Director of Programmes

Reporting directly to the Director General, the Director of Programmes leads ESO's major programmes and oversees the Organisation's programmatic framework. The Director of Programmes is responsible for programme planning and control, for providing project-management capabilities across ESO, and for guiding the design and construction of new world-leading astronomical facilities and technologies within ESO's matrix organisation. These facilities include the ELT, the largest optical/infrared telescope ever conceived, and in the future it is expected to include the next ESO transformational facility identified through the Expanding Horizons process.

The Director of Programmes reports on ESO Programmes as required to the ESO Council (main governing body of ESO) and its advisory committees as well as to other external committees and to the community at large via conferences and special events. As a member of the ESO Directors' Team the Director of Programmes works closely with the Director General and with the other Directors (both bi-laterally and as a team) in the development of overall policy and strategic planning across the Organisation. As a collaborative and inspirational manager and leader, the Director of Programmes empowers their staff in carrying out ESO's objectives.

The Director of Programmes ensures close coordination with cooperating research institutes, industrial partners and other organisations engaged in similar programme activities. The Director of Programmes represents ESO in international scientific and technical forums, maintains high-level scientific and technical contacts worldwide, and participates in conferences and industry events when required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the development and implementation of programme-related strategies, plans, policies and practices.
• Provide programmatic leadership across ESO, ensuring that programmes and projects adhere to established governance, review, risk-management and reporting standards.
• Through empowerment of the corresponding Programme Managers, be responsible for the design and construction (on schedule, cost and performance) of ESO's new astronomical facilities (telescopes, instruments) and new technologies, working closely with other Directorates through a matrix organisation.
• Ensure, together with the Director of Operations, a smooth and effective handover of new facilities from construction to operations.
• Provide ESO with programme planning and control services and establish and maintain organisation-wide project-management standards and support.
• Provide visible and proactive leadership to the Directorate of Programmes (approximately 50 staff), ensuring an engaged, high-performing and collaborative environment.
• Ensure that Programme Managers maintain constructive and effective relationships with partner research institutes and industrial contractors, within established contractual frameworks.
• Contribute, together with the Director General and other Directors, to the formulation and implementation of ESO-wide policies and strategies.
• Report on ESO's Programmes to Council, internal governance bodies and external committees, and represent ESO at conferences and major events.
• Support ESO's international relations activities and represent the Organisation in international scientific, technical and industry forums as required.

This role reports to:

The Director General.

Key Competences and Experience

Essential:

• Over 10 years of professional experience in similarly responsible roles within international scientific or technical organisations.
• Proven excellence in programme and project management, including governance, planning, risk management and delivery of large, multi-partner projects.
• Substantial experience with the development, construction or operation of astronomical facilities or comparable large research infrastructures.
• Proven excellent leadership and people-management skills, with a track record of motivating, developing and empowering diverse teams.
• Ability to act as a credible role model, demonstrating integrity, sound judgement, and alignment with ESO's mission, values and organisational goals.
• Excellent teamwork and relationship-building abilities, including constructive handling of disagreement and collaboration with a wide range of internal and external partners.
• Commitment to ESO's strategic and operational priorities, placing organisational needs above individual interests.
• Demonstrated ability to drive positive change, improving established processes and adapting effectively to new circumstances.
• Consistent record of delivering results on time and to required standards, with effective planning and resource use.
• Outstanding communication and diplomatic skills, able to convey complex issues clearly and respectfully to varied audiences.

Desirable:

• Experience in a comparable leadership role within a major research infrastructure organisation.
• High-level liaison and representation experience with international scientific, technical or governmental bodies.
• Experience contributing to wider organisational initiatives such as strategic planning, mentoring, or diversity, equity, inclusion and sustainability programmes.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a multicultural and international environment.

Education and Qualifications:

PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, engineering or related fields.

Evidence of continuing professional development, e.g. in leadership or management, will be an asset.

Language Skills:

The position requires an excellent command of the English language, both oral and written.

Remuneration and Contract:

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family and support to place your child/children in daycare.

Our Salary Structure

ESO's salary structure is based upon a range of career paths which reflect the nature and level of our jobs. Each career path is made up of two or three grades which are used to further reflect experience.

Please follow this attached link for more details https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/salary-structure/.

ESO aims to support members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#work-life-balance) between their professional and private life. ESO is also committed to offering family-friendly support (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#family-friendly-support), creating a work environment and policies which allow staff to balance their professional and private responsibilities through flexible working arrangements and financial support for families.

The contract is for a fixed term duration of three years and is subject to successful completion of the probation period. An appointment is furthermore offered subject to formal approval by ESO Council. There may be a possibility of extension(s) of this contract subject to individual performance, organisational requirements and approval by Council, and as defined in the applicable policies and staff rules and regulations. For any further information, please visit ESO's conditions of employment (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/). Please note that the contract policy and in particular the regulations concerning fixed-term and indefinite contracts are currently under review which may lead to changes in the contractual conditions applicable to this position. Appointments are subject to medical clearance and standard pre-employment screenings.

Duty Station:

Garching near Munich, Germany, with regular trips expected to the ESO sites in Chile

Career Path:

The Career Path applicable to Directors is Career Path VII, which covers three grades.

Application:

If you meet our criteria of a top-level, internationally recognised scientist and are interested in working in areas of frontline science and technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit https://www.eso.org for further details.

Applicants are invited to apply online at https://jobs.eso.org.

Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and full Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a publication list and a research plan. Also required are the names and contact details of three persons familiar with your work and international scientific standing and willing to provide a reference letter upon request. Referees will not be approached without your consent. If you want to know more practical details about the job, you can contact ESO's Director of Operations, Dr Andreas Kaufer, through hohr@eso.org.

The closing date for applications is 31 January 2026.

Panel interviews for shortlisted candidates are expected to be held mid-March with further discussions in April 2026 in Garching near Munich. Applicants shall be required to participate in assessment activities as part of the selection process. Subject to Council approval, the successful candidate is expected to formally take up duty on 1 October 2026. To facilitate a hand-over from the current Director for Programmes, it is highly desirable that the successful candidate could start working at ESO 1-2 months before.

ESO Values

An important element in any successful employment relationship is harmony in values between an organisation and its people.

The ESO values are:

ESO strives for excellence through innovation.

ESO provides outstanding services to its communities.

ESO fosters diversity & inclusion.

ESO believes in the key role of sustainability for its future.

Achieving the above are recognized as only possible on the basis of personal values and attitudes that we expect from our employees: respect, integrity, accountability, commitment, collaboration, and clear & open communication.

Applicants to any ESO role are asked to reflect on their affinity with these values and advised they may be asked about them if called for interview.

Diversity

ESO has established diversity as an important value of the Organisation, is committed to providing an equal opportunities environment and is actively seeking to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Please visit https://www.eso.org/public/about-eso/sustainability/dei-at-eso/ for further details.

Nationality

No nationality is in principle excluded from employment at ESO, however, recruitment preference will be given to nationals of our Member States, host states and strategic partners: Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Chile, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.