Integrated Operations Programme Controller

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, 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 Director's Office of the La Silla Paranal Observatory, ESO is opening an international position position of

Integrated Operations Programme Controller

Santiago

Deadline 18/01/2026

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 (IOP) 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 projects 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 and projects schedules as well as programme and projects risks. In details, 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
• Throughout the programme lifetime provide analysis-based performance reports, e.g. on budget, schedule and risks, and advice the programme management in strategic decisions
• The role involves intensive analytical work and continuous use of MS Excel, MS Project and Oracle -based tools for forecasting, reporting, and decision support for program management; a natural affinity for data-driven work is essential
• Communicate with other organizational entities to ensure the required alignment with organization-wide processes.

Reports to:

Head of Programme Planning and Control

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 (Excel, MS Project, Oracle etc.)

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:

A master's degree certifying the development of relevant analytic skills is considered mandatory.

Language skills:

Excellent command of the English language is mandatory.

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.

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

ESO aims to support members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance ) between their professional and private life. ESO is also committed to offering 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
Application:

If you are interested in working in areas of frontline science and technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit for further details.

Applicants are invited to apply online at 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 18 January 2026.

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 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.

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ESO

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