Project Controller
Job Requisition ID: 19731
Date Posted: 27 August 2025
Closing Date: 17 September 2025 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication: Internal & External
Type of Contract: Permanent
Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes
Workplace:Noordwijk, NL
Grade Band: A2 - A4

DESCRIPTION

As a Project Controller within the Business Unit Controlling Office of the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (D/EOP), you will join the Project Control and Management Support Office Team. In this role, you will be responsible for project control activities, supporting the assigned Department.
You will report to the Head of the assigned Programme Control Section in the PMSO of the Projects Department while functionally supporting the Project Manager(s) of the assigned projects or activities.
Your primary duties will include overseeing cost, schedule and risk management for space segment development and/or other related activities. You will provide essential support to project teams in managing their interfaces with international partners as well as ESA’s internal entities. This requires a thorough understanding of programmatic needs and an ability to deliver insightful analysis to support decision-making.
A key aspect of your role will be the preparation and monitoring of complex procurements, ensuring smooth progress from tendering to contract closure. This will involve extensive collaboration and negotiations with industrial partners and/or internal stakeholders. Your responsibilities will also include ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and monitoring progress to achieve project objectives efficiently and effectively. Through your contributions, you will play a critical role in supporting the Project Manager(s) in programmatic decision-making, enabling the success of EOP activities, thereby contributing to ESA’s strategic goals.

EDUCATION

A master’s degree in a relevant domain 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 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 activity 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. Strong analytical and reporting skills are required

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• preparing, developing and maintaining the overall programmatic aspects of the projects and missions, including the space segment, payload, launch, ground segment, climate actions, sustainability and science-related activities and Agency-provided services. The programmatic aspects include costs, finance, schedules, logistics, configuration, documentation, progress monitoring and geographical return, as well as general project administration. Active monitoring is expected: identifying and reporting trends, deviations from plans, potential problem areas and proposing/implementing remedial actions in coordination with the Project Manager(s); compliance with budgetary provisions and financial regulations is also expected;
• implementing and operating planning and control procedures to provide full visibility over the progress of all activities using established procedures and information systems; this includes maintaining 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 the information required for subsequent contract negotiations and participating in all tasks relating to the placing of contracts, including negotiations with industry;
• implementing risk management procedures as part of the Agency-wide risk management policy and identifying potential problem areas in those procedures, proposing mitigation actions and preparing risk reports as required;
• ensuring compliance with specific rules and regulations for financial management, audits, reporting and control;
• 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 to organise project reviews and participating in reviews in areas relevant to your project control-related 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.