Strategic project position in the field of higher education

This is NTNU

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is Norway's largest university, educating more than 40,000 students across campuses in Trondheim, Gjøvik, and Ålesund. With approximately 9,000 employees, the university spans disciplines from engineering and natural sciences to humanities, medicine, and the arts, while maintaining its primary profile in science and technology complemented by strong professional education. 

NTNU’s mission is to create knowledge for a better world, through five core tasks: education, research, artistic development, innovation, and dissemination. 

Video: https://youtu.be/Xt-yHCN5QS0

About the job

NTNU is strengthening its strategic presence in Brussels by recruiting a motivated and analytically minded Advisor or Senior Advisor for a two-year project position. The role focuses on EU higher education policy and funding instruments. The position is currently temporary and will be evaluated by NTNU before deciding whether it should be made permanent. 

The Advisor will support NTNU’s engagement in EU higher education initiatives and in enhancing the university’s visibility and participation in EU-funded education programmes, projects, partnerships, and alliances. The NTNU Brussels Office serves as a facilitator and support unit for NTNU’s leadership and academic communities. The position reports to the Director of the NTNU Brussels Office and operates under the strategic direction of the Pro-Rector for Education. 

The position requires daily presence and active participation in the Brussels Office. The advisor will collaborate closely with NTNU’s faculties, departments, and relevant administrative units to identify EU funding opportunities, build partnerships, and support project development. The role also includes monitoring education-related policy developments, building networks, and supporting NTNU delegations visiting Brussels.

Duties of the position

European Policy Analysis & Strategic Advisory

• Monitor and analyse European higher education policy developments, including initiatives such as the European Education Area, Erasmus+, European Universities Initiative, EIT, STEM strategies and skills-related frameworks.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to the NTNU leadership on emerging EU education priorities and opportunities.
• Monitor and communicate EU funding calls and regulatory changes relevant to Norwegian higher education institutions.

Institutional Representation & Network Building

• Strengthen NTNU's visibility and engagement in Brussels-based education processes and networks (e.g. UnILiON Higher Education WG).
• On behalf of NTNU, attend relevant European education events, conferences, and policy forums.
• Build and maintain relationships with EU institutions (e.g. DG EAC, DG RTD), Norwegian authorities, university alliances, 
  and other key stakeholders.
• Promote NTNU's education capabilities at European forums and facilitate inclusion of NTNU leadership as speakers.
• Contribute, when relevant, to initiatives that strengthen international recruitment to NTNU.

Partnership Development & Project Support

• Identify and initiate collaboration opportunities and facilitate partnerships with European universities and organizations.
• Support NTNU's involvement in coordination activities related to European University Alliances, particularly ENHANCE.
• Assist NTNUs academic and administrative communities in identifying EU funding calls and developing competitive applications in collaboration with NTNUs Office of International Relations.
   

Logistical support

Organize and coordinate study visits, host meetings and networking activities, and provide event planning support.

Given the dynamic nature of activities in Brussels, additional tasks may be assigned depending on needs and type of actions required.
 

Required selection criteria

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field. Significant relevant experience may substitute for formal education.
• Strong knowledge of European higher education policies and programmes.
• Experience in strategic work, policy development, or international collaboration.
• Fluency in English, with strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience with EU institutions or Brussels-based networks.
• Experience navigating complex policy environments and engaging with high-level stakeholders.
• Familiarity with Erasmus+, European University Alliances, and vocational education and training (VET) strategies.
• Good knowledge of Norwegian higher education and understanding of its organizational structures. 
• Familiarity with a Scandinavian language 

Personal characteristics 

• Strategic and analytical mindset, with the ability to synthesize complex policy information into actionable insights.
• Proactive and solution-oriented, with strong execution capabilities
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to working across teams and cultures

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, as well as motivation, in relation to the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement.

We offer

• A unique opportunity to contribute to NTNU’s strategic initiatives and partnerships at the European level  
• An open, inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues in a dynamic, international setting
• A competitive compensation package, including the possibility of favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Employee benefits

Salary and conditions

We offer a competitive salary for the position of Advisor (code 1434) or Senior Advisor (code 1364). Terms and conditions, including 
salary, will be determined upon appointment. 

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria's in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at the office and available to the institution on a daily basis in Brussels.

Regular travel between Brussels and NTNU’s campuses must be expected.

About the application

Please note that your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above. 

The application must contain:

• A job application letter 
• CV, certificates and diplomas

General information

NTNU believes that inclusion and diversity is a strength. We want our faculty and staff to reflect Norway’s culturally diverse population and we continuously seek to hire the best minds. This enables NTNU to increase productivity and innovation, improve decision making processes, raise employee satisfaction, compete academically with global top-ranking institutions and carry out our social responsibilities within education and research. NTNU emphasizes accessibility and encourages qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender identity, ability status, periods of unemployment or ethnic and cultural background. 

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted. 

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you want to reserve yourself from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the reservation is not accepted.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Massimo Busuoli - Director of NTNU Brussels office, email massimo.busuoli@ntnu.no If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Gunhild Marie Standal, Senior Advisor, HR and HSE Division, e-mail: gunhild.standal@ntnu.no 

If you think this looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.   

Application deadline: 09.02.2026