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Programme Development Leader

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Programme Development Leader

Etterbeek, Belgique

Employé(e)

Travail partiel à distance

Eureka is the world’s largest public network consisting of 47 countries and the European Commission as members, empowering companies with funding for international cooperation in research, development, and innovation. Since 1985, the governments and public funding agencies within our network have supported the research and development of over 7,000 groundbreaking commercialized innovations, driving economic growth and enhancing industry competitiveness. Through the various Eureka programmes, we fund small, medium, and large companies, universities, and research organizations conducting international R&D projects for civilian purposes.

The Brussels-based Eureka Secretariat plays a pivotal role in supporting the network's strategic objectives, managing programme operations, developing and maintaining IT programme management platforms and databases, storing and analysing data, and promoting Eureka to a wide range of stakeholders and beneficiaries.

To support our mission of giving businesses a competitive edge through innovation, the Eureka Secretariat, based in Brussels (Etterbeek), is looking for a full time:

Programme Development Leader

We are seeking a Programme Development Leader to join our team. This is a senior policy and programme development post and one of the key strategic roles in the organisation, at the heart of our European R&D funding.

The Eureka Secretariat is the coordinator of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs, a one-billion-euro public funding, co-funded programme supported by 37 countries and the European Commission. The Partnership funds innovative SMEs, universities and research organisations to realise their ambitions to bring new products, processes and services to the market through our flagship programmes, Eurostars and Innowwide. The selected candidate will have a key role in the strategic implementation of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs in close cooperation and dialogue with colleagues in the Eureka Secretariat and representatives from Eureka countries.

In addition to your role in the successful implementation of the current European Partnership, you will be a key contributor to three interconnected strategic priorities preparing for the future.

The future of the Innovative SMEs Partnership under FP10

The current European Partnership on Innovative SMEs operates under Horizon Europe. Preparing for a successor under the next Framework Programme (FP10) is one of the organisation’s most important strategic tasks, and you will play a central part in it. As support for a dedicated working group, you will develop evidence-based briefings and position papers and coordinate inputs from across the Eureka network. You will prepare the ground for senior advocacy and, where appropriate, represent the organisation at policy events and other relevant meetings.

You will have a key role developing and delivering material to be submitted to the European Commission on plans for new initiatives, future work programmes, new contracts and activities that meet policy, strategic, operational, budgetary and regulatory needs.

Demonstrating impact on EU policy goals

A credible advocacy position depends on a credible evidence base. You will, supported by colleagues, develop and maintain a rigorous framework for demonstrating the Partnership’s contribution and impact, particularly to EU policy priorities, including SME internationalisation and scale-up, R&D commercialisation, and competitiveness. This requires deep, current knowledge of the EU research and innovation policy landscape, and the ability to translate data and programme outcomes into narratives that resonate.

Building synergies

You will map and contribute to developing strategic relationships with key actors in the European Innovation Ecosystem that share our ambitions and direction of travel. From this, you will help build common positions and explore concrete opportunities for joint actions, shared activities and co-designed programme initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Monitor FP10 policy developments and maintain in-depth knowledge of EU research and innovation policy, providing briefings and analysis to relevant stakeholders.
Develop position papers, consultation responses and impact narratives that support Eureka’s FP10 advocacy objectives and evidence the Partnership’s contribution to EU policy goals, in close cooperation with the Eureka member countries.
Coordinate and support working groups comprised of the Eureka member countries tasked with building a coherent advocacy position, managing meetings, agendas, minutes and action points as required.
Map European programmes and partnerships with shared policy direction and develop proposals for joint activities, shared initiatives and common advocacy positions.
Represent the organisation at policy events, working groups and other relevant meetings as appropriate.

Education and experience

A level of higher education that corresponds to at least a Masters degree in a relevant field (European studies, Political science, Public administration or other).
At least three, but preferably five, years of relevant experience in EU policy, programme development, or strategic advocacy.
A track record of working within or alongside Horizon Europe or Horizon 2020 programmes.
Experience of FP10 preparatory processes or direct engagement with the European Commission, EISMEA, European Partnerships or the KIC ecosystem would be a significant advantage.
Deep knowledge of the EU research and innovation policy landscape, with the ability to follow and interpret policy developments as they happen.
Experience of public policy creation, implementation and review, especially in multi-level settings.
An exceptional communicator and writer (in English) including the ability to draft for senior policy and institutional audiences.
The ability to represent the organisation credibly at high-level external meetings.
Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder relationships in multi-cultural environments and across national and international levels.
Demonstrable understanding of project planning and management cycles.

Qualifications and skills

A positive, flexible and highly motivated team-player, with the ability to work independently, manage deadlines and focus on results.
An ability to produce and present analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data.
Familiarity with a scripting or data analysis language such as R, Python or similar would be a further asset.
An exceptional administrator, well organised and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Fluency in English, written and spoken.
Fully conversant with Office 365, particularly Microsoft Excel.
As a member of a multinational team: sensitivity to cultural differences.

What we offer you

Contract: Full-time position with an open-ended contract.
Compensation: Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience, with the position classified at the internal job level 4 with an annual gross salary starting at 73.678 €.
Benefits: Attractive extra-legal benefits, including flexible working arrangements (home-office allowance), a generous annual leave entitlement, pension, hospital insurance, daily meal vouchers and a public transport season ticket.
Work environment: An international and dynamic team of 35+ employees from 16 countries, working in a modern, centrally located office in Brussels, near the EU quarter (Merode).
Values: Eureka thrives on trust, transparency, passion, creativity, autonomy, collaboration, work-life balance, and diversity.
Start date: as soon as possible.

Application process

To apply, kindly submit your CV and motivation letter by clicking the online APPLY button. By submitting your application, you agree to the verification of your diplomas and references.

Applicants must possess the legal right to work in Belgium, either through citizenship of a European Union or European Economic Area country, or by holding a valid Belgian work permit.

Closing Date: Monday 25 May 2026, 23:59 Brussels time. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Interviews: Interviews will be conducted shortly after the closing. Only candidates shortlisted for interviews will be contacted.

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