Job notes

CEPS is currently looking for a Programmes and Partnerships Manager to join our Partnership, Development and Intelligence Unit (PDI) for maternity cover. The Programmes and Partnerships Manager supports CEPS’s research strategy by supporting the development and delivery of complex funding proposals and tender applications. The role combines pro-active business development, operational excellence, and tailored advice with hands-on proposal coordination. This role ensures smooth workflows across the office, and provides expert guidance to researchers on funding opportunities and best practices.

We would ideally like the successful candidate to start in January 2027.

Main tasks

Working directly with the Head of the PDI Unit (Head of Development and Partnerships) and the wider team, the role contributes to CEPS’s funding and partnership strategy, combining strategic advice with hands-on coordination of competitive funding proposals and complex bids aligned with CEPS’ strategic priorities. In close cooperation with researchers and Project Officers, it provides guidance, identifies funding and partnership opportunities, and strengthens proposal quality and coordination across units.

Responsibilities

Identify funding opportunities both proactively and reactively: track EU and non-EU policy, institutional and funding developments, anticipate upcoming programmes and calls, and build relationships to stay informed about emerging priorities;

Connect funding and partnership opportunities with in-house expertise and programme priorities, and develop funding roadmaps with researchers and heads of programmes;

Qualify opportunities against agreed criteria through CEPS’s go/no-go process, and help identify and prioritise must-win bids;

Lead/coordinate the preparation and submission of large, complex or strategically important proposals and tenders. This includes advising researchers on structure, work packages, impact and budget, and reviewing drafts for quality and compliance with funding rules;

Ensure the accuracy, completeness and compliance of administrative components (CVs, declarations, project references, team organisation, quality assurance);

Follow up on submitted bids, including evaluation feedback, debriefs and lessons learned, and use the results to improve future bids through guidelines, tools, training and workshops;

Manage CEPS’s framework contracts: liaise with clients, partners and in-house experts, oversee contractual obligations and organise annual meetings;

Support researchers in identifying and building consortia and subcontracting partnerships with national and international collaborators, industry and stakeholders;

Represent CEPS in external networks, brokerage events, and funder information days;

Maintain CEPS’s online presence on funding and projects, in coordination with the Publications, Communications & Outreach team (PCO);

Oversee PDI workflows, manage the functional mailbox, and ensure project databases, SharePoint, and Salesforce are up to date;

Mentor and supervise junior colleagues, review their work, and foster a collegial and inclusive team environment.

Your background and qualifications

Mandatory Requirements

University degree in a relevant field (e.g. EU studies, economics, law, political science, international relations or public administration); a relevant postgraduate degree is an asset;

At least five years’ experience in EU funding, with a proven track record of successfully coordinating large multi-partner consortia under Horizon Europe, CERV, AMIF or other EU programmes, as well as multi-year framework contracts and large tenders. Experience with EU and non-EU foundations and other international donors is an asset;

Ability to analyse complex calls and terms of reference and advise accordingly, with strong command of proposal structuring and budgeting strategy. Strong knowledge of EU institutions, policymaking and funding programmes;

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;

Previous experience with Salesforce software, or a similar CRM system.

We are looking for someone who

Works independently, pro-actively and collaborates well with junior and senior colleagues;

Anticipates and mitigates risks, and handles issues and complex problems calmly. Is agile and comfortable managing high-stakes priorities and overlapping deadlines;

Enjoys building networks and connecting people, expertise and opportunities. 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.

Share this Job