Description

If selected for this position, you will support the mission preparation activities of the Scientific Programme initially focusing on the SMILE Mission. You will report hierarchically to the Head of the Project Control and Management Support Service (SCI-MF), and functionally to the Project Manager(s) of the assigned projects/activities.

As Project Controller, you will be responsible for supporting the Project/Study Manager with all activities related to project cost, schedule, risk management, project management processes and administrative functions, and for internal and external reporting, as needed. You will assume key responsibilities for the preparation and oversight of complex procurement actions, from tendering stage through to contract closure, including the financial and planning aspects. You will be required to maintain multiple interfaces inside and outside ESA and engaging in negotiations with industrial contractors. You will also play a key role in supporting the Project/Study Manager in programmatic decision making.

Furthermore, your support will extend to aiding the Head of the Project Control and Management Support Service (SCI-MF) in conducting programme-wide analyses and participating in various ad-hoc activities as required.

Duties

Typical project control duties and activities include:

• preparing, developing and maintaining the overall programmatic aspects of the project/missions, including space segment, payload, launch, ground segment and Agency-provided services. The programmatic aspects include cost, financial commitments, procurements, schedule, risks, logistics, progress control and geographical return, as well as general project administration;
• preparing and maintaining cost plans covering industrial and operating (including workforce-related) costs;
• acting as information security officer for the project(s), handling access to export controlled information & facilitating export control matters for the project(s);
• identifying and maintaining fixed asset/inventory registers for the project(s);
• implementing and operating planning and control procedures to provide full visibility on the progress of all activities using established procedures and information systems; this includes maintenance of project- related data in the ESA ERP system;
• assisting with the preparation of tender documents with respect to cost, management 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; supporting project/mission managers in change control/review boards;
• monitoring assigned contracts and ensuring industry’s compliance with established formal requirements for management, costs, schedule, risks, industrial return and reporting, including deviations from plans and trends;
• acting as the main interface with industry on control matters:
  • in this context, active monitoring is expected; you will identify and report trends, deviations from plans and potential problem areas and will propose remedial actions in coordination with the Project Manager;
  • compliance with budgetary provisions and financial regulations is also expected;
  • implementing, within the framework 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 preparation and organisation of project reviews/audits and participating in reviews/audits in the areas of project control-related responsibility;
• participating in the establishment and maintenance of the Directorate’s project control procedures and computerised information systems;
• maintaining a fixed asset/inventory register for the project(s);
• supporting the Head of the Project Control and Management Support Service and Senior Financial Controller in the performance of their duties.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s in science, engineering or business administration is required.

Additional requirements

You should possess specific qualifications and experience:

• Professional Controller Background: prior professional experience as a controller within a project or programme setting, ideally, either at Agency or industry level.
• Experience in Joint Space Missions: experience in handling the controlling aspects of a joint space mission involving international partners is a significant advantage.
• Knowledge in Space Systems Architecture: including information security, and export control.
• Project Management Expertise: experience in applying project management and project control principles, along with advanced project control techniques.
• Procurement Proficiency: a proven track record in preparing, negotiating, and implementing major industrial procurements.
• Computer Proficiency: proficiency in using computer systems and various information, planning, and coordination tools, including familiarity with tools such as esa-p, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Project. Knowledge of modern dashboarding tools is also essential.