Programme Controller

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA operates in multiple countries across Europe, with its headquarters located in Paris, France, and various establishments throughout the continent, including the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands.

Job Overview:
As a Programme Controller within the Business Management and Control Office (TEC-PB) of the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC), you will play a crucial role in overseeing the programme control activities for one or more programmes. Your primary responsibilities will include supporting the planning, execution, and monitoring of these programmes to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and in alignment with ESA's strategic objectives. You will be accountable for the creation, consolidation, maintenance, and reporting of the programmes' business plans, which involves optimizing resource allocation and facilitating decision-making processes related to programme planning and business management. This position requires close collaboration with Programme Managers, acting as a trusted partner in all programme control matters, and interfacing with various ESA directorates and corporate entities, including Finance, Procurement, HR, and IT, as well as industry and national delegations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your duties will encompass a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to: preparing, developing, and maintaining consolidated programme cost plans, schedule baselines, risk registers, and resource allocations; establishing related work and procurement plans; implementing and operating programme-level planning and control procedures to ensure full visibility on progress and risks; supporting programme reviews by aggregating project data, conducting risk analysis, and preparing briefing materials for senior stakeholders; identifying cross-programme dependencies and proposing mitigation strategies; assisting in programme-level procurement activities; coordinating with business controllers for financial consolidation and forecasting; acting as a key interface with ESA corporate functions and external funding bodies for reporting and audits; implementing uniform procedures and information systems for management and control; contributing to risk management by identifying potential issues and proposing remedial actions; and supporting the consolidation of industrial geographical return reports.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a strong background in project and programme management, with proven abilities in risk management and consolidated reporting. Experience in cost control and financial planning is essential, along with hands-on experience in resource and activity planning. Familiarity with procurement regulations and financial frameworks is also required. Candidates should have experience in supplier management, including progress monitoring and stakeholder management, as well as business process management skills. A solid understanding of IT tools and controlling tools such as SAP, Open Plan, Primavera, and MS Project is advantageous, along with proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools like Excel and Power BI.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in engineering or business administration is required for this position. Additional qualifications in disciplines related to the tasks mentioned would be considered a distinct asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have a solid working background in relevant fields, with a minimum of four years of professional experience following the completion of their master's degree. However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of experience, the position may be filled at a lower grade level (A1).

Languages:
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is required, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of four years and is non-renewable. The recruitment will be conducted within the advertised grade band (A2-A4), with priority given to internal candidates and external candidates from under-represented Member States. The Agency is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment.