Project Controller

Job Requisition ID: 18747

Date Posted: 13 June 2024

Application Deadline: 4 July 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Progr

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description
Project Controller in the Business Control and Management Support Group, Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes. You will initially be assigned to the HRE Mars and Beyond Project Control Team for the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Mission.

The main objective of the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Mission is to perform a scientific mission on the surface of Mars dedicated to the search for signs of past and present life and to the characterisation of the environment and soil composition, while demonstrating technologies for planetary exploration, including landing and autonomous operations on the surface.

As Project Controller for the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Mission, you will report to the Mars and Beyond Project Control Team Leader, with functional reporting to the project manager of the assigned project(s), and you will interface directly with ESA Corporate Control, Finance and Procurement, as well as with industrial contractors regarding all matters within their remits. You will provide support to the project manager(s) for all activities related to project cost, scheduling and risk, as well as project management processes and administrative functions, providing reporting to the Business Unit Controller as needed for the Directorate’s internal/external reporting.

You will have key responsibilities for the preparation, execution and monitoring of complex procurements, from tendering to contract closure, and for management, financial and planning aspects. You will have multiple interfaces both inside and outside ESA, including with industrial contractors and NASA during negotiations, as well as a key role in supporting project managers in programmatic decision-making.

Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• preparing, developing and maintaining the overall programmatic aspects of project/missions, including the space segment, payload, launch, ground segment and Agency-provided services. The programmatic aspects include costs, finance, schedule, logistics, configuration, documentation, progress control and geographical return, as well as general project administration;
• implementing and operating planning and control procedures to provide full visibility over progress in all activities, using established procedures and information systems; this task includes maintenance of ESA’s ERP system for project-related data;
• assisting in 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;
• implementing risk management procedures within the framework of the Agency-wide risk management policy, and identifying potential problem areas in those procedures, proposing mitigation actions and preparing risk reports as required;
• coordinating, with the assistance of dedicated schedule engineering support, the scheduling of the projects under your responsibility, and tracking potential implications for costs, risks, delivery dates and internal resources;
• helping organise project reviews and participating in reviews in areas related to project control responsibilities;
• supporting the closure of industrial contracts and the financial year closure exercise;
• supporting inventory control and asset management for the assigned projects;
• participating in the establishment and maintenance of the Directorate’s project control procedures and computerised information systems;
• supporting the Project Control Team Leader and Senior Financial Controller in the performance of their duties.

Technical competencies
Good understanding of the relevant procurement regulations

Understanding of financial regulatory framework, financial accounting and auditing techniques

Understanding of space system architectures

Project management and risk management

Cost control and planning of resources and activities

Strong analytical and reporting skills

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 must have previous professional experience as a controller in a project or programme, preferably in industry or at an agency. Substantial experience is essential in the application of project management and project control principles and advanced project control techniques, as well as in the preparation, negotiation and implementation of major industrial procurements. Engineering experience in a project or programme would be considered an asset.

You should have a solid working background in the disciplines related to the tasks described, including cost control, resource and activities planning, project management, risk management and procurement regulations. Good knowledge and/or understanding of the financial regulatory framework, financial accounting and auditing techniques, as well as space system architectures, would be considered an asset.

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 [email protected].

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 technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control 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 can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

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.

Who we recruit »

Recruitment Process »

What we offer »

Life at ESA »

FAQ »

Apply now »