Project Controller (Reserve list)

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

Behavioural competencies

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

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

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, is would be a distinct asset;
• Knowledge and/or understanding of space systems architecture will 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 will would be considered asto bringing added value;
• Knowledge of computer systems and information/planning/coordination tools (such ase.g. esa-p, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project) is essential. Familiarity with modern dashboard and risk management tools will 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.