship is based at ESRIN in Frascati, Italy, within ESA's Earth Observation Programmes Directorate. The vacancy lists Frascati, IT as the workplace.
What is the deadline to apply?
The closing date is 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. Applications are submitted through the ESA careers website.
What will I work on during the internship?
The topic is Cocoa from Space: Operationalising Cocoa Monitoring. You will package an existing deep learning workflow into a pipeline that generates cocoa maps, test it with case studies from two cocoa-producing countries, build visualisation and reporting tools, develop interactive demonstrations on the APEx platform and prepare a step-by-step user guide.
Who can apply for this internship?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level. You must also be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Which nationalities are eligible?
Applications are only considered from nationals of ESA's listed States, which include Italy, Germany, France, Spain, the United Kingdom and 22 others named in the vacancy. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State, and from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States, can apply as well.
How long does the internship last and when does it start?
The vacancy states that the preferred duration is six months. According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, an internship lasts between 3 and 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
Which languages do I need?
The working languages of the Agency are English and French, and a good knowledge of one of them is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
Do I need programming experience?
The vacancy describes strong programming skills in Python and experience with geospatial libraries such as rasterio, xarray and GDAL as highly desirable. Background in Earth observation, image analysis and data processing, familiarity with cloud computing platforms and experience with time-series analysis of satellite data are listed as assets.
How many ESA internship vacancies can I apply for?
One candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 vacancies, according to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships.
Does the vacancy mention a stipend?
The vacancy page does not state a stipend or allowance.
What happens during the selection process?
Your motivation for applying to the role will be explored during the interview. ESA may also ask applicants to undergo selection tests.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Full vacancy and application (Apply now): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Frascati-Intern-in-the-Climate-Action%2C-Sustainability-and-Science-Department-Applications-Section/1452876933/
📘 ESA Student Internships 2027 announcement: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🌐 ESA website: https://www.esa.int
📧 ESA student internships contact (diversity and accessibility questions): ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
