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Working at ESO
Are you interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment? Do you feel your profile matches our requirements? Learn more about our current vacancies and apply online. Read more..
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, 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, 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.
ESO is embarking on a number of Organisational wide transformation projects, including moving to cloud based infrastructures, centralising management of all IT systems, enhancing security, streamlining operations to deliver greater efficiency and innovation across the organisation. This role is being created to help shape the digital infrastructure of ESO and guide the IT team in the next critical phases of change management.
As a key part of the Directorate of Engineering (DoE) - management team and reporting to the Director of Engineering, ESO is opening a new International Staff Member position of:
The IT Strategy and Cyber Security Executive Officer will be responsible for providing guidance and strategic insight to all IT projects, including cyber security projects and the evolution of IT systems and services in line with the IT strategy and Organisational goals.
As Executive Officer, you will be working in close cooperation with the IT department management and wider Engineering management team.
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- Shaping the design, development, implementation, and operation of IT systems, platforms, cybersecurity measures, and infrastructure at all ESO geographical sites.
- Guiding the execution of the organization's IT and cybersecurity strategic roadmap ensuring alignment with overall organisational objectives.
- Guiding the implementation of the cyber strategy plan, advising the IT security and software teams in developing the necessary technical solutions, ensuring alignment with ESO cyber policies.
- Guiding the IT security team to ensure proactive threat intelligence and incident response capabilities.
- Contributing your expertise to the management of IT organizational changes, and helping to manage the communication with stakeholders.
- Coordinating with other organizational units to help drive adoption of relevant strategic initiatives.
- Supporting the IT Department in budget planning and ensuring financial performance for IT operations.
- Coaching and mentoring the cross-functional teams of IT and cybersecurity specialists.
- Guiding the definition of long-term plans to modernize IT infrastructure on all ESO sites, integrating emerging technologies, and improving system resilience.
- Supporting digital transformation initiatives and helping to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
- Advising the Director on optimization of services and technology investments, balancing the long-term vision with short term operational needs.
The successful candidate will likely have the following experience and skills:
- Several proven years of experience in IT leadership roles, with at least 5 years in cybersecurity or associated strategic planning.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing enterprise IT and cyber technical solutions, and strategies.
- Experience in managing digital transformation and governance programmes in complex technical environments.
- Deep knowledge of IT infrastructure, security frameworks, cloud technologies, and enterprise architecture.
- Strong analytical, interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
- Ability to manage change and influence at all levels of the organization.
Qualifications:
A university degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cyber security or equivalent qualification. Relevant certifications (ITIL, CISSP, CISM, ISO27001) are strongly preferred.
Language Skills:
An excellent command of the English language - oral, reading and writing - is essential. A working knowledge of German and/or Spanish would be an advantage.
Remuneration and Contract:
ESO offers an attractive remuneration package, including:
- Competitive salary (free of tax for Member state, host state and strategic partner nationals)
- Comprehensive pension scheme and medical insurance
- Relocation support as applicable
- Flexible working conditions and support for work-life balance
- Family-friendly policies
Our salary structure:
ESO's salary structure is based upon a range of career paths which reflect the nature and level of our roles. Each career path is made up of two or three grades which are used to further reflect experience and performance.
The role of Executive Officer is in Career Path VI.
Please follow this 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 an initial fixed term duration of three years, and is subject to successful completion of the probation period. Extension may be possible subject to individual performance and organisational requirements.
For any further information, please visit ESO's conditions of employment (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/). 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:
Garching near Munich, Germany with occasional duty trips to Chile.
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 23rd October 2025.
We have scheduled the initial interviews for mid-November 2025.
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.