IRIDE Project Manager

Vacancy in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

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.

This post is classified A5 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale .

Location

ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

You will report to the Italian PNRR Programme Manager and will be responsible for execution of the IRIDE project under the lead and supervision of the Italian PNRR Programme Manager.

In consideration of the end-to-end nature of the system to be developed, you will liaise closely with the other departments and offices within the Earth Observation Programmes Directorate to ensure that a coherent and performant system can be achieved.

Your duties will include:

• managing the development and ensuring the completion of all the components of the IRIDE system (namely upstream, downstream and services) within schedule, specification and cost;
• optimising the coherence of the system with the user requirements; 
• optimising the costs of the space segment within the constraints set;
• optimising coherence with the ground data segment while minimising its operation costs; 
• developing a coherent system based on elements developed outside the IRIDE programme (and in accordance with specifications not tailored to IRIDE);
• managing and motivating a team of ESA staff and contractors, as well as staff from outside ESA (typically ASI staff assigned to work part-time);
• interfacing with a number of national Italian actors (e.g. User Forum, various national industry associations, initiatives from other ministries such as MITE and MISE) for the purpose of implementing projects in cooperation.

Multi-disciplinary and comprehensive knowledge of and experience in satellite design, development, verification/testing, launch and in-orbit validation

Proven experience of managing space projects development (both space and ground segment)

Knowledge of industrial costs and schedule aspects

Complex project risk management processes

Familiarity with ESA procurement aspects

Familiarity with successfully dialoguing with the scientific user’s community

Knowledge of space mission operations and operations planning

Negotiation skills

Team management (including functional reporting)

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

A master's degree in engineering or a scientific discipline is required for this post.

You bring proven experience of managing space projects development (both space and ground segment). You also have experience in dealing with stakeholders and in particular are familiar with successfully dialoguing with the scientific user’s community.

You have experience in working in a cross-functional team and in promoting innovation through a creative collaboration process. You work effectively in an international team environment.

You can summarise complex information and have good communication skills, both oral and written.

As a leader, you should have:

• the potential to manage individuals or a team;
• the ability to organise their activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
• strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
• the ability to drive your team’s performance, developing your people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular, constructive feedback;
• strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
• a strong results orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
• the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer-focused.
  

People management experience is an asset, as is international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.

Other Information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework .

For further information please visit: Professionals , What we offer   and FAQ

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.

The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests. 

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 at [email protected] .

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,  Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented or balanced Member States*.
(https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/NationalityTargets.pdf )

In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service. 

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.