IPMA Senior Manager (4 posts)

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Position Title: IPMA Senior Manager (4 posts)
Location: Noordwijk
Country: Netherlands
Deadline Date: 19 December 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Independent Programme Management Authority (IPMA) operates under the European Space Agency (ESA) and is dedicated to addressing project management challenges within the agency. The IPMA focuses on institutionalizing project management and control processes, enhancing compliance monitoring, and providing training and certification. The organization aims to improve project execution practices and ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards. ESA, established in 1975, has a workforce of over 2,200 employees and operates in multiple countries across Europe, contributing to advancements in space exploration and utilization.

Job Overview:
The IPMA Senior Manager position is a strategic role aimed at overhauling and enhancing project execution practices across the Agency. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that projects are completed in accordance with established quality targets, timelines, and budgets. This role involves advocating for strong project management practices from the inception of projects, empowering Project Managers to effectively monitor and control project baselines, and supporting the implementation of harmonized digital tools for early detection of deviations. The Senior Manager will also lead corporate reviews, contribute to project assessments, and participate in defining project management training and certification. The overarching goal is to significantly improve project delivery outcomes and mitigate recurring schedule delays that affect the Agency's objectives in space exploration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the IPMA Senior Manager include:

• Advocating for strong project management knowledge from project inception, ensuring realistic project baselines are defined and adhered to.
• Empowering Project Managers to monitor and control project baselines effectively, supported by efficient compliance and performance monitoring processes.
• Leading and contributing to Corporate/Fast Track Reviews, Investigation/Enquiry Boards, Project Resource Assessments, and Peer Reviews at both Directorate and project levels.
• Guiding and contributing to IPRev/Gate Reviews in roles such as Chair, System, or Expert.
• Participating in Directorate Peer Reviews and providing insights into Directorate-specific business.
• Steering ad hoc appraisal activities in roles such as Chair, System, or Expert.
• Overseeing preparation activities for ESA Council at ministerial level reviews.
• Fostering an agile project workforce capable of adapting to rapidly changing conditions.
• Participating in defining project management training, maturation, and certification. 1
• Contributing to the update of the IPMA handbook and project management regulations, reviewing KPIs and metrics related to the ESA program/project portfolio, including risks, costs, and schedules.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the IPMA Senior Manager position include:

• Proven competencies in project management, system, and payload domains.
• Strong leadership capabilities to drive a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within project teams.
• Flexibility to engage with ad hoc reviews and provide authoritative input to address unique project challenges.
• A track record of managing complex projects and navigating optimistic biases in project planning.
• Effective communication and facilitation skills to lead diverse review panels and foster collaboration among stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in engineering and/or management is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage complex projects within the space sector.

Experience:
Candidates should have a senior profile with significant experience in project management, ideally with a focus on system and payload domains. The position requires proven experience in managing complex projects and a strong understanding of project management processes and methodologies.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, as it is one of the working languages of the Agency. A good knowledge of French is also required. Additionally, knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse workforce of the Agency.

Additional Notes:
This position is a permanent contract within the grade band A2-A

• However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of their master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level. Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware subject to European and US export control regulations. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. The Agency is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates, and providing necessary support for individuals with disabilities.