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 (VLT), 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, and on Cerro Armazones, the Organisation 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 Integrated Operations (IOP) Programme, the La Silla Paranal Observatory opens a project position of an International Staff Member as a
**Project Manager**:
Paranal
Deadline 12/06/2026
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 manager is responsible for aligning the IOP project with ESO's overall strategic goals and ensuring that the implemented system meets the requirements of the programme.




The IOP project manager is to lead the project through its lifecycle, ensuring that it delivers the expected business value, meets the requirements, and is completed within the defined scope, schedule, and budget constraints.
The role demands a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of both business processes and organisational dynamics.
**You will have the opportunity to**:
- Develop and lead projects for the successful implementation of the IOP organisational change to deliver business value and achieve the desired outcomes for the organisation.
- Lead a diverse project group and be responsible for handling the daily tasks of project management, including project management documentation, to ensure the smooth progress and successful completion of the project
- Collaborate with a diverse core team of IOP architects, engineers, scientists, and other operations experts to successfully lead the project and gain a deep understanding of the needs of the observatory
- To learn about astronomy and the unique technologies used in the observatory's telescopes and instruments
- Engage with cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions in the field of observing techniques, and contribute to the advancement of telescope systems and maintenance processes
- Enjoy a supportive work environment that values both professional development and personal well-being
- Work in an international environment,



on the ESO campus in Santiago with the option of mobile working within our correspondent framework, and frequently spending time in the unique environment of the world's most advanced Observatory for astronomy at visible and infrared wavelengths on Paranal in the Chilean Atacama desert.
**Reports to**:
Head of Project Coordination
**Key Competences and Experience**:
- At least 5 years of experience in project development and project management within a scientific or industrial environment
- Strong organizational skills enabling a systematic work approach and effective time management
- Proven ability in project planning and controlled roll-out to achieve milestones on time, ensuring smooth progress and successful completion
- Critical and analytical thinking skills, with the ability to conduct scenario analyses and support fact-driven decision-making
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly to all stakeholders
- Experience in comprehensive reporting and result presentation of results
- Strong awareness of risk management, with a strategic and structured approach
- Ability to resolve conflicts and to manage change
- Capacity to acquire the necessary technical knowledge to fully understand the project scope
- Stress management skills, complemented by adaptability and self-control
- Proactive mindset, with the ability to identify and address challenges, take ownership of issues, and drive projects forward with mínimal supervision
- High level of integrity and ethical conduct, aligned with ESO values
**Additional Competences and Experience (Considered an Advantage)**
- Background as a process engineer
- Experience in complex scientific environments
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📌 Project Manager (Nayarit)
🏢 European Southern Observatory
📍 Nayarit