Innovation Consultant – European Funding & Strategic Technologies

Job summary (Short promotional text)

We are looking for an experienced and technically minded Medior Innovation Consultant with at least three years of professional experience in European and public funding.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in developing competitive EU funding proposals, particularly within Horizon Europe (Clusters 3 and 4), the European Defence Fund (EDF), the Digital Europe Programme, or similar European funding instruments.

You will work with companies, research institutions, and industrial stakeholders in strategic sectors such as resilience, security, defence, advanced materials, space, and manufacturing.

This is a predominantly proposal-writing position, with approximately 75% of your time dedicated to developing and coordinating European funding applications. We are looking for someone who can work independently, lead technical discussions, and contribute to building strong European partnerships.

You will join our Portuguese team, report directly to the Director of PNO Innovation Portugal, and collaborate with colleagues across our European offices.

Your mission (What are you going to do in text) summarised down below

Your mission will be to help ambitious organisations secure European funding for innovative projects that strengthen Europe's technological capabilities, industrial competitiveness, and resilience.

You will transform complex technical ideas into compelling funding proposals, connect the right partners, and support clients throughout the funding acquisition process.

Beyond writing successful proposals, you will contribute your technical expertise, industry knowledge, and professional network to identify new opportunities and strengthen PNO Innovation's position within the Portuguese and European innovation ecosystems.

Your tasks 1st part (in max 4 bullets)

• Lead the preparation, writing, and coordination of competitive European funding proposals, from initial concept development to final submission.
• Identify and assess funding opportunities under Horizon Europe, EDF, Digital Europe, and other relevant European programmes.
• Work closely with industrial clients, research organisations, and technology developers to understand their innovation objectives and translate technical concepts into strong project proposals.
• Build and coordinate international consortia, identifying suitable partners and establishing effective collaborations.

Your tasks 2nd part (In max 4 bullets)

• Develop proposal strategies, work packages, technical narratives, impact pathways, and implementation plans aligned with programme requirements and evaluation criteria.
• Monitor European policy developments, funding priorities, and emerging opportunities in strategic technologies, industrial resilience, and competitiveness.
• Maintain and develop relationships with relevant companies, research institutions, industry associations, and innovation stakeholders in Portugal and across Europe.
• Contribute to business development by identifying potential clients, supporting project acquisition, and leveraging your professional network to create new opportunities.

Your profile 1st part (in max 4 bullets)

• At least 3 years of professional experience in European funding, innovation consulting, or closely related activities, with demonstrated involvement in competitive funding applications.
• Proven ability to independently develop, write, and coordinate EU funding proposals, ideally including Horizon Europe Clusters 3 and 4, EDF, or Digital Europe.
• A technical or engineering academic background, combined with relevant professional experience in industry or consulting, enabling you to understand complex technologies and engage confidently with technical stakeholders.
• Strong technical understanding of one or more relevant sectors, such as industrial innovation, manufacturing, defence, security, resilience, space, advanced materials, or emerging technologies.

Your Profile 2nd part (In max 4 bullets)

• Good knowledge of European funding mechanisms, innovation policies, and strategic priorities, including technological sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, and supply-chain resilience.
• Experience in consortium building, stakeholder coordination, and leading technical discussions with industrial or research partners.
• An established professional network within the Portuguese innovation ecosystem, particularly among industrial companies, research institutions, or technology organisations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Portuguese and English, and residency in Portugal, with the ability to work independently in a remote-first environment.

Why us? (What do we offer) 1st part (in max 4 bullets)

• Meaningful impact: Work on ambitious European projects addressing technological sovereignty, security, industrial resilience, and emerging technologies.
• International collaboration: Join a European consultancy group and work alongside experienced colleagues and partners across multiple countries.
• Professional autonomy: Take ownership of complex funding proposals and contribute directly to strategic innovation projects.
• Diverse projects: Collaborate with leading industrial companies, research institutions, and technology innovators across different sectors.

Why us? (What do we offer) 2nd part (in max 4 bullets)

• Career development: Expand your expertise in European funding, innovation consulting, and strategic industrial technologies.
• Remote-first flexibility: Work from anywhere in Portugal, with approximately 1–2 in-person meetings per month at our Porto office.
• Competitive compensation: Annual gross salary between €32,000 and €38,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Growing team: Join an expanding Portuguese operation where your expertise, ideas, and professional relationships can make a tangible difference.