Project Coordinator

As one of the organisational change management projects hosted within ESO's Integrated Operations Programme (IOP), the mission of the project manager is to ensure the successful planning, execution, and completion of IOP projects for ESO's next generation Observatory operations model. The Project Coordinator contributes to the coordination and planning of activities within an assigned projects. His primary role is to support the Project managers in working towards achieving the project's goals and objectives within the defined time frame, budget,resources and quality standards. While the Project Coordinator does not have direct responsibility for ensuring that all goals and budget constraints are met, they play an essential role in facilitating progress and assisting with the management of resources, schedules, and tasks to help keep the project on track. The Project Coordinator also contributes to aligning the IOP (Integrated Operational Planning) project with ESO's overall strategic goals. While not directly responsible for decision-making, they assist in ensuring the project supports the broader organizational vision. Additionally, the coordinator helps ensure that the implemented system meets the program's requirements by supporting the team in managing deliverables and tracking milestones.

In close collaboration with the assigned project managers, the selected candidate will work seamlessly with the entire IOP team and the broader organization. This role presents exciting challenges, offering the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and gain valuable experience in a multicultural, global environment

Responsibilities:

• Project Scheduling: Supporting PM developing and maintaining project schedules; Collaborate with Programme control on the effective Project follow up.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements in project scheduling.
• Project Coordination: Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to develop the projects, from the initial concept to a consolidated project plan with the associated documentation.
• Resource Management and Optimization: Identify resource gaps or conflicts and propose solutions to maintain adherence to project schedules.
• Meeting Support: Record and prepare meeting minutes, when necessary, align with participants, and distribute final documentation.
• Reporting: Prepare reports within a defined scope of responsibilities.
• Presentation Preparation: Create presentation materials in using MS Office suite.
• Technical Documentation Support: Participate in the preparation of technical specifications or statements of work, and preparation of project management plan alignment as requested by the employer and within the defined scope of responsibilities.

Reports to:

Assigned Project Managers

Key Competences and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in construction / design, IT engineering or project management or equivalent field;
• Ability to read and understand technical documents and technical standards;
• Effective time management and organizational skills,
• Excellent teamwork;
• Effective communication skills both verbal and in writing;
• Precision, high level of responsibility;
• Ability to process large - volume information;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite;
• Experience with scheduling software is an advantage;
• Knowledge of special software (e.g. CMMS, GIS, and BIM related software) will be considered an advantage;
• Good command of spoken and written English;
• High ethical standards, honesty, and impeccable reputation;
• Seek continuous improvement;
• First experience with construction /design /IT project management would be an additional asset.

Language skills:

A very good command of the English language - oral, reading and writing is essential.

Remuneration and Contract:

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary (tax free for ESO member states), comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family.

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 one extension, 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:

The duty station will be on the ESO premises in Vitacura, Santiago de Chile. The post requires regular visits at the Paranal Observatory, located 120 km south of the city of Antofagasta, Chile. The work schedule in the Vitacura office describes a 40 work hours week in the regular 5/2 mode. Work missions to the Observatory site can extend up to 8 days, followed by 6 days of rest, spending up to 30% of time on- site.

Career Path: III-IV

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 March 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.