Project Controller

Join ESA as a Project Controller

About the Role

You will be responsible for supporting the Project Manager in all programmatic aspects of the project, including cost management, financial commitments, procurement, scheduling, risk management, logistics, progress monitoring, geographical return, and general project administration. You will play a key role in preparing and monitoring complex procurement activities, from tendering through to contract closure, while managing financial and planning aspects. You will be required to maintain multiple interfaces both within and outside ESA, conduct negotiations with industrial contractors, and actively support the Project Manager in programmatic decision-making.

You will also support the Head of the Project Control and Management Support Service for SCI-P (SCI-MP as required, including tasks relating to internal and external Directorate reporting, modernisation of IT tools, programme-wide analysis and other assigned activities. You will be responsible for providing timely and accurate information to the Business Unit Control Office, which manages the Directorate’s internal and external reporting.

Duties

• implement and operate planning and control procedures to ensure full visibility over all activities relating to project progress, utilise established procedures and information systems, prepare cost and schedule estimates for new activities and maintain relevant historical databases;
• support the establishment and application of risk management procedures, identify potential problem areas, propose remedial actions, and prepare reports as required;
• assist in preparing tender documentation with respect to cost and schedule/planning requirements, participate in proposal evaluation, prepare information for subsequent contract negotiations and contribute to all tasks relating to the placement and controlling of industrial contracts;
• verify compliance with the Agency’s and Directorate’s processes, rules and regulations for all activities for the assigned missions and departments, advise the Project Manager and team about any constraints and provide guidelines to support the Agency’s efforts towards continuous improvements to support efficiency and uniformity of work processes;
• collect and analyse data – particularly financial and procurement data – and provide synthesised information to support the decision-making process;
• provide efficient support to the Project Manager and the team in all non-technical areas not explicitly covered by other project team functions;
• support the preparation and organisation of project reviews and audits and participate in these activities within your areas of project control responsibility.

Technical competencies

• Experience in applying project management and project control principles
• Understanding of relevant ESA procurement regulations
• Knowledge of cost and financial regulatory frameworks, including accounting standards and auditing
• Understanding of space system architectures
• Project and risk management
• Budgeting, cost control and resources and activity planning
• Negotiation skills

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in a relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• extensive experience in programme and project controlling, including risk management;
• experience with the preparation, negotiation and implementation of major industrial procurements;
• demonstrated strong self-motivation.

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 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.

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.

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.