Project Controller

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  or ECSAT, Harwell, the United Kingdom.

Description

 The Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications (D/CSC) is responsible for coordinating, shaping and supporting innovation in satellite telecommunications and for the promotion of applications that involve the combined use of space-based systems. By facilitating research and development activities and 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. 
Within the Business Control and Programme Management Support Office, the Project Controller will join the Project Control and Management Support Section, which 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 in relation to controlling and management support processes, digitalisation, management reports including dashboards, transparency, efficiency, cooperation and knowledge-sharing. 
The Project Controller will closely cooperate with identified managers implementing projects and/or activities and will interface directly with ESA Corporate Control, Finance, and Procurement, and with the industrial contractors, for all matters in their domains of activity.
As Project Controller, you will hold key responsibilities in the preparation, procurement and monitoring of complex procurements, from tenders to the closure of contracts, for management, financial and planning aspects. You will have multiple interfaces within and outside ESA, including negotiations with industrial contractors, and will play a key role in supporting the Project Manager(s) in programmatic decision-making.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• preparing, developing and maintaining the overall programmatic aspects of the projects, missions and activities. The programmatic aspects include cost, financial matters, work breakdown structures, schedules, logistics, configuration, documentation, progress control and industrial 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, including maintenance in the ESA ERP system of project-related data;
• actively monitoring and forecasting, applying forward thinking skills, identifying and reporting trends, deviations from plans, and potential problem areas, and proposing remedial actions in coordination with the Project Manager, while also ensuring 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 relating 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 your areas of project control-related responsibility;
• providing inputs for periodic reporting to project management and business unit controllers;
• preparing and maintaining cost plans covering industrial and operating (including workforce-related) costs, ensuring 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 project control procedures and controlling systems, 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.

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 engineering, business administration or a similar subject is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• 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 the finance, controlling and auditing domain will be considered a key asset.
• Some knowledge and/or understanding of space systems architecture will be considered a further asset.
• You must have substantial experience in applying project management and project control principles and advanced project control techniques, as well as in preparing, negotiating and implementing major industrial procurements.
• Engineering experience in a project or programme will be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of computer systems and information, planning and coordination tools, such as  esa-p, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project, is essential. Familiarity with modern dashboard tools will 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.

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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

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 [email protected].

 
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 acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

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.