Junior Project Cost Analyst

At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.

More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.

Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.

Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.

Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!

The SKAO is an intergovernmental organisation with a global footprint, building and operating advanced radio telescopes across the UK, South Africa, and Australia. The Observatory's mission combines major scientific ambition, international collaboration, advanced engineering, software, data, and long-term operations.

The Cost Analyst role sits within the Project controls function, within the project management group. This area oversees the cost management and analysis across the programme directorate as part of the wider Project management group and the role itself is the lead focal point on risk and contractual management within this context.

Working closely with stakeholders internal to and external to the project management group to provide EVM and cost analysis the cost analyst role in line with the role description below.

The Role

The SKA Project Controls Team forms part of the Project Management Group within SKAO and is responsible for obtaining and analysing data and providing accurate and timely project reports to support decision-making. The team maintains the Project Management Controls System which includes schedule, budget, cost, earned value, risk, issue and change controls.

The Junior Cost Analyst thus works closely with the Cost analyst, project managers, other members of the project controls team and other managers and stakeholders across the programme to carry out the required cost analyst activities as defined below.

This is a 3-year fixed term position and is based at the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues

whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.

There may be occasions where this role requires work across different time zones, and in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

Working under the guidance of the Cost Analyst, the Junior Cost Analyst will:

• Support the delivery of project cost control activities across the programme.
• Assist with project budgeting, forecasting and cost reporting.
• Support the preparation of monthly financial and project performance reports.
• Assist with contractor invoice validation and financial reconciliations.
• Support budget monitoring and commitment tracking.
• Assist with earned value management and project performance analysis.
• Contribute to change control and other project control processes as required.
• Work closely with Project Managers, Finance and other stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely financial information.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of project control processes and reporting.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role as required.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Degree qualified (or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Project Management, Finance, Business or a related discipline.
• Practical experience of contributing to the successful delivery of programmes / projects
• Awareness of project cost control or project controls.
• Good analytical and numerical skills.
• Good Microsoft Excel skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Ability to manage priorities and deliver work to agreed deadlines.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Qualification in Project management
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Experience using Microsoft Power BI or similar reporting tools.
• Experience working with financial or ERP systems.
• Knowledge of procurement or contract administration processes.
• Experience working with engineering, infrastructure or construction projects.
• Interest in data analysis, reporting and process improvement.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.

Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.

Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.

SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.

The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.