Head of Paranal Observatory Logistics and Facilities Department

Position description

The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries.

ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in northern Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor (home to ALMA and APEX), and the ESO Headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany.

At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope (VLT), the world's most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory, and will host and operate the southern array of the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), the world's largest and most sensitive high energy gamma-ray observatory. ESO is a major partner in ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And on Cerro Armazones, ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which will become "the world's biggest eye on the sky" and whose operations will be fully integrated into the Paranal Observatory.

The Paranal Observatory in northern Chile is one of the largest facilities used in ground-based astronomy. The observing facilities are embedded in a complex site infrastructure to support the scientific and technical operation of the Observatory, and it is operated by a team of more than 180 scientific, technical and administrative staff supported by external service providers.

For its La Silla Paranal Observatory, near Antofagasta in Chile, ESO is advertising an international staff position of Head of Paranal Observatory Logistics and Facilities Department.

The Paranal Logistics and Facilities Department ensures that the transportation, accommodation and provisioning of the Observatory are compatible with the operational requirements. The Department further ensures that general maintenance services for the buildings and non-engineering infrastructure are at the appropriate level. The Department will also play a key role in supporting the common infrastructure for the VLT and ELT telescopes and support the complex logistics of the different projects.

The Observatory is currently preparing for the integration of the ELT and hosting operations of the CTA. This requires a transformational change and provides the opportunity to define a future-oriented way of operating the new Observatory. The Logistics and Facilities Department at Paranal will be pivotal in supporting this transformation in what we call the ''Integrated Operations (IOP) Programme''. The new Head of Department will have a crucial role in the change management tasks of this Programme and will actively support the Observatory Director in implementing the required organisational and operational transformations.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The selected candidate will perform the following operational duties:

• Responsible for oversight of facilities management functions at Paranal Observatory, which encompass building and infrastructure operation and maintenance;
• Responsible for the oversight of the hospitality facilities at Paranal Observatory, which includes catering, accommodation, cleaning, and hotel management;
• Responsible for organising flight- and ground transportation to and from the Paranal Observatory;
• Responsible for oversight of the departmental budget, including the management of large service and construction contracts;
• Leading and managing the Department, including responsibility for staff development, training, mentoring, and performance management to ensure a high-performing and future-ready team.

Additionally and crucially the selected candidate will also undertake wider strategic and management duties:

• Supporting the Observatory Director in providing guidance and strategic advice in planning and establishing the general policy, scope and standards of professional performance of the Observatory;
• Leading the development of the Department and its logistics capabilities to support the future multi-site operations of the VLT and ELT;
• Acting as a key player in supporting the implementation and consolidation of the IOP and associated change management actions;
• Leading the implementation of the Observatory's local sustainability action plan, integrating environmental performance objectives into logistics and infrastructure operations;
• Supporting and reinforcing the Observatory's inclusion and diversity policies, creating a respectful and equitable workplace culture.

Reports to:

The selected candidate is member of the Observatory management team and reports to the Director of the La Silla Paranal Observatory, within the ESO Directorate of Operations.

 

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business Management or related field. An advanced degree is highly desirable.
Evidence of continuing professional development in change management or project management would be an advantage.

Experience:

We are seeking a leader with senior administration and management experience. The selected candidate will likely have at least ten years of relevant experience and a proven track record in the management of business operations, preferably in an international scientific or other complex technical environment.


Language Skills:

The position requires an excellent command of English both oral and written. A working knowledge of Spanish is an asset, but not essential.

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.

Application instructions

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