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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 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.
Working as a key and senior member of the Human Resources Department within the HR Business Partner group, in the Directorate of Administration, at its Vitacura office in Santiago, Chile, ESO is advertising a local staff position of:
This vacancy, which has arisen due to a retirement, comes at an exciting time of change and challenge for ESO and the HR Department. ESO is launching a new "People Strategy” which will shape the policies and delivery for HR services in the next 5 years, including at our Observatories, where a project to introduce more remote working in future years is advancing (the ''Integrated Operations Programme” (IOP)). At the same time, ESO is in the process of introducing a new ERP platform which will significantly improve and streamline HR administration and analytics. Furthermore, there are a high number of recruitment campaigns planned in the coming years for scientific, engineering and technical staff, as ESO works towards the start of ELT operations
This role is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated HR generalist with significant hands-on experience, to work in a dynamic multi-cultural Intergovernmental Organization, which operates in a distinctive way from the private sector. ESO offers a purposeful and meaningful work environment, surrounded by colleagues who are passionate about what they do, and with a chance to make a real difference on HR services, policy and projects.
Supporting operations in two countries, the ESO HR Department operates as one united international team working between Germany and Chile.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Working closely alongside colleagues in the HR Business Partner group, the selected candidate will be responsible for providing the full range of advisory and business partner services to managers and staff in allocated areas of the organisation. This includes recruitment, sickness and absence management, workforce planning, career counselling and coaching, employee relations, supporting policy development / and organisational design topics.
HR Advisors are expected to be flexible and available to support a range of HR projects and initiatives as may be required in the team.
Reports to:
Head of Human Resources
Essential competences and experience:
- Extensive HR generalist experience, including experience of supporting organizational change
- Positive self-starter - ability to work independently, proactive, organized, and goal oriented
- Confident presenter and communicator
- Client and service oriented - excellent at building productive working relationships at all levels
- Effective and collaborative team worker
- Creative problem solver
- Flexible approach
- Resilient
- Highly proficient with Microsoft Office package, and knowledge of relevant AI tools
Desirable competences and experience:
- Project management
- Change management
- Networking skills
- Familiarity with HR in international organizations
Qualifications:
Bachelor degree in Human Resources, or a degree where Human Resources has been part of the curriculum (please elaborate in your application). A non-relevant degree with significant relevant professional experience will also be considered. Evidence of continuing professional development in HR or management will be a strong asset.
Language skills:
English is the official business language at ESO, and the position requires an excellent working level knowledge of English both oral and written which will be tested at interview (please do not apply if you are not proficient in working in English, as this is an essential requirement). A good knowledge of Spanish is also expected.
Remuneration and Contract:
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family where applicable. ESO aims to support members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance via its flexible working and mobile working policies.
For further information, please visit https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/localstaff/
The initial contract is for a period of two years with the possibility of an indefinite extension, subject to performance evaluation and operational needs.
Career Path:
This post is in career path V
Duty station:
The duty station is Santiago, Chile. Applicants should be resident in Chile, living in or around the Santiago area. You must be willing and able to make regular visits as required to our Observatory sites in remote areas. There will also be occasional duty trips to ESO HQ near Munich, Germany.
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.
If you would like to have an informal discussion about this role please contact ESO Deputy Head of HR, Mr Francisco Saummann (francisco.saummann@eso.org).
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.
Please note that you may be required to participate in testing as part of this interview process, and appointments are subject to our standard assessment of medical fitness for work.
Deadline for applications is 6 March 2026.
Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.
Nationality
No nationality is excluded, however non-Chilean applicants must have a pertinent working permit, according to Chilean regulations, covering the full duration of the post valid at the time of the application. The post is equally open to suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.
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 information.