Head of the Earth Explorer and Earth Watch Programmes Project Control Section

Lead the Earth Explorer and Earth Watch Programmes Project Control Section at ESA

Description

As Head of the Earth Explorer and Earth Watch Programmes Project Control Section in the Project Control and Management Support Office (PMSO) of the Projects Department (EOP-P), Earth Observation Business Unit Controlling Office, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes, you will be responsible for the timely implementation of all project control activities pertaining to Earth Explorer and Earth Watch Programmes, as well as for the EOP-P System Support Division.

Duties

You will hierarchically lead a team of Project Controllers integrated in the project teams of the Earth Explorer and Earth Watch Programmes and EOP-P System Support Division. You will hierarchically report to the Head of the Project Control and Management Support Office (PMSO) for EOP-P. You will also functionally report to the Head of Earth Explorer and Earth Watch Programmes and to the Head of the EOP-P System Support Division, while interfacing with Project Managers and Technical Officers exercising their duties.

In particular, your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Implementing and operating planning and control procedures to provide full visibility over all activities relating to the Earth Explorer and Earth Watch Programmes and EOP-P System Support Division, while ensuring compliance with ESA requirements for management reporting on cost, schedule, finance, workforce and industrial return;
• Preparing tender documents, participating in tender evaluation boards and supporting negotiations on large contracts;
• Coordinating budget preparation and implementing activities, including staff planning;
• Compiling and updating cost-at-completion figures for the entire range of Earth Explorer and Earth Watch Programmes, as well as detailed and up-to-date geographical return data for those activities;
• Coordinating and implementing risk management in accordance with the Agency’s policy;
• Ensuring compliance with specific rules and regulations for financial management, audits, reporting and control;
• Assisting the Head of Earth Explorer and Earth Watch Programmes and Head of System Support Division in the financial planning and preparation of future activities;
• Monitoring KPIs at programme level and maintaining financial management dashboards;
• Identifying corrective measures in response to deviations in financial, staff and procurement planning, as well as reporting on their status with the support of Project Controllers and in coordination with Project Managers and the Head of Earth Explorer and Earth Watch Programmes/ Head of EOP-P System Support Division;
• Coordinating the activities of configuration and documentation officers;
• Supporting the Head of the PMSO for EOP-P and the Head of the Earth Observation Business Unit Office as one of the EO senior controllers.

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of and experience in budgeting and cost control
• Knowledge of and experience in project and risk management
• Experience in in-year and multi-year financial planning, geo-return control and management reporting
• In-depth knowledge of cost, cash, resources and activity planning and control
• Experience in procurement preparation, selection, negotiation, implementation and audits
• Knowledge of ESA’s cost and financial regulatory framework
• Understanding of the relevant ESA procurement regulations
• Knowledge of change management

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

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

Additional requirements

You should have:

• Extensive experience in programme and project controlling, including risk management and reporting;
• The potential to manage individuals or a team in a project setting;
• The ability to organise individual and team 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 and constructive feedback;
• Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
• Strong result 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;
• Good oral and written communication and presentation skills;
• Excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
• The ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues and relate situations to their context.

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

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.

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*.

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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.