Controller

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Closing Date: 5 March 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Directorate: Connectivity and Secure Communications

The Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications is responsible for coordinating, shaping and supporting innovation in satellite telecommunications, as well as for promoting applications that involve the combined use of space-based systems. By facilitating research and development activities and by forging industrial partnerships, the Directorate contributes to the development of the European and Canadian satellite communications industries by assisting them in the production of advanced technologies and concepts to develop world-class products and services. The Directorate also plays an investment role by supporting public-private partnerships that contribute to the development and deployment of new satellite systems, allowing the demonstration and validation of future services.

Within the Business Control and Programme Management Support Office, you, as Controller, will join a team of Controllers in one of the Office’s sections, providing management support services across the operational units in the Directorate as part of its internal matrix organisation. Each 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 have multiple interfaces within and outside ESA, including the European Commission, and will play a key role in supporting managers in programmatic decision making. You will closely cooperate with identified managers implementing projects and/or activities and directly interface with ESA’s corporate and procurement services, as well as with industrial contractors.

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• ensuring compliance with budgetary provisions and financial regulations;
• advising on best business/project control practices, methods, processes and procedures;
• coordinating the application of the Agency’s risk management policy and risk management procedures, as well as suggesting process improvements;
• contributing to the preparation of the Directorate’s risk management plan and regular risk review meetings;
• coordinating and delivering monthly updates of risk registers;
• proactively proposing improvements for digitalisation, processes, analysis and streamlined reporting;
• supporting the consolidation, maintenance, monitoring and reporting on resource and activity planning over the short/medium/long term and the associated business management and controlling processes;
• coordinating the geographical return reporting process in the Directorate and supporting related task force meetings;
• supporting the coordination of service-level agreements between directorates;
• supporting the coordination and monitoring of the Directorate’s internal costs in the cost centres;
• supporting fixed asset management;
• preparing, developing and maintaining the overall programmatic aspects of projects and activities;
• implementing and operating planning and control procedures to provide full visibility on the progress of all activities using established procedures and information systems, including maintenance of risk related data;
• actively monitoring, identifying and reporting trends, deviations from plans, and potential problem areas, and proposing remedial actions in coordination with managers;
• assisting in the preparation of tender documents with respect to cost, management, schedule/planning and risk management requirements;
• participating in the evaluation of proposals and subsequent contract negotiation and implementation;
• supporting the closure of industrial contracts and the financial year closure exercise;
• preparing financial and programmatic reporting to internal and external stakeholders;
• preparing and maintaining commitment and cost plans;
• supporting and participating in project reviews.

Budgeting, cost control and resource and activities planning

Business analysis, digital tools and reporting

SAP-based ERP systems

Financial regulatory frameworks, including accounting standards and auditing techniques

ESA/EU procurement regulations

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

A master's degree in business administration or engineering is required for this post.

• You must have previous professional experience as a Controller, preferably at agency or industry level.
• Knowledge and/or understanding of space systems architecture 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 would be considered a source of added value.
• Knowledge of computer systems and information/planning/coordination tools (such as esa-p, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project) is essential. Familiarity with modern dashboard and risk management tools would be considered an asset.
• You should be able to work autonomously, effectively and cooperatively in a diverse and international team environment, and to define and implement solutions in line with team and individual objectives and deadlines. You should possess strong written and oral communication skills, and demonstrate rigour and discipline when working on demanding tasks. You should have good analytical, organisational and reporting skills, with a proactive attitude to problem-solving.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int

Important Information and Disclaimer

In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.