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 signedThis 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 healthOxyleaf™ – Synthetic plant systems for urban energy and environmental regenerationTerra™ – Underground environmental sensor networks for agriculture and climateWhiteboard™ – Smart desks and adaptive learning toolsPolaris™ by IFE – AI-driven platform for economic and geopolitical intelligenceThe 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 objectivesLead the full preparation of project proposals, from concept note to final submissionWrite and coordinate scientific, technical, impact, and implementation sectionsOrganise consortium building with universities, research centres, industries, institutions, and municipalitiesDevelop budgets, Gantt charts, work packages, deliverables, KPIs, and impact strategiesEnsure compliance with EU guidelines, ethics requirements, and programme criteriaCoordinate internal teams across the Memoria™, Terra™, Oxyleaf™, Whiteboard™, and Polaris™ projectsBuild relationships with EU agencies, National Contact Points (NCPs) and innovation clustersSupport long-term alignment between EU strategy and Institute Itech’s R&D roadmapRequirements:Minimum 5+ years of experience in EU project design, management, or coordinationDemonstrated success in securing funding under Horizon Europe or equivalent frameworksExcellent scientific and technical writing skillsStrong knowledge of EU budgeting, eligibility rules, and proposal structureAbility to manage multi-partner and international consortiaFluency in English (Italian is a strong plus)High level of autonomy, precision, and analytical thinkingPreferred Qualifications:Background in science, engineering, public policy, or innovation managementExperience with large-scale R&D or multi-country strategic projectsFamiliarity with evaluation criteria (Excellence – Impact – Implementation)Network with universities, EU clusters, innovation agencies, or NCPsPrevious experience in research-driven startups or tech-based organisationsBenefits Provided:Reimbursement of travel and EU meeting expensesAccess to professional EU funding platforms and internal resourcesStrategic leadership role in shaping Institute Itech’s European presencePotential evolution into Director-level or C-level research leadershipDirect involvement in high-impact innovation projectsHow to Apply:Please send:Your CVA short letter (max 1 page), in English or Italian, explaining:Your experience in EU programmesKey projects or funding successesHow you plan to structure Institute Itech’s EU funding strategyE-mail: in.oiap2025@institute.iite.euSubject: WE2025 Job – Head of European Programmes – [Name Surname]Time CommitmentThis 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.