Noordwijk, Netherlands
Full Time
an hour ago
Job description
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is a programme directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Using a partnership between humans and robots, the Directorate is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working – or will live and work in the future – for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.
As a Project Controller within the Business Control and Management Support Group of the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration, you will join the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Human Exploration Project Control Team. In this role, you will be responsible for project control activities supporting the LEO Services (HRE-O) and Human Exploration (HRE-H) Groups. You will report to the LEO and Human Exploration Project Control Team Leader, while functionally supporting the Project Manager(s) of the assigned project(s).
Your primary duties will include overseeing cost, schedule and risk management for LEO and human exploration activities. You will provide essential support to project teams in managing their interfaces with international partners, including NASA, as well as with ESA’s internal entities. This requires a thorough understanding of programmatic needs and an ability to deliver insightful analysis to support decision-making.
A key aspect of your role will be the preparation and monitoring of complex procurements, ensuring smooth progress from tendering through contract closure. This will involve extensive collaboration and negotiations with industrial partners and internal stakeholders. Your responsibilities will also include ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and monitoring progress to achieve project objectives efficiently and effectively.
Through your contributions, you will play a critical role in enabling the success of LEO services and human exploration activities, thereby contributing to ESA's strategic goals.
Duties
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 and Agency-provided services. The programmatic aspects include costs, finance, schedules, logistics, configuration, documentation, progress monitoring and geographical return, as well as general project administration;
- implementing and operating planning and control procedures to provide full visibility over the progress of all activities, using established procedures and information systems; this includes maintaining ESA’s ERP system for project-related data;
- assisting in the preparation of tender documents with respect to cost, management and schedule/planning requirements, and participating in the evaluation of proposals;
- preparing the information required for subsequent contract negotiations and participating in all tasks related to the placing of 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;
- coordinating, with the assistance of dedicated schedule engineering support, the scheduling of the projects under your responsibility, and tracking potential implications for costs, risks, delivery dates and internal resources;
- helping organise project reviews and participating in reviews in the areas of project control-related responsibilities;
- supporting the closure of industrial contracts and the financial year closure exercise;
- supporting inventory control and asset management for the assigned projects;
- participating in the establishment and maintenance of the Directorate’s project control procedures and computerised information systems;
- supporting the Project Control Team Leader and Senior Financial Controller in the performance of their duties.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education
A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post.
Additional requirements
You must have previous professional experience as a controller in a project or programme, preferably in industry or an agency. Substantial experience is essential in the application of project management and project control principles and advanced project control techniques, 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.
You should have a solid working background in the disciplines related to the tasks described, including cost control, resource and activity planning, project management, risk management and procurement regulations. 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.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged. At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek 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. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be 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 which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.
Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates.
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.