Project Controller

Vacancy in the Directorate of Science.

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 A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale .

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  

If selected for this position, you will support the mission preparation activities of the Scientific Programme initially focusing on the SMILE Mission. You will report hierarchically to the Head of the Project Control and Management Support Service (SCI-MF), and functionally to the Project Manager(s) of the assigned projects/activities.

As Project Controller, you will be responsible for supporting the Project/Study Manager with all activities related to project cost, schedule, risk management, project management processes and administrative functions, and for internal and external reporting, as needed. You will assume key responsibilities for the preparation and oversight of complex procurement actions, from tendering stage through to contract closure, including the financial and planning aspects. You will be required to maintain multiple interfaces inside and outside ESA and engaging in negotiations with industrial contractors. You will also play a key role in supporting the Project/Study Manager in programmatic decision making.

Furthermore, your support will extend to aiding the Head of the Project Control and Management Support Service (SCI-MF) in conducting programme-wide analyses and participating in various ad-hoc activities as required.

Typical project control duties and activities include: 

• preparing, developing and maintaining the overall programmatic aspects of the project/missions, including space segment, payload, launch, ground segment and Agency-provided services. The programmatic aspects include cost, financial commitments, procurements, schedule, risks, logistics, progress control and geographical return, as well as general project administration; 
• preparing and maintaining cost plans covering industrial and operating (including workforce-related) costs; 
• acting as information security officer for the project(s), handling access to export controlled information & facilitating export control matters for the project(s);
• identifying and maintaining fixed asset/inventory registers for the project(s);
• implementing and operating planning and control procedures to provide full visibility on the progress of all activities using established procedures and information systems; this includes maintenance of project- related data in the ESA ERP system; 
• assisting with the preparation of tender documents with respect to cost, management and schedule/planning requirements and participating in the evaluation of proposals; preparing information required for subsequent contract negotiations and participating in all tasks related to the placing of contracts, including negotiations with industry; supporting project/mission managers in change control/review boards; 
• monitoring assigned contracts and ensuring industry’s compliance with established formal requirements for management, costs, schedule, risks, industrial return and reporting, including deviations from plans and trends; 
• acting as the main interface with industry on control matters: 
  • in this context, active monitoring is expected; you will identify and report trends, deviations from plans and potential problem areas and will propose remedial actions in coordination with the Project Manager; 
  • compliance with budgetary provisions and financial regulations is also expected; 
  • implementing, within the framework of the Agency-wide risk management policy, risk management procedures and identifying potential problem areas therein, proposing mitigation actions and preparing risk reports as required; 
• supporting the preparation and organisation of project reviews/audits and participating in reviews/audits in the areas of project control-related responsibility; 
• participating in the establishment and maintenance of the Directorate’s project control procedures and computerised information systems; 
• supporting the Head of the Project Control and Management Support Service and Senior Financial Controller in the performance of their duties.

Ability to rapidly assimilate and synthesise complex information using Excel and other tools

Expert knowledge of SAP-based ERP systems and related queries, budgeting, cost control and resources and activities planning

Excellent understanding of risk management

Cost and financial regulatory framework, including accounting standards and auditing Project and risk management

Understanding of space system architectures

Strong analytical and reporting skills

Understanding of the relevant ESA procurement regulations

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

A master’s in science, engineering or business administration is required.

You should possess specific qualifications and experience:

• Professional Controller Background: prior professional experience as a controller within a project or programme setting, ideally, either at Agency or industry level.
• Experience in Joint Space Missions: experience in handling the controlling aspects of a joint space mission involving international partners is a significant advantage.
• Knowledge in Space Systems Architecture: including information security, and export control.
• Project Management Expertise: experience in applying project management and project control principles, along with advanced project control techniques. 
• Procurement Proficiency: a proven track record in preparing, negotiating, and implementing major industrial procurements.
• Computer Proficiency: proficiency in using computer systems and various information, planning, and coordination tools, including familiarity with tools such as esa-p, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Project. Knowledge of modern dashboarding tools is also essential.

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.     

Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations.

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 email [email protected] .

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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 Member States *.  

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. 

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. 

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.