Project Controller

Description

The Telecommunications and Integrated Applications Directorate supports innovation to boost the competitiveness of European industry in the global space market. This involves a wide range of activities from space-based technology, systems, and products for telecommunications development to the down-to-Earth application of space-based services. This requires engagement with a wide range of industrial, academic and institutional partners.

The Project Control and Management Support Section provides project control and management support services to all operational units in the Directorate as a part of the TIA internal matrix. Each Project Controller also supports the professional development of the section through continues improvements regarding controlling and management support processes, digitalisation, management reports including dashboards, transparency, efficiency, cooperation and knowledge sharing. 

You report to the Head of the Project Control and Management Support Section and will closely cooperate with identified managers implementing projects and/or activities and direct interface with ESA corporate control, finance, and procurement, and with the industrial contractors for all matters in their domain of activities.

The Project Controller holds key responsibilities in the preparation, procurement and monitoring of complex procurements, from tendering to the closure of contracts, and for management, financial and planning aspects. The incumbent has multiple interfaces within and outside ESA including negotiations with industrial contractors and is key in supporting the Project Manager(s) in the programmatic decision-making.

Duties

Typical project control duties and activities include:

•    preparing, developing, and maintaining the overall programmatic aspects of the project/missions/ activities. The programmatic aspects include cost, financial matters, work breakdown structure, 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 on the progress of all activities using established procedures and information systems; this includes maintenance in the ESA ERP system of project-related data;
•    active monitoring and forecasting (forward thinking) is expected, identifying and reporting trends, deviations from plans, potential problem areas and proposing remedial actions in coordination with the Project Manager. Compliance with budgetary provisions and financial regulations are also expected;
•    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;
•    supporting the closure of industrial contracts and the financial year closure exercise;
•    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 organisation of project reviews and participating in reviews in the areas of project control-related responsibilities;
•    providing inputs for periodic reporting to project management and business unit controller.

Specific duties include:
•    preparing and maintaining cost plans covering industrial and operating (including workforce-related) costs, ensure solid aggregation of transversal areas such as Generic and Strategic Programme Lines;
•    advising TIA project managers and external ESA partners including industry on project control best practices, methods, processes, and procedures;
•    participating in the definition, maintenance and improvement of Project Control procedures controlling systems including digitalization;
•    supporting the Head of the Project Control & Management Support Section and Senior Financial Controller in the execution of their duties;
•    supporting preparation of AC and IPC papers as well as Programme Board status reports and assist in the preparation of work plans.
 

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A Master’s degree in Engineering or in Business Administration is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You shall have previous professional experience as a controller of a project or programme preferably at agency or industry level. Experience in another function in finance, controlling and auditing will be considered a (key) asset. Some knowledge and/or understanding of space systems architecture will be also considered an asset.
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 will be considered an asset.
Knowledge of computer systems and information/planning/coordination tools (e.g. esa-p, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project) is essential. Familiarity with modern dashboard tools will 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, 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.