EU Strategic Advisor & Proposal Developer

About the positions

The International Unit at NORCE Research invites for applications for two permanent full-time positions as EU strategic advisor & proposal developer.  

The workplace is preferably based in Norway. However, remote office from EU countries may be possible and can be assessed on a case by case basis.

The positions include some travelling, mainly to European locations and throughout Norway, when needed.

About the International Unit

The International Unit is a small unit, aiming to grow in the coming years. It contributes to NORCE's short- and long-term international strategy and action plan and towards its implementation, including work related to information digest, European policy, business development/opportunities, positioning activities, networking, alliances, capacity building, internal communication and work methodology related to European matters. The Unit works tightly together with NORCE researchers towards securing EU funding, focusing on European proposal development and coordination, and providing key guidance/advice. The International Unit is placed under the Division for Strategy and Public Affairs.

Description of the position

The position of EU strategic advisor & proposal developer will be anchored in the International Unit and will work transversally throughout NORCE. This position will work tightly and coordinate with other members of the Unit. The position will focus on building / developing large European proposals together with NORCE researchers, as well as on proactive networking towards establishing collaborations and engaging NORCE in European consortia / proposals. In addition, the position includes providing guidance and strategic advice to research divisions, to the NORCE management, and to other groups/departments.

This position will also include internal tasks related to the development of the International Unit, and it will report to the Head of International Affairs, Lola Rodríguez.

Responsibilities and work tasks

• To build, develop and write large European proposals / initiatives together with NORCE researchers.

• To carry out networking activities and build / maintain strategic alliances, to increase NORCE’s visibility, position NORCE and increase collaboration opportunities at EU level.

• To generate/bring opportunities for NORCE researchers in large European proposals / initiatives.

• To provide guidance and advice in all steps of the pre-grant / proposal building process (from idea to final submission), as well as to deliver full review of proposals before submission, mainly in relation to the EU R&I Framework Programme

The main focus will be the EU’s Research & Innovation Framework Programme (Horizon Europe). However, it is possible that some work may also gather other key European programmes that may be of interest, and may extend to the international domain when relevant/necessary.

The position will require networking and proactive participation in key events/meetings/conferences, active engagement and positioning in key European networks, partnerships and associations, working with existing alliances as well as building new ones.

Experience in similar previous positions in one and/or several key sectors such as digital/AI, energy bioeconomy and biotechnology, preparedness/security, among others, is required. You will also have the opportunity to bring new input and ideas based on your knowledge and previous experience.

For one of the two positions, experience/expertise with the European Defence Fund (EDF) as well as other defense-related funding schemes will also be valued.

In addition to the above, this position will also include carrying out internal information sessions and internal capacity building activities at NORCE.

The person taking on this position will also work, together with the rest of the team, on the internal organization and development of the International Unit, including internal communication activities, internal methodology and processes, Etc. The person taking this position needs to be flexible considering some tasks and responsibilities may vary and/or may need to be adapted based on NORCE needs.

Required qualifications

The competence and experience required for this position are the following:

• Documented experience in a similar position.

• Documented experience in building, developing, writing European proposals (H2020, Horizon Europe, etc.).

• Documented knowledge about / previous engagement in European partnerships, associations and networks.

• Experience in networking and positioning activities at European level.

• Good knowledge of European affairs; and understanding and engagement with European institutions.

It is important to have a strong network at European level.

Personal qualities and skills

Successful candidates need to:

• Be result- and solution-oriented.

• Be pro-active.

• Be motivated to work in a team and to contribute to building a "team community".

• Be open-minded and flexible to change and unexpected situations.

• Have good skills in collaboration, networking and relationship building.

• Be a team worker with qualities for building relationships and network.

• Have very good communication skills in English and comfortable with addressing a diversity of audiences.

• Have strong organization, prioritization and time management capacity, ability to multitask.

We offer

• Exciting tasks in a young and growing organization, as well as in a young and growing Unit.

• Opportunity to create new and exciting initiatives.

• Work with colleagues in both an international and a Norwegian environment.

• Work in a multidisciplinary Research and Innovation organization.

• Interdisciplinary work environment together with experts who complement your own area of expertise.

• Contribute to NORCE’s European / international strategy.

• Competitive conditions, flexible working hours arrangements and good pension and insurance schemes.

How to apply

Applications are to be sent electronically by clicking on "Apply for the position".

The applications must contain:

• A motivational letter describing relevant documented experience and motivation.

• CV.

• A list of funded European projects that you could provide as your “reference projects” under the Horizon Europe programme and H2020, including 1) the project acronym and full title, 2) the project CORDIS link and/or the link to the official project website, and 3) a very brief description of the specific role you took in the proposal preparation for each of these reference projects. If in addition you have experience in other key European programmes such as the European Defence Fund (EDF), please kindly provide similar information.

• Copy of relevant qualifications / diplomas.

Contact person: If you have questions about the position, please contact the Head of the International Unit, Lola Rodríguez (lola@norceresearch.no).

Note to all applicants: Please be informed that there can be some delays due to the summer holiday period.

At NORCE, we are committed to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for available positions regardless of gender, age, disability, or ethnic background.

Candidates are expected to openly offer relevant information about themselves during the recruitment process. Furthermore, one can expect background checks to be conducted on candidates in the final phase of the recruitment process. NORCE uses external actors to carry out such background checks or security interviews.