Project Controller (2 posts)

Project Controller in the Galileo Project Control Unit

Description

Project Controller in the Galileo Project Control Unit, Galileo and EGNOS Programme Management Support Office, Navigation Programme Management Support Office, Directorate of Navigation.

You will report to the Head of the Galileo Project Control Unit with a functional reporting line to the Project Manager(s) of the assigned project(s). You will interface directly with ESA corporate control, finance and procurement, as well as with the industrial contractors for all matters in your domain of activity.

You will be responsible for supporting the Project Manager(s) on all activities related to project cost, schedule and risks as well as project management processes. You will hold key responsibilities in the preparation, procurement and monitoring of complex procurements, from the preparation of work plans and tendering to the closure of contracts, and for management, reporting, 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. You will initially be assigned to a particular project.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• preparing, developing and maintaining the overall programmatic aspects of the project/missions in support of the Project Manager, including the space segment, payload, launch, ground segment, system, system tools and Agency-provided services. The programmatic aspects also include the work breakdown structure, cost, finance, schedule, reporting, risks, logistics, configuration, documentation, progress control and industrial organisational statistics, 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;
• supporting inventory control and asset management for the assigned projects;
• assisting in the preparation of tender documents with respect to cost, management, risk 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 as well as with the European Commission/European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA);
• supporting the closure of industrial contracts and the financial year closure exercise;
• implementing, as part 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 organisation of project reviews and participating in reviews in the areas of your project control-related responsibilities;
• preparing reports as required and providing inputs for periodic reporting to the Commission, EUSPA, ESA Member States, project management and the Business Unit Controller;
• helping prepare preliminary change implementation proposals in response to Commission and/or EUSPA change requests for agreements in place, as well as to the procurement work plans;
• interfacing with industry on financial, programmatic and schedule control matters;
• ensuring industry compliance with established formal requirements for management, costs, schedule and risk reporting;
• coordinating the configuration management function that provides support for the establishment and maintenance of the project’s technical and programmatic baselines;
• contributing to the preparation and the maintenance of the Galileo system design, development and validation plan and to detailed working schedules for Galileo;
• consolidating and maintaining the programme/project schedule baseline associated with the different incremental Galileo system releases;
• identifying and proposing corrective measures in response to deviations from the project schedule and cost targets;
• monitoring the definition and verification of Galileo ground requirements, namely for customer furnished items;
• assisting in the definition and implementation of planning and control procedures and tools to provide visibility on all activities related to the project.

Technical competencies

• Experience in space project management principles and processes
• Knowledge and/or understanding of space system architectures, including the Ground Segment
• Experience in supplier management (progress monitoring, change control, negotiation and stakeholder management)
• Understanding of the relevant ESA and/or EU procurement regulations
• Knowledge of costs and the financial regulatory framework, including accounting standards and auditing
• Experience in space project financial planning, scheduling and risk management
• Strong business analysis and reporting skills

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in engineering is required for this post.

Additional requirements

The following would be considered assets for this position:

• Knowledge and/or understanding of space systema architecture, including Ground Segment.
• At least ten years of experience 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;
• Previous experience as a manager or a controller in a project or programme, preferably at Agency or industry level.

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 & 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.