Innovation Consultant – Platforms & EU Projects

Innovation Consultant – Platforms & EU Projects

Are you passionate about innovation ecosystems, multi-stakeholder platforms, and EU project management? Are you seeking a new challenge where your expertise in EU platforms and strategic innovation management will be truly valued and make an impact?

At Zabala Innovation, we are seeking an experienced Innovation Consultant to support and lead activities related to European Technology and Innovation Platforms (ETIPs), multi-stakeholder innovation ecosystems, and EU-funded R&I projects.

If you have a strong background in managing and facilitating European technology and innovation platforms, associations, and international partnerships – and thrive in dynamic, collaborative environments – we would love to meet you!

What’s it like to work with us?

Our values—trust, cooperation, innovation, integrity, commitment, freedom, and responsibility—guide everything we do. At Zabala Innovation, we believe in helping transform Europe through impactful innovation.

With almost 600 professionals across 13 offices (and more than 60 PhDs in our team!), we work with companies, research centers, and public institutions, helping them lead and succeed in their innovation journeys.

Join our Brussels office in the heart of the EU quarter and contribute to projects that shape Europe’s research and innovation.

What would you do as an Innovation Consultant – Platforms & EU projects?

• Facilitate and coordinate EU and international innovation platforms such as ETIPs, PPPs, and clusters, ensuring active stakeholder engagement and strategic alignment with EU priorities and lead the development of strategic roadmaps, in collaboration with platform members.

• Support the coordination and implementation of EU funded projects and EU contracts and contribute to other potential roles according to your specific expertise.

• Act as liaison among industrial stakeholders, research centers and policy-makers (such as the European Commission, IEA, EU Members States and other key players in the innovation ecosystem).

• Represent Zabala Innovation at high-level EU or international events, workshops, and project meetings.

• Support proposal development for Horizon Europe, including Coordination and Support Actions (CSAs), as well as projects under LIFE, CEF, ERASMUS+ and other EU programs.

• Provide strategic advice to clients on how to position themselves within EU R&I platforms and innovation initiatives.

What we’re looking for:

• Relevant experience in R&I project management, with a strong focus on platform coordination and association management at EU and/or international level (ETIPs, ETPs, PPPs, or similar multi-stakeholder forums).
• Proven track record in managing (as coordinator and as partner) EU funded projects and EU contract (especially Horizon Europe CSAs and RIAs) including GA/CA preparation, reporting and amendments.Experience in proposal writing is an asset.
• Deep understanding of EU policies and innovation ecosystems, especially in sectors like energy, digitalization, climate action and skills.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement, consensus-building, and facilitating strategic dialogue.
• String experience in organizing events and workshops is a strong asset and requested for EU projects’ management
• Fluent in English; other EU languages (e.g., French, Spanish, German, Dutch) are a plus.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, with a strategic and structured mindset.
• Based in Brussels or willing to relocate.

Bonus Points:

• Master's or PhD in fields related to innovation management, EU studies, engineering, or science and technology.
• Experience with EU policy advocacy, public-private partnerships, or European Commission working groups.
• Familiarity with Belgian or regional R&I funding schemes.

What we offer:

• A permanent Belgian contract with a competitive salary, bonus, lunch vouchers, health insurance, and more.
• A hybrid work model: flexibility to work remotely part of the week.
• A vibrant and growing Brussels office with 25+ international colleagues.
• Continuous training and development opportunities, tailored to help you grow.
• The chance to bring a real impact in European R&I world.

Interested?

Send your CV and a short cover letter detailing your experience with EU platforms and project management to hello@zabala.eu, using the subject: Innovation Consultant – Platforms & EU projects + Your Name.

We can’t wait to meet you! 🚀