Project Controller

Vacancy in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

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
ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom  

Project Controller in the Project Control and Management Support Section within the Business Planning, Management Support and Coordination Office in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications (CSC).
The Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications is responsible for coordinating, shaping and supporting innovation in satellite telecommunications, as well as for promoting applications that involve the combined use of space-based systems. By facilitating research and development activities and by forging industrial partnerships, the Directorate contributes to the development of the European and Canadian satellite communications industries by assisting them in the production of advanced technologies and concepts to develop world-class products and services. The Directorate also plays an investment role by supporting public-private partnerships that contribute to the development and deployment of new satellite systems allowing the demonstration and validation of future services. 

The Project Control and Management Support Section provides project control and management support services to all operational units in the Directorate as a part of the CSC internal matrix. Each Project Controller also supports the professional development of the Section through continuous improvements regarding controlling and management support processes, digitalisation, management reports including dashboards, transparency, efficiency, cooperation and knowledge-sharing. 

Reporting to the Head of the Project Control and Management Support Section, you will closely cooperate with identified managers implementing projects and/or activities and directly interface with ESA Corporate Control, Finance and Procurement, and with the industrial contractors for all matters in their domain of activities.
As Project Controller, you will hold key responsibilities in preparing, performing and monitoring complex procurements, from tendering to the closure of contracts, and in management, financial and planning matters. You will have multiple interfaces within and outside ESA including with industrial contractors for the purpose of negotiations, and will play a key role in supporting the Project Manager(s) in programmatic decision-making.

Typical project control duties and activities will include:
•    preparing, developing and maintaining the overall programmatic aspects of the projects, missions and activities. These programmatic aspects include costs, financial matters, work breakdown structures, schedules, logistics, configuration, documentation, progress control and geographical return, as well as general project administration;
•    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 in the ESA ERP system;
•    actively monitoring and forecasting (forward-thinking is expected), identifying and reporting trends, deviations from plans, and potential problem areas, and proposing remedial actions in coordination with the Project Manager. You will also ensure compliance with budgetary provisions and financial regulations;
•    assisting in 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 the closure of industrial contracts and the financial year closure exercise;
•    implementing, under 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 organisation of project reviews and participating in reviews in the areas of project control-related responsibilities;
•    providing input for periodic reporting to project management and the business unit controller.

Specific duties will include:
•    preparing and maintaining cost plans covering industrial and operating (including workforce-related) costs, ensuring the solid aggregation of cross-cutting areas such as Generic and Strategic Programme Lines;
•    advising CSC Project Managers and external ESA partners including from industry on project control best practices, methods, processes and procedures;
•    participating in the definition, maintenance and improvement of the controlling systems in project control procedures, including digitalisation;
•    supporting the Head of the Project Control and Management Support Section and the Senior Financial Controller in the performance of their duties;
•    supporting the preparation of Adjudication Committee and Industrial Policy Committee papers, as well as Programme Board status reports, and assisting in the preparation of work plans.

Understanding of the relevant ESA and EU procurement regulations

Cost and financial regulatory framework, including accounting standards and auditing

Budgeting, cost control and resources and activities planning

Expert knowledge of SAP-based ERP systems and related queries

Strong analytical and reporting skills

Project and risk management

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

A master’s degree in engineering or in business administration is required for this position. 

You must have previous professional experience as a controller of a project or programme, preferably at agency or industry level. Experience in another function in finance, controlling and auditing would be considered a key asset. Some knowledge and/or understanding of space systems architecture would also be considered an asset.
You must also have substantial experience in applying project management and project control principles along with advanced project control techniques, as well as in preparing, negotiating and implementing major industrial procurements. Engineering experience in a project or programme would be considered an asset.
Knowledge of computer systems and information/planning/coordination tools (such as esa-p, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project) is essential. Familiarity with modern dashboard tools would be considered an asset.
You should be able to work autonomously, effectively and cooperatively in a diverse and international team environment and be able to define and implement solutions in line with team and individual objectives and deadlines. You should possess strong written and oral communication skills, and be rigorous and disciplined when working on demanding tasks. You should have good analytical, organisational and reporting skills, with a proactive attitude to problem-solving.

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 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.