Project Officer

Position description

The Research Project Officer plays a key role in supporting the growth and execution of research projects. The role combines project management responsibilities with project development activities, ensuring that proposals are competitive, projects are well-managed, and initiatives align with CEPS’ strategic priorities. The Officer works closely with researchers and internal services to coordinate proposals, manage budgets and timelines, and liaise with stakeholders for successful project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Support the preparation of tender and project proposals through administrative tasks, templates, partner identification, and coordination of inputs, and proofread for clarity and compliance with funder guidelines.
• Cooperate with the PDI team in assessing the relevance of funding opportunities (national, European and international; public and private) and prepare concise internal briefings.
• Assist researchers in developing project ideas into strong proposals, drafting and reviewing non-scientific sections for clarity and compliance.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary teams during proposal preparation, liaising with finance, legal, and administration to secure necessary inputs and approvals.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staff allocations in close collaboration with the Director of Finance & Administration and relevant teams.
• Maintain accurate project data in Salesforce and SharePoint, ensuring information on work packages, deadlines, and researcher allocation is up to date.
• Track applications and maintain a live proposal pipeline; report on success rates and recommend improvements.
• Oversee project reporting with researchers and Finance & Administration, ensuring timely, accurate submissions.
• Organise and support project-related events, workshops, communications and dissemination activities.
• Build and maintain relationships with funders, industry, and academic partners; represent the unit at networking events and conferences.
• Contribute content for CEPS’ website and social media on project and funding activities.
• Suggest and implement process improvements to strengthen proposal preparation, project coordination and administrative efficiency.

Qualifications

Mandatory Requirements

• University degree in European studies, law, economics, political sciences, international relations, business, public administration, or other relevant subject; a postgraduate degree in EU affairs or EU funding is an asset.
• At least three years’ project management experience, including managing multiple projects and working with EU funding programmes such as Horizon Europe.
• Knowledge and experience of grants and tendering procedures.
• Interest in AI policy, Technology, Sovereign Tech, Competitiveness, Digital policy, Innovation and related topics, with an understanding of EU institutions and policymaking.
• Excellent written English; other EU languages are an asset.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and coordinate project teams and donor relations.
• Strong interpersonal, networking and negotiation skills, including diplomatic conflict resolution.
• Attention to detail, accuracy and confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, including SharePoint and Teams, and advanced Excel skills.

Desirable

• Experience in managing at least one EU-funded project of significant financial value and complexity.
• Experience with foundations and other international donors.
• Previous experience with Salesforce software.

We are looking for someone who

• Works independently, pro-actively and collaborates well with junior and senior colleagues.
• Enjoys building and maintaining a strong network of partners.
• Manages multiple tasks effectively and meets deadlines.
• Values teamwork and welcomes giving and receiving feedback.
• Treats colleagues with kindness, empathy and respect for diversity.
• Is keen to contribute to the success of the research units and CEPS as a whole.

Application instructions

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