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.

Key skills and competences:

• Excellent leadership skills as required for a remote site operation, with directly reporting staff and contracted staff.
• Excellent ability to communicate effectively at all levels, internal and external to the Observatory.
• Organised, efficient and systematic task management with due delivery of results to the required standards
• Ability to implement clear management principles, setting performance standards for staff with regular and constructive feedback to the team, ensuring accountability and ownership for results.
• Takes a constructive and solution-oriented approach in addressing disagreements and conflict management.
• Resource management planning, including of human resource requirements
• Knowledge of budget and cost management, with experience in managing large service contracts
• Knowledge of relevant computer application systems / administrative information systems
• Proven experience in leading organisational change, particularly in technical or scientific operational environments and actively supports and promotes change as an opportunity for development, both personally and for the Organisation.
• Creative strategy development, and proven ability to translate strategic goals into departmental actions, engaging staff and aligning operations with the Observatory's evolving strategy.
• Cultural understanding to promote diversity as a value in a multi-cultural international workplace.
• Creativeness to build and implement synergies inside and outside the Observatory ensuring that resources are used optimally, cost effectively and transparently.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental sustainability and inclusive leadership, contributing to the Observatory's long-term sustainability goals.
• Resilience, flexibility and the ability to contribute as a key team-player in the Observatory management team.

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.

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 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:

Chile. The focus of the work activities will be at the Paranal Observatory. The role also requires working time at ESO's facilities in Santiago.

Career Path: V

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 30 June 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.