Project Controller (Reserve list)

This job opening is for the purposes of reserve list recruitment on multiple positions.

ESA is initiating a reserve list recruitment process to meet the consistently high demand for Project Controllers in support of the Agency’s cutting-edge space projects and programmes. This reserve list will comprise candidates who have been pre-assessed and pre-approved by the ESA hiring team and who have already undergone a basic background screening. If selected, you will remain on the reserve list for a period of 24 months, during which you will be fast-tracked for positions in upcoming projects. While inclusion in the reserve list does not guarantee recruitment, it positions you as a valuable resource to fill ESA's future vacancies. When a relevant position arises, your candidacy will be reviewed. In that context, you may be invited to a brief follow-up interview and, if successful, an offer will be made.

Description

Within the Directorate’s Business Unit Controlling Office, you, as Project Controller, will join a team of controllers in one of the Office’s sections, providing project control and management support services across all operational units in the Directorate.

Each Project Controller also supports professional development through the continuous improvement of controlling and management support processes, digitalisation, management reporting including dashboards, transparency, efficiency, cooperation and knowledge-sharing.

You will interface with multiple entities within and outside ESA and will play a key role in supporting managers in programmatic decision-making. You will cooperate closely with managers, implementing activities and/or projects as part of the project team, and will directly interface with ESA corporate services, as well as with industrial suppliers.

Duties

Your tasks as Project Controller may include:

• Preparing, developing and maintaining the overall programmatic aspects of a project in coordination with the Project Manager, covering areas such as costs, schedule, workforce, risks and geographical return;
• Implementing and operating planning and control procedures to provide full visibility on progress in the project by reporting on all activities using established procedures and information systems, in compliance with ESA project management requirements;
• Leading the project risk management and scheduling processes, identifying potential problem areas, proposing mitigation actions and preparing risk reports and risk-adjusted schedules to support the Project Manager;
• Preparing tender documents with respect to cost, management, risk and schedule requirements and participating in the evaluation of proposals;
• Preparing the information required for contract negotiations and participating in the procurement process, including negotiations with industry and institutional stakeholders;
• Bearing responsibility for financial implementation, including commitments made within the delegated authority, and for the acceptance of deliverables from a programmatic perspective;
• Participating in reviews in your areas of responsibility as Project Controller;
• Ensuring that all project changes are formally verified, analysed, presented to the appropriate decision-making authority and correctly implemented, in adherence with cost, schedule and scope requirements;
• Interfacing with industry on programmatic matters relating to finances, risks and schedule, advising managers and external partners on project control best practices, methods, processes and procedures;
• Ensuring operational excellence and driving continuous improvement in your areas of responsibility.

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of or experience in budgeting, cost control and resource and activity planning
• Knowledge of or experience in business analysis, digital tools and reporting
• Knowledge of or experience in schedule management
• Knowledge of or experience in risk management
• Knowledge of or experience in SAP-based ERP systems
• Knowledge of or experience in financial regulatory frameworks, including accounting standards and auditing techniques
• Knowledge of or experience in ESA/EU procurement regulations

Behavioural competencies

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

Education and professional experience

A master's degree in a relevant discipline is required for this post along with four years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

• Professional experience as a controller, preferably at agency or industry level, would be a distinct asset;
• Knowledge and/or understanding of space systems architecture would be considered an asset;
• You must also have substantial experience in applying project management and risk management principles along with advanced business/project control techniques, as well as in preparing, negotiating and implementing major industrial procurements. Experience with European Commission projects would be considered as bringing added value;
• Knowledge of computer systems and information/planning/coordination tools (such as esa-p, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project) is essential. Familiarity with modern dashboard and risk management tools would 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.

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, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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.