Project Manager (temporary/interim)

Job description

Deadline for applications: 13 March 2026. The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) is looking for a Project Manager to temporarily support its Business Strategy and Project Management division. The division, within the Chief Operating Officer department, leads strategy implementation and business change through analysis, disciplined project execution, and quality management to help achieve ESM’s corporate goals. You will support the team in  project planning, delivery, and monitoring, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and client expectations. Moreover, you will be responsible for managing changes that impact people, processes, and tool adoption within the organisation. The selected candidate will report to the Head of the Business Strategy and Project Management.

Key Accountabilities

• Oversee project lifecycles from initiation and planning through execution, monitoring, and controlling, to closure, using appropriate delivery methodologies (traditional and/or Lean-Agile). 

• Engage with and manage project stakeholders, addressing their needs and expectations.

• Define business cases and project charters including scope, benefits, budget, resources, timeline, and quality plans.

• Identify and manage project risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation strategies, collaborating with teams and stakeholders to ensure timely resolution and prevent delays.

• Manage project deviations (e.g. time, scope, budget) effectively, including change requests and adaptations in project scope by adopting the most appropriate delivery methodologies (traditional and/or Lean-Agile).

• Provide regular project status reports and updates to the Project Management Office to ensure alignment with organisational goals and standards.

• Proactively identify changes that impact people, processes, and tool adoption within the organisation and liaise with the change management team to develop and implement plans for successful adoption.

• Foster team collaboration and productivity and resolve conflicts effectively.

• Coordinate with external consultants and providers required for the execution of projects.

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, enhancing project management in traditional and Lean-Agile settings, and contributing to the evolution of Project Management Office best practices.

Key Background & Experience

• Advanced university degree and at least three years of project management experience within financial services or in consulting firms, with knowledge of traditional and/or Lean-Agile methodologies.

• Proven experience in delivering projects through the full life cycle.

• Proven experience in managing engagements with third parties during project execution.

• Proficient skills in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Copilot.

• Excellent command of English, both written and oral.

• Understanding of the procurement process in public sector and experience in running tenders for product and/or services is an asset.

• Experience with ScrumMaster or Product Owner is a plus.

• Project management certifications (e.g. PMI, PM2, Prince2, SCRUM, SAFe) and/or change management certifications (e.g. PROSCI, CLCA) are an asset.

Key Competencies

• Proactive and service-oriented

• Excellent communications and presentation skills at all levels

• Analytical and reporting skills

• Strong organisational and time management skills

• Champion for change, challenges status quo and continually looks out for team and self-improvement opportunities

• Ability to fulfil tasks beyond the core expertise e.g. business analysis.

Application Process And Practical Information 

• Deadline for applications: 13 March 2026

• Expected start date: as soon as possible

• Contractual terms: Non-ESM staff (assignment contract through a temporary agency).

• Contract duration: six months, with possibility of extension up to one year

• Note: Modalities of this non-ESM staff contract will be discussed directly with the candidate

• Place of employment: Luxembourg 

• Current working arrangements: possibility to work remotely, usually up to two days a week, from Luxembourg and the border region (under certain conditions)

The ESM provides equal opportunity to all candidates irrespective of gender, nationality, age, race, culture, education, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or disability. To further enhance our workforce's diversity, we encourage women to apply.

About us

The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) is the permanent crisis resolution mechanism for euro area countries. It provides financial assistance to Members facing financing difficulties. To date, the ESM and its predecessor organisation, the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), have launched six financial assistance programmes to five countries, provided financial support, monitored repayment capacity, and engaged with partner institutions for programme design in areas of financial interest.

The ESM is a unique place to work with around 230 individuals committed to making a difference to the future of the euro area. It recruits talented professionals of any nationality from both the private and public sectors. The ESM’s senior management is committed to preserving and enhancing a diverse, inclusive recruitment and work environment.