Head Of European Programmes

Head of European Programmes - Research & Innovation Funding (HEP-RIF)

• Part‑time, unpaid during the early phase
• Hybrid work model (remote and / or on‑site in Milan, Doha – Qatar, or Boston)
• Travel and meeting expenses will be reimbursed upon approval
• An NDA must be signed

This position may evolve into a full‑time EU Research Director or Head of European Funding & Policy, depending on performance and programme success.

About Institute Itech :

Institute Itech is an early‑stage multinational company committed to building a new model of society grounded in education, advanced technology, and social development.

We are launching several innovation projects, including :

• Memoria™ – AI‑powered MedTech platform for cognitive health
• Oxyleaf™ – Synthetic plant systems for urban energy and environmental regeneration
• Terra™ – Underground environmental sensor networks for agriculture and climate
• Whiteboard™ – Smart desks and adaptive learning tools
• Polaris™ by IFE – AI‑driven platform for economic and geopolitical intelligence

The company is legally incorporated (USA, Italy) and is building a Research & EU Programmes Department to secure large‑scale funding for innovation.

About the Role :

We are seeking a Head of European Programmes to lead Institute Itech’s strategy for EU funding acquisition, research programme development, and multi‑partner project coordination.

The role is central to identifying, designing, and submitting proposals to major European funding frameworks such as Horizon Europe, LIFE, Innovation Fund, Digital Europe, Erasmus+, CEF, EIC, and national / regional R&D instruments.

The selected candidate will define the long‑term architecture of EU‑funded innovation for Institute Itech.

Responsibilities :

• Identify, assess, and prioritise European funding opportunities aligned with Institute Itech’s strategic objectives
• Lead the full preparation of project proposals, from concept note to final submission
• Write and coordinate scientific, technical, impact, and implementation sections
• Organise consortium building with universities, research centres, industries, institutions, and municipalities
• Develop budgets, Gantt charts, work packages, deliverables, KPIs, and impact strategies
• Ensure compliance with EU guidelines, ethics requirements, and programme criteria
• Coordinate internal teams across the Memoria™, Terra™, Oxyleaf™, Whiteboard™, and Polaris™ projects
• Build relationships with EU agencies, National Contact Points (NCPs) and innovation clusters
• Support long‑term alignment between EU strategy and Institute Itech’s R&D roadmap

Requirements :

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in EU project design, management, or coordination
• Demonstrated success in securing funding under Horizon Europe or equivalent frameworks
• Excellent scientific and technical writing skills
• Strong knowledge of EU budgeting, eligibility rules, and proposal structure
• Ability to manage multi‑partner and international consortia
• Fluency in English (Italian is a strong plus)
• High level of autonomy, precision, and analytical thinking

Preferred Qualifications :

• Background in science, engineering, public policy, or innovation management
• Experience with large‑scale R&D or multi‑country strategic projects
• Familiarity with evaluation criteria (Excellence – Impact – Implementation)
• Network with universities, EU clusters, innovation agencies, or NCPs
• Previous experience in research‑driven startups or tech‑based organisations

Benefits Provided :

• Reimbursement of travel and EU meeting expenses
• Access to professional EU funding platforms and internal resources
• Strategic leadership role in shaping Institute Itech’s European presence
• Potential evolution into Director‑level or C‑level research leadership
• Direct involvement in high‑impact innovation projects

How to Apply : Please send :

• Your CV
• A short letter (max 1 page), in English or Italian, explaining :
• Your experience in EU programmes
• Key projects or funding successes
• How you plan to structure Institute Itech’s EU funding strategy

E‑mail : in.oiap2025@institute.iite.eu

Subject : WE2025 Job – Head of European Programmes – [Name Surname]

Time Commitment

This is a non‑paid position during the startup phase, with a minimum commitment of 4–6 hours per week.

We are seeking a highly skilled EU funding strategist who can transform innovative concepts into competitive and fundable European projects.