Programme Controller

Programme Controller at ESA

This is a non-renewable post for a limited duration of 4 years.

Description

Programme Controller in the Business Management and Control Office (TEC-PB), Management Support Office (TEC-P), Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC).

As a Programme Controller, you will be responsible for the programme control activities of one or more programmes within D/TEC. You will support the planning, execution and monitoring of the programmes, ensuring they remain on schedule, within budget and aligned with ESA’s strategic objectives.

You will be accountable for creating, consolidating, maintaining and reporting on the programmes’ activities (business) plan. This includes optimising resource allocation and supporting decision-making processes relating to programme planning, resource deployment and business management.

Working in close collaboration with the Programme Manager(s), you will act as their trusted partner in all matters relating to programme control. You will report to the Head of the assigned Business Management Control Unit, while functionally supporting the Programme Manager(s) of your designated programme(s).

This role involves multiple interfaces within ESA directorates and corporate entities, such as Corporate Control, Finance, Procurement, HR and IT, as well as the D/TEC management team and Management Support Office. This role also interfaces with industry and national delegations.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include the following:

• preparing, developing and maintaining the consolidated programme cost plans, schedule baselines, risk registers and resource allocations and establishing the related work and procurement plans;
• implementing and operating programme-level planning and control procedures to provide full visibility on the progress and risks across the programme;
• supporting programme reviews, including aggregation of project data, risk analysis at programme level and preparation of briefing material for senior stakeholders, such as ESA management and Member States;
• identifying cross-programme dependencies and risk areas and proposing mitigation strategies at programme level;
• assisting in the preparation of programme-level procurement activities, including consolidation of project tender inputs when required;
• in close coordination with the Management Support Office, supporting the financial year-end closure exercise at programme level;
• coordinating with business controllers for financial consolidation, cost-to-completion analysis and forecasting;
• acting as a key interface with ESA corporate functions and external funding bodies for programme-level reporting and audits;
• implementing and operating uniform procedures and information systems for the management and control of the Directorate’s activities, ensuring proper coherence and quality of data and participating in the definition of efficient processes, methods and tools, with particular emphasis on continuous improvement to minimise the administrative impact on the Directorate’s workforce;
• implementing a proactive control function, including proper cost and schedule planning, and performing the necessary analysis to support regular reporting and the related decision-making process;
• monitoring the implementation of the Departmental/Office activities and performing delegated control and approval functions in compliance with the Agency’s rules and regulations, standards and best practices;
• contributing to the risk management function by identifying potential problem areas, analysing their impact and proposing remedial actions;
• supporting the consolidation of the industrial geographical return reports and the execution of related analysis.

Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of competence.

Technical competencies

• General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
• Skilled in providing project and programme management support
• Proven ability in risk management
• Strong experience with consolidated reporting and executive communication
• Demonstrated expertise in cost control and financial planning
• Hands-on experience with resource and activity planning
• Understanding of the relevant procurement regulations and financial regulatory frameworks
• Experience in supplier management, including progress monitoring, change control, negotiation and stakeholder management
• Experience with business process 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

A solid working background in a discipline relating to the above-mentioned tasks would be a distinct asset.

A strong sense of discretion and client orientation and a good understanding of resource management are essential requirements, as is solid proficiency in IT tools.

Knowledge of controlling tools, such as SAP, Open Plan, Primavera and MS Project, and strong proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools, such as Excel advanced functions and Power BI, would be considered additional advantages.

In addition, you should have strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills.

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.

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.

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.