Administrative Assistant

Introduction

Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with a long-standing partnership with the European Space Agency, supporting critical operational, technical and infrastructure services across ESA sites in Europe. At ESA ESTEC in Noordwijk, Serco plays a key role in supporting programme management, engineering activities and mission operations across multiple ESA Directorates.

On behalf of our client, the European Space Agency, we are looking for an Administrative Assistant to join the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (D/EOP) at ESA ESTEC. This on-site role supports the Business Unit Controlling Office and the Project Management Support Offices.

The Community You Will Step Into

You will work within ESA’s Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes, supporting teams responsible for delivering complex Earth observation missions and projects. You will collaborate with project managers, business controllers and programme support teams in a structured and international working environment.
The role sits at the centre of daily programme activities, requiring coordination across technical, financial and administrative functions. You will interact with ESA staff, industry partners and internal service providers, contributing to a well-organised and efficient working environment.

The Difference You Will Make
In this role, you will ensure that administrative and coordination processes run smoothly within the Business Unit Controlling Office and Project Management Support Offices. Your work will directly support project teams by keeping meetings organised, documentation structured and communication channels clear.
By maintaining strong organisation and attention to detail, you will help enable ESA teams to focus on programme delivery, financial control and mission objectives.

What You Will Do

You will organise calendars for project teams and coordinate internal and external meetings and reviews, including booking rooms and required resources. You will prepare meeting documentation and briefings, take minutes during internal meetings and maintain action item lists to ensure proper follow-up.
You will support procurement-related activities such as the purchase of promotional items and assist with incoming calls and information requests. You will prepare and organise travel arrangements and mission claims for Earth Observation project teams and assist with arrival and departure procedures.
You will contribute to the preparation of reports and maintain internal and external communication tools, including SharePoint pages and web content. This includes writing and editing web pages, letters and programme-level communications. You will ensure documentation is organised and accessible, supporting the overall administrative and documentation framework of the office.

What You Bring

You hold a vocational degree or equivalent qualification and have at least two years of relevant administrative experience, ideally in an international or structured environment.
You have strong knowledge of Microsoft 365 and Teams and are comfortable working with digital collaboration and documentation tools. Familiarity with ESA corporate tools such as MAS and ESA-P is an advantage, and knowledge of SAP is considered an asset.
You are organised, proactive and comfortable managing multiple tasks at the same time. You work independently while building strong working relationships with ESA colleagues and industry partners. You communicate clearly in English, both written and spoken. Knowledge of another EU member state language is an advantage.

What We Offer: More than a job

At Serco, a career is more than a salary — it’s support, stability and balance. You’re paid promptly every Friday before the 28th, and you receive a Holiday Bonus worth 8% of your basic gross salary for an extra boost each year.
We make everyday life easier too. Commuting? Claim €0.21 per km (up to 150 km) or get full public transport reimbursement. Working from home? You’ll receive a €2 daily allowance, plus up to €500 for a desk or chair when you join.
If you travel for work, all business expenses are covered. During tax season, our appointed advisor is available to help complete your income tax forms. Prefer cycling? Our bicycle scheme offers a tax‑efficient allowance up to €749, full insurance for a year, and optional accessories cover.
Your long‑term wellbeing matters. You’re covered by a collective life insurance plan, and through Zilveren Kruis Achmea you get 5% off basic health insurance and up to 10% off additional coverage. Our Dutch pension scheme, via Nationale Nederlanden, helps you plan confidently for the future.
If unforeseen situations arise, you may request an advance of up to one month’s net salary with manager approval. To support your daily comfort, we offer up to €250 for work glasses and access to Benefits & Work for discounts across online retailers. For lifelong learning, all employees receive a 35% discount on Webster University programmes.
At Serco, our benefits are designed around you — making life simpler, healthier and more flexible so you can focus on supporting Europe’s most exciting space missions.

Relocation

The Netherlands' central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for travel and business within the EU. Major cities are well-connected by road, rail, and air with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport one of Europe's busiest and most well-connected airports, facilitating easy international travel.
Serco offers relocation support for all EU passport holders that are planning to relocate to the Netherlands and work for Serco B.V.