Director of Programmes

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 the ESO Headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany.

At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope, the world's most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory, and will host and operate the southern array of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory, the world's largest and most sensitive high energy gamma-ray observatory. ESO is a major partner in ALMA. 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.

For the definition, planning, management and execution of the Organisation's development and construction programmes, ESO is advertising for its Directorate of Programmes at its Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany, the key position of: Director of Programmes.

Reporting directly to the Director General, the Director of Programmes leads ESO's major programmes and oversees the Organisation's programmatic framework. The Director of Programmes is responsible for programme planning and control, for providing project-management capabilities across ESO, and for guiding the design and construction of new world-leading astronomical facilities and technologies within ESO's matrix organisation. These facilities include the ELT, the largest optical/infrared telescope ever conceived, and in the future it is expected to include the next ESO transformational facility identified through the Expanding Horizons process.

The Director of Programmes reports on ESO Programmes as required to the ESO Council (main governing body of ESO) and its advisory committees as well as to other external committees and to the community at large via conferences and special events. As a member of the ESO Directors' Team the Director of Programmes works closely with the Director General and with the other Directors (both bi-laterally and as a team) in the development of overall policy and strategic planning across the Organisation. As a collaborative and inspirational manager and leader, the Director of Programmes empowers their staff in carrying out ESO's objectives.

The Director of Programmes ensures close coordination with cooperating research institutes, industrial partners and other organisations engaged in similar programme activities. The Director of Programmes represents ESO in international scientific and technical forums, maintains high-level scientific and technical contacts worldwide, and participates in conferences and industry events when required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the development and implementation of programme-related strategies, plans, policies and practices;
• Provide programmatic leadership across ESO, ensuring that programmes and projects adhere to established governance, review, risk-management and reporting standards;
• Through empowerment of the corresponding Programme Managers, be responsible for the design and construction (on schedule, cost and performance) of ESO's new astronomical facilities (telescopes, instruments) and new technologies, working closely with other Directorates through a matrix organisation;
• Ensure, together with the Director of Operations, a smooth and effective handover of new facilities from construction to operations;
• Provide ESO with programme planning and control services and establish and maintain organisation-wide project-management standards and support;
• Provide visible and proactive leadership to the Directorate of Programmes (approximately 50 staff), ensuring an engaged, high-performing and collaborative environment;
• Ensure that Programme Managers maintain constructive and effective relationships with partner research institutes and industrial contractors, within established contractual frameworks;
• Contribute, together with the Director General and other Directors, to the formulation and implementation of ESO-wide policies and strategies;
• Report on ESO's Programmes to Council, internal governance bodies and external committees, and represent ESO at conferences and major events;
• Support ESO's international relations activities and represent the Organisation in international scientific, technical and industry forums as required.

This role reports to:

The Director General.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Over 10 years of professional experience in similarly responsible roles within international scientific or technical organisations;
• Proven excellence in programme and project management, including governance, planning, risk management and delivery of large, multi-partner projects;
• Substantial experience with the development, construction or operation of astronomical facilities or comparable large research infrastructures;
• Proven excellent leadership and people-management skills, with a track record of motivating, developing and empowering diverse teams;
• Ability to act as a credible role model, demonstrating integrity, sound judgement, and alignment with ESO's mission, values and organisational goals;
• Excellent teamwork and relationship-building abilities, including constructive handling of disagreement and collaboration with a wide range of internal and external partners;
• Commitment to ESO's strategic and operational priorities, placing organisational needs above individual interests;
• Demonstrated ability to drive positive change, improving established processes and adapting effectively to new circumstances;
• Consistent record of delivering results on time and to required standards, with effective planning and resource use;
• Outstanding communication and diplomatic skills, able to convey complex issues clearly and respectfully to varied audiences.

Desirable:

• Experience in a comparable leadership role within a major research infrastructure organisation;
• High-level liaison and representation experience with international scientific, technical or governmental bodies;
• Experience contributing to wider organisational initiatives such as strategic planning, mentoring, or diversity, equity, inclusion and sustainability programmes;
• Proven ability to work effectively in a multicultural and international environment.

Education and Qualifications:

PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, engineering or related fields.

Evidence of continuing professional development, e.g. in leadership or management, will be an asset.

Language Skills:

The position requires an excellent command of the English language, both oral and written.

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.

Application instructions

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