Programme Controller

In the framework of the development of future site operations the Paranal Observatory is preparing operations of the VLT and the ELT in an Integrated Operations concept. The key mission of the selected candidate will be to support the programme management with an effective controlling of the programme's resources and schedule.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The selected candidate will be responsible for the implementation of programme and project planning and control processes and ensures their effectiveness. S/he will identify and control the details of the programme resource budgets, such as funding resources and programme staffing, as well as the associated programme schedule and the programme risks. S/he will

• Prepare programme budget and schedule, and consolidate the resource planning
• Interact with the various stakeholders and ensure effectiveness of the implemented planning and project control processes
• Provide analysis-based performance reports, e.g. on budget, schedule and risks, and advice the programme management in strategic decisions
• Prepare comprehensive reports and advise the programme management
• Communicate with other organizational entities to ensure the required alignment with organization-wide processes.

Reports to:

Head of PCO

Key Competences and Experience:

Essential competences and experience:

• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in project resource controlling with deep involvement in project management processes, ideally in research or development projects
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team, respecting individual differences.
• Pro-active approach in solution thinking
• Fluent in resource and project management and office software tools

Desirable competences and experience, which are not mandatory, but considered as an asset:

• Experience in project management and project development.
• Experience in implementing new processes and the management of changes.
• Working experience in a non-profit environment.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in economics, accounting & controlling, finance & accounting, business administration or similar. A master's degree certifying the development of relevant analytic skills is considered as an asset.

Language skills:

Excellent command of the English language.

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. There may be a possibility of extension(s) subject to individual performance and organisational requirements, and as defined in the applicable policies and staff rules and regulations. For any further information, please visit ESO's conditions of employment. 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.

Duty Station:

Vitacura Santiago, 5/2 shift system, with regular duty trips to the Paranal Observatory.

Career Path: IV/ V

Application:

If you are interested in working in areas of frontline science and technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit http://www.eso.org for further details.

Applicants are invited to apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV. Within your CV, please provide the names and contact details of three persons familiar with your work and willing to provide a recommendation letter upon request. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

Deadline for applications is 20 June 2025.

Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.

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.