Project 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 operates across multiple countries, focusing on various space missions and programs that contribute to scientific knowledge and technological advancement. ESA'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.

Job Overview:
As a Project Controller within the Business Unit Controlling Office of the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (D/EOP), you will be an integral part of the Project Control and Management Support Office Team. Your role will involve overseeing project control activities and providing support to the assigned Department. Reporting to the Head of the assigned Programme Control Section, you will functionally support the Project Manager(s) of the assigned projects or activities. Your primary responsibilities will include managing cost, schedule, and risk for space segment development and related activities. You will be expected to provide essential support to project teams in managing their interfaces with international partners and ESA’s internal entities, requiring a thorough understanding of programmatic needs and the ability to deliver insightful analysis to aid decision-making. A significant aspect of your role will involve preparing and monitoring complex procurements, ensuring smooth progress from tendering to contract closure, which will necessitate extensive collaboration and negotiations with industrial partners and internal stakeholders. You will also ensure compliance with contractual obligations and monitor progress to achieve project objectives efficiently and effectively, thereby playing a critical role in supporting the Project Manager(s) in programmatic decision-making and contributing to ESA’s strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your tasks and responsibilities will include preparing, developing, and maintaining the overall programmatic aspects of the projects and missions, including the space segment, payload, launch, ground segment, climate actions, sustainability, and science-related activities. This encompasses costs, finance, schedules, logistics, configuration, documentation, progress monitoring, and geographical return, as well as general project administration. Active monitoring is expected, which includes identifying and reporting trends, deviations from plans, potential problem areas, and proposing/implementing remedial actions in coordination with the Project Manager(s). You will also ensure compliance with budgetary provisions and financial regulations. Implementing and operating planning and control procedures to provide full visibility over the progress of all activities using established procedures and information systems is crucial, including maintaining ESA’s ERP system for project-related data. You will assist in preparing tender documents concerning cost, management, and schedule/planning requirements and participate in the evaluation of proposals. Additionally, you will prepare the information required for subsequent contract negotiations and participate in all tasks related to placing contracts, including negotiations with industry. Implementing risk management procedures as part of the Agency-wide risk management policy and identifying potential problem areas in those procedures, proposing mitigation actions, and preparing risk reports as required will also be part of your responsibilities. You will ensure compliance with specific rules and regulations for financial management, audits, reporting, and control. Coordinating the scheduling of the projects under your responsibility, tracking potential implications for costs, risks, delivery dates, and internal resources, helping to organize project reviews, and participating in reviews relevant to your project control-related responsibilities will also be expected. Supporting the closure of industrial contracts and the financial year closure exercise, supporting inventory control and asset management for the assigned projects, and participating in establishing and maintaining the Directorate’s project control procedures and computerized information systems are additional duties. Lastly, you will support the Project Control Team Leader and Senior Financial Controller in the performance of their duties.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, you must possess a master’s degree in a relevant domain. Additionally, you must have previous professional experience as a controller in a project or programme, preferably in industry or an agency. Substantial experience in applying project management and project control principles and advanced project control techniques is essential, as well as in the preparation, negotiation, and implementation of major industrial procurements. Engineering experience in a project or programme would be considered an asset. A solid working background in disciplines related to the tasks described, including cost control, resource and activity planning, project management, risk management, and procurement regulations, is required. Good knowledge and/or understanding of the financial regulatory framework, financial accounting, and auditing techniques, as well as space system architectures, would be considered an asset. Strong analytical and reporting skills are also required.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in a relevant domain is required for this post. This educational background is essential to ensure that candidates possess the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform the complex tasks associated with project control in the context of space missions and programs.

Experience:
The position requires substantial professional experience, specifically as a controller in a project or programme. Candidates should have a proven track record in applying project management and project control principles, as well as advanced project control techniques. Experience in the preparation, negotiation, and implementation of major industrial procurements is also crucial. Engineering experience in a project or programme would be beneficial, providing candidates with a deeper understanding of the technical aspects involved in project control.

Languages:
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is required for the position. Additionally, knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a permanent contract within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level. Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations and must be eligible to acquire security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearance by their national security administrations. During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with ESA's security procedures. It is important to note that ESA is transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organizational changes affecting this position. The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is accurate at the time of publication but may not address all questions candidates might have.